Herb Botanical Market Projections

As the Baby Boomers age and consumers take a front-seat approach to their health, herbal and botanical sales continue to growfrom dietary supplements to cosmeceuticals, and functional foods and beverages. Many consumers are becoming more aware of the nagging and oftentimes serious side effects of conventional, pharmaceutical-based drugs, so as a result, many are looking for herbs and plant-based remedies to manage their ailments. HerbalGram reported a 14-percent increase in sales since last year in the mainstream U.S. food, drug and mass markets, not including supermarket giants Wal-Mart and Sams Club. Numerous market data companies have reported growth in herbal dietary supplements, multi-herb formulas, and functional and conventional foods.

In fact, many pharmaceutical drugs are derived from plants. A 2008 review put out by the University of California, San Francisco, reported one-third to one-half of conventional drugs are originally derived from plants. Nutraceuticals Worlds said the research backing the safety and effectiveness is growing.

There are many reasons for the growth factors in the botanical and herbal arena. From science to delivery systems to aging generations, this market is high on consumers radar.