Research and Markets Releases Probiotic Market Report

DUBLINThe global probiotics market reached more than US $24 billion in 2011, according to a new report by Research and Markets.

The report, "The Global Probiotics Market Broken Down by Product Function, Applications and Ingredients" highlights major types of probiotic products including functional foods and beverages (F&B), dietary supplements, specialty nutrients and animal feed products. Major application areas are also included in the report such as regular consumption, probiotic therapy and disease prevention.

The report also estimates the market size of sub-markets for these products and applications in major markets of Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), North America and the Rest of the World (ROW). Key opportunity areas are also noted in the report including relevant stakeholders, analyzing market trends, opportunities, drivers and inhibitors.

According to the report, the global probiotic products market was estimated at $24.23 billion in 2011 with more than 500 probiotic food and beverage products introduced within the past decade. These products have received varying levels of success with their overall health benefits. For example, probiotic chocolates received more market share than probiotic cheese and butter.

According to functional food suppliers and manufacturers, the probiotic market is a lucrative market. Product innovations are expected to play an important role in increasing the share of the market players that include developers and suppliers of probiotic stains such as Danisco, Chr. Hansen and BioGaia.

APAC is currently the largest probiotics market, owing to the Japanese market that introduced the concept to the world. High awareness of the benefits of probiotic yogurts and fermented milk has helped to increase penetration of the market in APAC and European nations. The U.S. market is growing rapidly due to the general affinity of the U.S. population toward probiotic dietary supplements and the concept of preventative health care.

The report profiles the top 20 companies in the probiotic market, and more than 70 market tables that are categorized into geographic regions, products, ingredients and applications.