A backdrop of sustained inflationary pressures and consumers cutting back on pricy groceries does not seem to bode well for health and wellness foods. Yet, post-COVID-19 consumer mindsets are also geared towards getting healthier with the right foods.
Concentrates are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability and specific functional benefits. While they are generally still a cheaper alternative to ready-to-drink beverages, consumers are now seeking more premium powder mix options with health, flavour, sugar reduction, convenience, and functionality as the main drivers.
Australians are moving away from supplement nutrition drinks and meal replacement, and instead consuming a wider range of sports nutrition, especially sports protein powder and protein bars. Older consumers are the key demographic driver: whilst historically, older generations preferred meal replacement products, they are now consuming more protein-based options.
The growing focus on women's health, driven by personalised care and self-care trends, offers significant business opportunities. Breaking taboos around topics such as menstrual care and menopausal health is boosting consumer demand.
The dairy products and alternatives industry is set to deliver strong value growth globally in 2022 of 7.5%, to reach retail value sales of USD642 billon. On the flip side, volumes are estimated to be down by -0.6%. This reflects how inflationary pressures are heavily impacting dairy prices as farmers face increased cost for the production of dairy, including fertilisers, feed and fuel.
Functionality cues are increasingly replacing simplistic dealcoholisation approaches, and botanical alchemy and molecular experimentation with new ingredients are making the no/lo landscape one of the most innovative and exciting in the alcohol ecosystem. It is here to stay.
The consumer health industry is expected to finish 2023 in an improved position compared to the inflation-influenced doldrums of 2022, though industry gains in 2023 look to be muted and inconsistent across geographies and categories.
Research has revealed the connection between microbiome and skin health. Imbalanced skin microbiome can result in various skin issues, including acne, eczema and dryness. Incorporating the microbiome-infused concept in beauty and personal care products is poised to expand as consumers increasingly seek comprehensive wellbeing and transparency on ingredients. Here, we outline five opportunities in microbiome care, which are set to introduce fresh prospects within the industry.
Consumers in Asia Pacific have a wide range of health priorities ranging from mental wellbeing to getting enough sleep to maintaining a healthy immune system. There are increasing opportunities across both physical and emotional/mental health spaces, creating potential for beverage companies to look into various functional ingredients and map these to consumers’ rising health priorities.