With IPI Singapore’s expert support, Chaglo successfully diversified from an ingredient distributor to a health and wellness brand as it brings its first drinkable skin supplement to market.
- The Client
Local ingredient distributor, Chaglo, looks to expand towards health and wellness products. - Objective
To develop and launch Chaglo's first drinkable skin supplement for skin health and anti-ageing, marking its entry into the health and wellness sector with regulatory-ready products for local and overseas markets. - What IPI Singapore Did
IPI Singapore engaged with Chaglo to assess its product development stage, internal capabilities, and regulatory gaps. Recognising the need for specialised compliance support, IPI Singapore identified and facilitated a partnership with Tech Expert Chitra Radhakrishnan, whose expertise in regional food regulation enabled Chaglo to move forward with clarity and compliance. - Impact
A new product was developed within the necessary standards, which set Chaglo on a path to further explore the health and wellness space.
A hot cup of tea often emanates a sense of comfort and warmth to the drinker. But for Chaglo, it also sparked a bold, new direction. From distributing loose tea leaves and powders to food manufacturers, retailers and food-service businesses across Singapore, Chaglo saw an opportunity brewing in an entirely new space: health and wellness.
Recognising the growing demand for functional foods and supplements, Chaglo set out to develop its own premium line of drinkable skin supplements for skin health and anti-ageing. Like any foray into new territory, the plan came with its challenges. Despite their experience with traditional food products, health supplements are governed by stricter and more specific regulatory frameworks. For Chaglo, the leap from concept to commercialisation required expert guidance.
“It was our first foray into the supplements market, so we had to ensure that everything was done right, done safely and in compliance with local regulations,” said the founder of Chaglo. “This is why it was important to work closely with partners in the industry.”
Chaglo engaged IPI Singapore’s business and technology advisory services to explore support in launching its first health and wellness product. While the company had already partnered with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in Korea to develop an initial formulation, two hurdles remained. First, they needed to ensure that the product’s claims were scientifically sound. Second, the team had to navigate the regulatory landscape, both in Singapore and in potential overseas markets like the United States.
To address these challenges, IPI Singapore conducted a diagnostic engagement to understand Chaglo's formulation readiness, identify compliance gaps, and map out regulatory priorities. Recognising that credible market entry across jurisdictions was key to success, the team tapped its expert network to connect Chaglo with a trusted regulatory specialist who could guide the company through labelling, claims and compliance strategies.
Chitra Radhakrishnan, a Tech Expert with IPI Singapore and founder of ComplyAsia, a consultancy specialising in food regulatory compliance, was well-positioned to support Chaglo’s needs. With a background in food science and management, along with regulatory experience at global MNCs like Danone and General Mills, she brought valuable insights to the table. In particular, her consultancy offers detailed ingredient reviews, labelling compliance support and regulatory guidance across Asian markets, making her an ideal partner to help Chaglo understand and navigate complex local and international requirements.
“Working with Chitra was easy,” said the founder of Chaglo “She was very experienced and knew what was required by the regulators so that our product would be compliant. She also made sure that her advice was accurate by checking with her contact in Singapore Food Agency.”
After securing a formulation from its OEM partner, the team decided to embark on a consultancy project with ComplyAsia. The collaboration focused on ensuring the drinkable skin supplement met Health Sciences Authority (HSA) requirements in Singapore, including obtaining a Voluntary Notification of Health Supplements (VNHS) number, conducting a compliance review for two initial products and exploring US FDA labelling standards for future market expansion.
“It is helpful for companies to think about entering a few markets at the same time,” explained Radhakrishnan. “This way, compliance with these markets can be addressed simultaneously, in particular packaging and labels. SMEs should view regulatory compliance as an investment and certainly as insurance against issues related to recalls and withdrawals.”
For Chaglo, the partnership provided more than just regulatory guidance; it also brought confidence and clarity to the company’s first venture into product ownership.
“The regulatory landscape for nutraceutical products like drinkable skin supplements can be complex and daunting, especially for SMEs like Chaglo, which can slow down or even stymie commercialisation efforts,” said Leonard Chong, Manager, Innovation and Technology, IPI Singapore. “Having an expert to clarify these requirements lowers the barrier to innovation and eases the burden on companies as they transition from distributor to product owner. Chaglo’s proactive approach has positioned them well to scale confidently, with a clearer regulatory pathway to support their long-term growth.”
While this marks Chaglo’s first step into health and wellness, it is unlikely to be its last. The experience of working with regulatory experts has provided the company with a roadmap for future innovation and expansion into new product categories. The team plans to continue their research and development efforts into anti-ageing solutions for other parts of the body, like the brain, mitochondria, heart and liver.
Chaglo’s partnership with IPI Singapore and ComplyAsia demonstrates how companies can break into new industries with the right guidance and partnerships. Through IPI Singapore’s facilitation, the company has taken the leap and transitioned from distributor to product owner as it makes its mark in the growing health and wellness sector. Your next big breakthrough doesn’t have to be left to chance; make it happen with IPI Singapore. Get in touch today and let us connect you to the expertise and partnerships that will drive your business forward.
This strategic move marked Chaglo’s transition from a distributor to a brand owner, requiring a significant shift in business operations and mindset. However, venturing into the health supplement market presented a host of new challenges.
Unlike traditional food products, health supplements are subject to more stringent and complex regulatory frameworks in Singapore, as well as potential overseas markets such as the United States. The company needed to validate the scientific credibility of its product claims and navigate a regulatory landscape that was unfamiliar and potentially risky for a first-time entrant.
Despite having experience in food distribution and an initial formulation developed with an OEM partner in Korea, Chaglo identified two major hurdles: ensuring the product’s claims were scientifically sound and achieving regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The risk of non-compliance could delay or even derail commercialisation efforts, making expert guidance essential for a confident and successful market entry.
IPI Singapore engaged with Chaglo to assess its product development stage, internal capabilities, and regulatory gaps. Through a diagnostic engagement, IPI identified formulation readiness, compliance gaps and mapped out regulatory priorities.
Recognising the need for specialised compliance support, IPI Singapore facilitated a partnership with Tech Expert Chitra Radhakrishnan, founder of ComplyAsia, a consultancy specialising in food regulatory compliance. Drawing on her background in food science and regulatory experience with global MNCs, Chitra provided detailed ingredient reviews, labelling compliance support, and regulatory guidance tailored to both local and international requirements.
Working closely with Chaglo, she reviewed the product formulation and marketing claims to ensure they were scientifically substantiated and aligned with regulatory requirements. She guided the team through Health Sciences Authority regulations, supported the application for a Voluntary Notification of Health Supplements number, and conducted compliance reviews for two initial products. The engagement also covered US FDA labelling standards, providing clarity on overseas regulatory considerations.
While this marks Chaglo’s first step into health and wellness, it is unlikely to be its last. The experience of working with regulatory experts has provided the company with a clearer roadmap for future innovation and expansion into new product categories. The team plans to continue research and development efforts into anti-ageing solutions for other parts of the body, including the brain, mitochondria, heart and liver.
Chaglo’s partnership with IPI Singapore and ComplyAsia demonstrates how companies can enter new industries with the right guidance and expertise. Through IPI Singapore’s facilitation, the company has transitioned from distributor to product owner as it makes its mark in the growing health and wellness sector.
"IPI Singapore's support was instrumental in helping us find the right expertise and navigate the complex regulatory landscape with confidence. Their guidance gave us clarity and assurance as we stepped into the health and wellness space for the first time. In addition, working with Chitra was easy. She was highly experienced and knew what the regulators required for our product to be compliant. She also made sure that her advice was accurate by checking with her contact in the Singapore Food Agency."
"It is helpful for companies to think about entering a few markets at the same time. This way, compliance with these markets can be addressed simultaneously, in particular, packaging and labels. SMEs should view regulatory compliance as an investment and certainly as insurance against issues related to recalls and withdrawals."
"The regulatory landscape for nutraceutical products like drinkable skin supplements can be complex and daunting, especially for SMEs like Chaglo, which can slow down or even stymie commercialisation efforts. Having an expert to clarify these requirements lowers the barrier to innovation and eases the burden on companies as they transition from distributor to product owner. Chaglo’s proactive approach has positioned them well to scale confidently, with a clearer regulatory pathway to support their long-term growth."
Chaglo, a well-established local ingredient distributor, sought to diversify its business by entering the burgeoning health and wellness sector. Recognising the increasing demand for functional foods and supplements, the company aimed to develop and launch its first drinkable skin supplement targeting skin health and anti-ageing.