Jointly explore innovative medical insurance services to provide customers with diverse and high-quality healthcare options
HONG KONG, Aug. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AXA China Region Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited ("AXA") formally signed an official cooperation agreement with Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone Administration ("Lecheng Administration"). The partnership aims jointly explore more innovative medical insurance models and leverage the top-tier medical resources of Hainan Boao Lecheng to provide customers with more high-quality cross-border medical options.
The Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone ("the Pilot Zone") was approved by the State Council[1] in 2013 as the only medical special zone in China, enjoying preferential policies covering licensed medical services, operations, research, and international exchanges. Since approval, the Pilot Zone has attracted leading medical institutions and specialist teams, introducing advanced international treatment protocols, innovative pharmaceuticals, and medical devices into China for trial use – including therapies for rare diseases and cutting-edge cancer treatments. Meanwhile, AXA has partnered with China Biotech Services Holdings Limited to explore Boron Neutron Capture Therapy ("BNCT"), a pioneering initiative now being established within the Pilot Zone.
Janet Lee, Chief Life and Health Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said, "We are honoured to have signed a cooperation agreement with the Lecheng Administration. As a pioneer in China's medical opening-up, Hainan Boao Lecheng benefits from unique policy advantages and strong support from global healthcare resources. This collaboration will enable AXA to explore innovative healthcare solutions and integrate them into our insurance offerings, providing customers with broader access to advanced treatment options. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Lecheng and other stakeholders to develop innovative medical models, enabling more customers to benefit from Lecheng's licensed medicines, medical devices, and cutting-edge technologies."
About AXA Hong Kong and Macau
AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 50 markets and serving 95 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.
As one of the most diversified insurers in Hong Kong, we offer integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance. We are the largest General Insurance provider and a major Health and Employee Benefits provider. Our aim is to not only be the insurer to provide comprehensive protection to our customers, but also a holistic partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve. At the core of our service commitment is continuous product & service innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers' needs and leveraging and investing in technology and digital transformation.
We embrace our responsibility to be a driving force against climate change and a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first to address the importance of mental health through different products and services and thought leading iconic research. Our overall Sustainability Strategy, with emphasis on climate strategy and biodiversity commitment, is developed based on TCFD recommendations. We are committed to integrating environmental, social and governance factors across our business and strive to contribute to a sustainable future through 3 distinct roles - as an investor, an insurer and an exemplary company.
THIS PRESS RELEASE IS AVAILABLE ON AXA'S WEBSITE: AXA.COM.HK
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Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause AXA's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 - "Risk factors and risk management" of AXA's Universal Registration Document for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA's business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as part of applicable regulatory or legal obligations.
[1] Hainan's Free Trade Port: Medical Tourism and the Development of Boao Lecheng Pilot Zone
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
AXA Signs Cooperation Agreement with Hainan Boao Lecheng Administration
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SINGAPORE, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has released its 2026 Supplements Taste Charts for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, highlighting the region's evolving taste preferences and the rise of flavour‑forward, lifestyle‑led supplements and sports nutrition.
Across Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), supplements are increasingly viewed as part of daily wellbeing rather than an occasional health support. Consumers are focused on benefits such as sleep, immunity, digestion, stress management, energy and emotional balance, with taste and texture now strongly influencing continued purchase and long term use.
The global supplements market is projected to reach US$107 billion by 2029 with APMEA continuing to show strong momentum. China, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East are driving adoption, supported by rising health awareness, busier lifestyles and growing interest in personalised nutrition.
Flavour‑Forward Trends Redefining Supplements
Consumers are moving away from traditional pills toward more flavour-forward formats such as gummies, chews, drink mixes, dissolving strips and powder blends. Here, flavour plays a critical role in masking functional bitterness, reinforcing emotional cues and signalling naturality or efficacy. Three major flavour movements stand out across Asia Pacific and the Middle East:
Simplicity Amplified
Consumers are gravitating toward transparency and ingredient authenticity. Flavours inspired by whole foods, botanicals, fermented notes, and lightly‑sweet or sour profiles signal purity and nutrient‑dense simplicity. Popular flavours include citrus, yuzu, ginger, turmeric, matcha, elderflower, cultured dairy, and yogurt. These pair naturally with today's lifestyle-friendly formats where the flavours enhance a product's perceived health benefits.
Category Crashers
As mealtimes blur and routines shift, consumers aren't sticking to traditional food, beverage, or supplement boundaries. Category Crashers spotlights the emergence of hybrid products that break the mould: savoury energy bars, confectionery-inspired supplement formats, coffee‑infused condiments and more. These hybrids are about creative formats and unexpected pairings that reflect how people eat today.
Maximalist Flavour
Maximalism takes centre stage in 2026, spurred by younger consumers who want bold, layered flavours that deliver high sensory impact. Dessert‑style profiles, sour intensities, spicy‑accented formats, and flavour stacks such as tiramisu passionfruit or brownie chocolate create memorable, intense taste experiences. This trend reinforces supplements as lifestyle treats rather than functional obligations.
Within these trends, sports nutrition continues to broaden beyond athletes to active consumers who expect flavour to match function. Simplicity Amplified is seen in refreshing citrus hydration blends, botanically‑infused recovery options, and natural dairy flavours in high‑protein systems; Category Crashers bring café‑style profiles, soda‑inspired electrolytes and fruity energy shots; and Maximalist Flavour is evident in extreme sour or spicy pre‑workouts, and multi‑layered profiles in protein shakes.
"Consumers across APMEA are demanding more from their proactive health products, not only clinically supported benefits, but also flavours that excite," said Olivier De Salmiech, Vice President, Health & Therapies, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. "When products taste great, has science-backed benefits, and integrate naturally into everyday life, they become wellness rituals consumers look forward to."
SINGAPORE, Jan. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has released its 2026 Supplements Taste Charts for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, highlighting the region's evolving taste preferences and the rise of flavour‑forward, lifestyle‑led supplements and sports nutrition.
Across Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), supplements are increasingly viewed as part of daily wellbeing rather than an occasional health support. Consumers are focused on benefits such as sleep, immunity, digestion, stress management, energy and emotional balance, with taste and texture now strongly influencing continued purchase and long term use.
The global supplements market is projected to reach US$107 billion by 2029 with APMEA continuing to show strong momentum. China, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East are driving adoption, supported by rising health awareness, busier lifestyles and growing interest in personalised nutrition.
Flavour‑Forward Trends Redefining Supplements
Consumers are moving away from traditional pills toward more flavour-forward formats such as gummies, chews, drink mixes, dissolving strips and powder blends. Here, flavour plays a critical role in masking functional bitterness, reinforcing emotional cues and signalling naturality or efficacy. Three major flavour movements stand out across Asia Pacific and the Middle East:
Simplicity Amplified
Consumers are gravitating toward transparency and ingredient authenticity. Flavours inspired by whole foods, botanicals, fermented notes, and lightly‑sweet or sour profiles signal purity and nutrient‑dense simplicity. Popular flavours include citrus, yuzu, ginger, turmeric, matcha, elderflower, cultured dairy, and yogurt. These pair naturally with today's lifestyle-friendly formats where the flavours enhance a product's perceived health benefits.
Category Crashers
As mealtimes blur and routines shift, consumers aren't sticking to traditional food, beverage, or supplement boundaries. Category Crashers spotlights the emergence of hybrid products that break the mould: savoury energy bars, confectionery-inspired supplement formats, coffee‑infused condiments and more. These hybrids are about creative formats and unexpected pairings that reflect how people eat today.
Maximalist Flavour
Maximalism takes centre stage in 2026, spurred by younger consumers who want bold, layered flavours that deliver high sensory impact. Dessert‑style profiles, sour intensities, spicy‑accented formats, and flavour stacks such as tiramisu passionfruit or brownie chocolate create memorable, intense taste experiences. This trend reinforces supplements as lifestyle treats rather than functional obligations.
Within these trends, sports nutrition continues to broaden beyond athletes to active consumers who expect flavour to match function. Simplicity Amplified is seen in refreshing citrus hydration blends, botanically‑infused recovery options, and natural dairy flavours in high‑protein systems; Category Crashers bring café‑style profiles, soda‑inspired electrolytes and fruity energy shots; and Maximalist Flavour is evident in extreme sour or spicy pre‑workouts, and multi‑layered profiles in protein shakes.
"Consumers across APMEA are demanding more from their proactive health products, not only clinically supported benefits, but also flavours that excite," said Olivier De Salmiech, Vice President, Health & Therapies, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. "When products taste great, has science-backed benefits, and integrate naturally into everyday life, they become wellness rituals consumers look forward to."
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Kerry Launches 2026 Supplements Taste Charts: Defining the Next Era of Flavour in Supplements and Sports Nutrition
