There happens to be a renewed interest within the electrolyte beverages throughout China. Presently, Genki Forest’s Alienergy, which is a local brand, happens to be the market leader in the category. It is well to be noted that other well-known brands happen to be Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat, and the company went on to state that the product was indeed a major element in driving robust growth in nutraceutical business in FY2023, while at the same time, Danone has also added an electrolyte drink SKU under the Mizone brand. Electrolytes beverages happen to be usually consumed as sports drink so as to replenish the loss pertaining to electrolytes post-exercise.
But in China, it is not only seen as a sports drink but also happens to be consumed post recovering from diarrhea as well as fever in order to replenish electrolyte loss as recommended by the government in the COVID-19 advisory on health. It is well to be noted that in its industry standards drafted, CNFIA went on to say that when disintegrated, electrolytes would go ahead and produce minerals that are required in terms of normal physiological functions within humans, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, zinc, and selenium.
In the same vein, an electrolyte beverage happens to be a drink that has electrolytes in it that are required by the human body so as to replenish the loss of electrolytes and happens to be consumed in terms of hydration purposes. As per its announcement, electrolyte beverages could very well be divided into five categories, such as carbonated and non-carbonated versions, as well as solid drinks, which means drinks that happen to be made up by way of dissolving powder sachets.
The main ingredients within it go on to include sugar, such as starch sugar, food nutrient additives, sugar alcohol, as well as sweetener.
Present Standards
As far as existing standards In China, there is at present only a national or guobiao- GB standard that simply goes on to state the different kinds of electrolyte beverages under the General Standard for Beverage. By way of setting a specific industry standard in terms of electrolyte beverages, the CNFIA went on to state that this could then set the path in terms of innovation as well as improve the safety as well as quality of these products.
This could go on to better regulate the industry’s development as well as fulfill consumer demands. The association went ahead and said that it has started the preparation for setting the industry standards as early as June 2022; however, the process has been delayed because of COVID-19. The initiative took place in response to the industry request and also to keep up with the development of the category, said the CNFIA, also adding to the fact that beverage manufacturer Fujian Kangzhiwei Food Industry happened to be leading the initiative. The CNFIA also went on to note that, at present, there happens to be no national standard set for electrolyte beverage products abroad, except with regards to the case of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). It also stated that an electrolyte drink happens to be a drink that’s formulated for the quick replacement of fluid, carbohydrate, as well as electrolytes during or post 60 minutes or more of sustained strenuous physical activity’. Within the non-alcoholic beverages as well as brewed soft drinks categories, it also went on to specify the composition along with certain labeling provisions for such beverages that include electrolyte drinks.
