Supplement industry news and updates – September 2023

Deep dive into kratom use—and controversy—article

Find out why supplement companies selling kratom may want to tread with care as wrongful-death lawsuits grab headlines while regulation and safety questions crescendo as years of controversy come to a head. Learn what makes kratom so popular, and contentious, in this first installment of the series here.

SPINS and GNC partner, announce exclusive multiyear partnership—breaking news

SPINS, a leading provider of wellness-focused data and analytics for the CPG industry, and GNC, leading global health and wellness brand, have entered an exclusive partnership. “We’re excited to partner with GNC to shape the future of the VMS industry and improve the well-being of people around the world,” states Andrew Henkel, EVP of Retail at SPINS. Read more here.

NPA asks FDA for more focus on fungi—article

Fruiting body? Mycelium? Both? The Natural Products Association filed a citizen petition asking for greater clarity on the labeling of fungal dietary supplements. Learn why NPA CEO Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., says now is the time to address the issue to protect domestic farmers, consumers—and the credibility of the industry. Read more here.

Brain health forecast: sales grow between aspiration and desperation—article

Nutrition Business Journal analysts believe a concern for cognitive health across generations is driving category growth, which reached 7.2% in 2022, according to newly released data. Find out how 18-to-34-year-old-consumers were nearly as likely to purchase brain health products as the 55-to-75-year-old Prevagen crowd here.

Investment firm to acquire Thorne for $680m cash—article

Private equity firm L. Catterton, based in Greenwich, Conn., will acquire Thorne HealthTech Inc.’s outstanding shares in a deal slated for completion in Q4 2023. The firm’s $30 billion investments include positions in biotech firm Tally Health and X2 Performance. Learn why industry experts feel the move is a good sign in a very tough market here.

Research backs power of on-pack claim—article

New consumer research by Radicle Science and the University of California San Diego found that study participants were more likely to purchase—and pay far more for—supplements with labels that contained the phrase “clinically proven.” Discover exactly how much power this phrase holds for shoppers here.