Functional Food, Beverage Sector Rising

Research and Markets released its “The Future of Targeted Functional and Wellbeing Food and Drinks" report that examines the growth, drivers and future market size of the functional food and drinks market, evaluating and identifying the key ingredients that will take it forward.

The global consumption of functional foods and drinks increased by a compound annual rate of more than 6 percent between 2003 and 2008, and growth is predicted to continue over the next three years. In fact, nutraceuticals/functional food and drinks have had an influence in the development of the food and drinks industry over the past five years.

According to the report, increased health awareness and consumer confidence coupled with an aging population has driven demand for products that improve the quality of life, have specific health benefits and can be used by consumers to self-medicate. Findings reveal demand from the older generation will dramatically increase over the next four decades. Demand for foods that offer health benefits and promote disease prevention, including bone and joint health, brain and mental health, digestive health and heart health, will become more important in order to avoid the long-term costs.

Key analysis includes how changes in consumer demographics affect functional food and drinks market development; key emerging ingredients for functional food and drinks; current market trends and how will they develop over the next five years; how changing health claims regulations affect the functional food and drinks market; and possible applications for new ingredients.