European probiotics market set to double by 2013
The European food and beverage probiotics market is set to more than double from €45.4M to €120.3M by 2013 according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan.
While the dairy yoghurt and yoghurt drink sector has historically driven growth, non-dairy applications and dietary supplements would experience more rapid growth during the next few years, says the report.
Unlike many other 'functional' ingredients, health claims about probiotics are also very likely to gain approval under the new European Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation, given the weight of scientific evidence in their favour, predicts the report.
Germany is currently the market leader by value, followed by France and the UK, which are dominated by food and drink probiotic products. In Italy, supplements are more popular. Eastern European markets, meanwhile, are growing rapidly, with a particular emphasis on products for children.
One of the main obstacles to growth is the technical challenge of protecting live bacteria against light, heat, moisture and oxygen. However, new technologies are helping manufacturers find new application opportunities, says the report.
Recent developments include coating technology enabling the addition of probiotics to ice cream, nutrition bars and cereals with a six-month shelf-life, and new formulation systems for adding probiotics to juices and other liquids just before they are filled into cartons.
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