Probiotics are live bacteria, yeasts, or microorganisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, provide health benefits. There are always two types of bacteria in our body- good bacteria and bad bacteria. Probiotics are good bacteria that help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut when it is disrupted. Probiotics are live bacteria, yeasts, or microorganisms that provide health advantages when consumed in sufficient quantities. In our bodies, there are two types of bacteria: good bacteria and bad bacteria. When the natural balance of bacteria in the gut is upset, probiotics help restore it. Companies increasingly have their own R&D centres to suit industry needs and remain competitive in the market. Significant R&D efforts are envisaged in the future to increase the quality of probiotics products. The use of proper levels of probiotics has favorable benefits on the body, including improved gut health and lower intestinal inflammation. These amazing effects position it as a key role in preventive healthcare, successfully preventing illness onset by boosting the immune system. As a result, rising awareness about the value of preventive healthcare is expected to drive market expansion over the forecast period. Integrating probiotics into food products is a delightful health and marketing innovation for attracting customers. However, establishing probiotics-integrated functional meals is difficult due to their complex and costly development techniques. Furthermore, the introduction of a new food product onto the market necessitates compliance with the country's severe food safety regulatory system, which is a time-consuming and costly exercise. The success of a fortified food product is also determined by technological conditions and market demand. Probiotic strains are also sensitive to variations in pH and temperature. As a result, keeping these probiotic microbes alive is difficult.
According to the research report," Global Probiotic Market Outlook, 2028" published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to across USD 105.27 Billion market size by 2028, increasing from USD 64.52 Billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow with 8.69% CAGR by 2023-28. The global population is aging, leading to an increased focus on healthy aging and age-related health concerns. Probiotics are being explored for their potential role in supporting healthy aging by promoting digestive health, improving nutrient absorption, and supporting immune function. The aging population's demand for proactive and natural solutions to maintain their health and well-being contributes to the growth of the probiotics market. Consumers are increasingly seeking natural and organic products due to concerns about synthetic ingredients, chemicals, and their potential health effects. Probiotics, derived from natural sources such as fermented foods and beneficial bacteria, align with this consumer preference for natural and organic options. The demand for probiotics is driven by consumers' desire for clean-label products that are perceived as healthier and more sustainable. With the growing popularity of plant-based diets and the increasing number of individuals adopting vegan lifestyles, there is a demand for probiotics derived from non-animal sources. Vegan and plant-based probiotics, often sourced from fermented plant-based ingredients, cater to the preferences and dietary restrictions of vegan consumers. The rise in vegan and plant-based diets contributes to the growth of the probiotics market. For instance, some well-known brands known for their probiotic products include Culturelle, Align, Garden of Life, MegaFood and many more.
In 2022, Asia Pacific will dominate the market, with nearly half of the market share. Asia Pacific countries have a long history of consuming fermented foods, which naturally contain probiotics. Foods like kimchi in Korea, miso in Japan, kefir in Central Asia, and various forms of pickled vegetables across the region are consumed regularly as part of the traditional diet. This cultural practise contributes to the natural intake of probiotics in the Asian diet. Economic growth in many countries across the Asia Pacific region has led to an increase in disposable income among consumers. With higher purchasing power, people are more willing to spend on premium and healthier products, including probiotics. This has contributed to the market growth of probiotic products in the region. China has one of the largest probiotic markets in the world. China has the world's largest population, which provides a vast consumer base for various industries, including the probiotics market. The sheer size of the population translates into a significant market demand for probiotic products. China has a long history of using probiotics in the form of fermented foods. Traditional Chinese cuisine includes a variety of fermented foods like pickled vegetables, soybean products (such as tofu and tempeh), and fermented beverages like vinegar and rice wine. These foods naturally contain beneficial bacteria and have been consumed for their health benefits for centuries. In addition, Yogurt is deeply ingrained in Indian culture and cuisine. India is one of the largest consumers of yogurt in the world. Homemade yogurt, known as curd, is a staple in Indian households, and it is consumed as a standalone snack, used in cooking, or mixed with various ingredients to make refreshing beverages like buttermilk and lassi.
North America offers a wide array of probiotic products, catering to various consumer preferences and needs. These include probiotic supplements, probiotic-enriched foods and beverages (such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut), and even probiotic-infused personal care products like skincare and oral health products. Probiotics are primarily associated with supporting digestive health in North America. Many consumers in the region seek probiotics to alleviate digestive issues, promote regular bowel movements, and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotic products that focus on gut health are particularly popular. South American countries have a rich history of consuming fermented foods, which naturally contain probiotics. For example, traditional foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are widely consumed in countries like Brazil and Argentina. These foods have been a part of the regional culinary culture for centuries. South America is a popular destination for international travelers. Probiotics designed specifically for travelers are gaining popularity, as they are believed to help maintain digestive health and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues often associated with travel, such as traveler's diarrhea. These travel-friendly probiotic supplements are widely available in the region.
Based on product type, the global market is classified into three categories: probiotic foods and beverages, probiotic dietary supplements, and animal feed. The probiotic foods and beverages sector had the biggest market share in 2022. Probiotic foods and beverages offer a range of health benefits. They are known to improve digestive health, support the immune system, enhance nutrient absorption, and promote overall well-being. Probiotics have also been linked to potential benefits for mental health, skin health, and weight management. Probiotic-rich beverages have expanded beyond traditional yogurt-based drinks. Now, probiotics can be found in a variety of functional beverages, including kombucha, fermented teas, probiotic shots, and even flavored water. This diversification allows consumers to choose probiotic options that suit their preferences and lifestyles. In addition, the animal feed segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Probiotic animal feed is designed to promote a healthy gut microbiota in animals. It contains beneficial bacteria strains that can colonize the animal's digestive system and help maintain a balanced microbial population. This, in turn, improves digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall guts health in animals. Probiotics in animal feed have shown promise for reducing stress levels in animals. Stressors like transportation, weaning, and environmental changes can negatively impact animal health and performance. Probiotics help modulate the stress response and promote a more balanced and resilient physiological state in animals.
In terms of distribution channel, the global market is segmented into Hypermarkets and Supermarkets, pharmacies and drugstores, convenience stores, specialty stores, online stores, and others. Among them, the Hypermarkets and Supermarkets segment made the largest contribution in 2022. Probiotic products are widely available in hypermarkets and supermarkets, which are large, retail stores offering a wide range of products. These stores usually have dedicated sections for health and wellness products, including probiotics. For instance, hypermarkets and supermarkets include Walmart, Carrefour, Tesco, Kroger, Auchan, and Costco. In addition, the e-commerce channel is projected to register a CAGR of more than 11% from 2023 to 2028. The online channel has experienced significant growth in recent years, offering consumers the convenience of purchasing probiotic products from the comfort of their homes. Many manufacturers and retailers have established online platforms to sell their probiotic supplements and related items. Many consumers prefer to purchase probiotics online due to convenience, a wider product selection, and the ability to research and compare products. For instance, online retailers that offer probiotic products include Amazon, Alibaba, Walmart.com, iHerb, and Vitacost.
The human segment is expected to have the highest market share in Global. Probiotics have found extensive application in various human health segments, including dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals. They are incorporated into a wide range of products such as capsules, tablets, yoghurts, kefir, fermented foods, and beverages. This diverse range of products catering to different consumer preferences and needs contributes to the dominance of the human segment in the market. While the animal segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period, Probiotics are gaining recognition for their potential benefits in animal nutrition. They are being used to promote gut health, enhance nutrient absorption, improve feed conversion efficiency, and support immune function in livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and pets. The demand for probiotics in animal feed and supplements is rising as producers seek alternatives to antibiotics and strive for improved animal health and productivity.
In Global Based on ingredient type, Bacteria-based probiotics have traditionally been the dominant ingredient type. Bacteria-based probiotics have gained significant consumer awareness and acceptance due to their positive impact on digestive health, immune system support, and overall well-being. Consumers recognize the role of bacteria in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and are more likely to associate probiotics with bacterial strains. While yeast-based probiotics currently hold a smaller market share, they are expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Yeast-based probiotics, particularly strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are gaining recognition for their potential health benefits. Research indicates that yeast-based probiotics can support digestive health, immune function, and even address specific conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Probiotics are living microorganisms, and their viability and stability can be affected by various factors such as temperature, moisture, oxygen exposure, and manufacturing processes. Maintaining the viability and stability of probiotic strains throughout product shelf life can be a challenge. Ensuring that an adequate number of viable organisms reach the target site in the body is essential for achieving the desired health benefits. Probiotic microorganisms need to survive the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract to exert their beneficial effects. However, the acidic environment of the stomach and the presence of bile salts and digestive enzymes can potentially reduce the viability and activity of probiotics. Ensuring that probiotic strains can withstand these conditions and reach the intestines alive is a challenge in formulation and delivery systems.
Recent Developments:
• In February 2022, AB-Biotics entered into a strategic partnership with AceBiome to spread the presence of AB21 probiotics through various pharmacies and digital channels in South Korea. The company undertook this strategic initiative to expand its customer base and geographical reach and exploit the rising business opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.
• In May 2021, BioGaia launched Osfortis in the Chinese market via the cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) channel. Osfortis is a probiotic dietary supplement containing patented lactic acid. China is BioGaia’s first Asian market and would help the company tap the region's high demand potential to its benefit.
• In August 2021, Chr. Hansen introduced a new portfolio with the launch of three products in the probiotics category that supports pets’ well-being and development. The portfolio launch will help the company expand into the probiotic pet market, which is expected to grow at a fast rate.
• In October 2021, Doolies, which is a fruit and fiber-packed snack for young kids, was launched by General Mills Inc. (US). It contains the stable probiotic BC-30 that supports digestive and immune health. The product launch will help the company expand its probiotics portfolio that caters to the kid population.
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