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Download a brochure (PDF) : The World Probiotic Ingredient Market
Probiotics are a growing segment of the nutraceutical industry, employing bacteria cultures as a food additive. These bacteria are claimed to improve body resistance to intestinal infections (although there is still some discussion on whether this claim has or has not been sufficiently proven).
The world probiotic market was estimated to 10% of the lactic bacteria drink market. The market evaluation also depends a lot on the definition used for probiotics. Today, this market is growing at a pace of 5 to 30% depending on the country and product type.
Japan is by far the most innovative country in terms of new applications. Japanese companies adapt themselves to the growing share of a health conscious population. New products resulting from totally new concepts have been launched on the Japanese market in 2003. For example, yogurts that fight tooth decay or beverage, such as Kirin Noale, using KW lactic acid bacteria against allergy. Morinaga sells yogurts with BB356 and lactoferrin. Calpis in Ameal yogurt drink mixes lactic acid bacteria and lactotripeptides to reduce blood pressure. With Interbalance L-92, using lactobacillus acidophilus developed by the company, Calpis also fight seasonal allergies but additionally claims to relieve fever.
A key factor responsible of the development of the Japanese market, besides its long-lasting experience of fermentation products, is a comparatively easier access to Foshu appellation than in Europe or the U.S., where the authorities have been highly cautious so far with respect to allowing claims.
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