HONG KONG HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS

Vast potential exists for U.S. health supplement manufacturers to secure private label manufacturing contracts as Hong Kong healthcare companies and retailers shift their focus to developing their own generic health supplement brands.  A good example of this trend is Los Angeles based, ChromaDex, who has an exclusive manufacturing contract with Watsons, one of Hong Kong’s leading drugstore retailers, for the company’s flagship product TruNiagen.

Hong Kong consumers highly value ‘Made in the USA’ nutritional supplements and view this designation as a gold seal of quality assurance.  In this regard, Hong Kong consumers also see significant value in GMP and CGMP certifications from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).   American manufacturers also benefit from cross-border ecommerce purchases from mainland China and the fact that the Hong Kong Government does not regulate nutritional supplements sold in the territory.  As a result, U.S. firms can freely market and sell their products in Hong Kong, and by extension greater China via ecommerce, without the need for lengthy and expensive government approvals.

This trend is bolstered by Hong Kong’s unique position in China.  It is one of Asia’s most prosperous cities with a rapidly ageing demographic.  Indeed, the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department predicts that the number of people aged 65 and above will increase from 1.5 million in 2022 to 2.3 million by 2032.  As a result, the sales of nutritional supplements have soared in recent years with many Hong Kongers consuming products such as protein powders, dietary fibers, and products promoting joint and bone health to maintain healthy lifestyles.  One established U.S. health supplement manufacturer recently reported to CS Hong Kong that their sales to Hong Kong retailers have doubled each year over the past five years.

With the pandemic now waning, and the Hong Kong government poised to drop Covid-19 quarantine requirements, we urge U.S. health supplement contract manufacturers

For more information, please contact:

U.S. Commercial Service, Hong Kong

Email: Office.Hongkong@trade.gov