Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The hyaluronic acid food market is a burgeoning sector within functional foods, driven by the aging population and increasing health consciousness among consumers [4][6] - The market for food-grade hyaluronic acid products in China is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating an increase from 2.23 billion to 3.46 billion from 2024 to 2028 [7][8] - The approval of hyaluronic acid sodium as a new food ingredient marks a significant milestone, allowing its incorporation into regular food products [6] Market Background - Hyaluronic acid is a natural component found in the human body, and its application in food products is a new frontier in health foods [4] - The market has evolved from initial safety approvals in Japan to significant domestic production capabilities in China, particularly through microbial fermentation technology [6] Market Status - The market size for hyaluronic acid foods in China grew from 680 million to 1.88 billion from 2019 to 2023, with a projected growth to 2.23 billion by 2024 [7] - The number of approved health food products containing hyaluronic acid increased from 14 to 57 between 2019 and 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42.05% [8] - The supply side has seen improvements in production efficiency and cost reduction, allowing more companies to enter the market [9] Market Competition - The competitive landscape is fragmented, with leading companies like Tongrentang and Xianle Health in the first and second tiers, respectively [15] - The evaluation of companies in this sector is based on R&D capabilities, market penetration, and the breadth of health food offerings [12][13][14] - The top ten recommended brands include Huaxi Biological, Tongrentang, and Xianle Health, each with unique strengths in R&D and market presence [16][17][19] Development Trends - The integration of the supply chain is a key trend, with upstream companies focusing on innovation to improve production processes [27] - Consumer demand is becoming increasingly segmented, with products tailored for different demographics, such as young consumers and the elderly [28] - Cross-industry collaborations and brand partnerships are emerging as a strategy to enhance market reach and product offerings [29][30]

Core Points - The FBIF Food Innovation Exhibition (FBIF Super Selection Conference) will take place from May 8-10, 2025, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, featuring over 600 exhibitors and attracting more than 47,000 attendees [1][52]. - The exhibition will showcase over 2,000 innovative products and host the FBIF 2025 Food and Beverage Innovation Forum with more than 200 speakers and judges [1][52]. Exhibition Details - The exhibition will be held in halls 4.2, 5.2, and 6.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center, located at 333 Songze Avenue, Qingpu District, Shanghai [4][44]. - The exhibition hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on May 8-9 and from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on May 10 [3]. Exhibitor Activities - Various exhibitors will host activities, including product tastings, brand membership promotions, and interactive games [5][12][18]. - Notable exhibitors include Innova Market Insights, which will present global food and beverage trends and insights into functional beverage innovations [8][10]. Audience Engagement - The exhibition will offer free admission tickets for consumers on May 10, while professional attendees can register for a three-day ticket [45][48]. - Attendees can participate in various interactive activities and receive promotional gifts by engaging with exhibitors [16][30][32]. Industry Focus - The exhibition aims to provide a professional platform for food companies to showcase innovations and foster industry development, covering sectors such as dairy, beverages, snacks, and functional foods [51][52].

Investment Rating - The industry rating is "Outperform the Market" with expectations for the overall industry performance to surpass the market in the next six months [17]. Core Insights - The "Weight Management Year" initiative aims to promote healthy eating habits and increase awareness of weight management among the population, with a focus on functional foods [1]. - Functional foods related to weight management include meal replacements, general functional foods, and health supplements, utilizing ingredients like nutrients, plant extracts, and compounds such as L-carnitine [2]. - The report highlights the role of probiotics in weight management by improving gut health and metabolism, recommending companies like Keta Bio [3]. - Oats and dairy products are emphasized as advantageous meal replacements due to their nutritional benefits and health claims [4]. - The concept of "food and medicine homology" is explored, with traditional Chinese medicine ingredients being integrated into food products to meet health and dietary needs [5]. - The report suggests that the promotion of healthy eating concepts will directly benefit functional food sectors, with a particular emphasis on the role of traditional Chinese medicine in dietary adjustments [5]. Summary by Sections - **Functional Foods**: The report identifies meal replacements, functional foods, and health supplements as key categories, with specific ingredients highlighted for their benefits in weight management [2]. - **Probiotics**: Probiotics are noted for their positive impact on gut health and fat metabolism, with specific strains recommended for their effectiveness [3]. - **Meal Replacements**: Oats and dairy products are recognized for their health benefits and suitability as meal replacements, with specific companies recommended for investment [4]. - **Traditional Chinese Medicine**: The integration of traditional Chinese medicine into food products is discussed, highlighting its dual value in nutrition and health [5]. - **Investment Recommendations**: The report recommends focusing on companies in the health food sector, including Keta Bio, Yili, New Dairy, and traditional medicine companies like Tongrentang [8].