Functional foods and supplements to contribute towards $25bn Australian market by 2030

By Guan Yu Lim

- Last updated on GMT

Plant-based protein, foods for health and well being, premium products and other emerging food trends could be worth AU$25 billion by 2030 ©CSIRO
Plant-based protein, foods for health and well being, premium products and other emerging food trends could be worth AU$25 billion by 2030 ©CSIRO

Related tags Csiro Australia Functional food Supplements alternative protein Sustainability

Australian ‘health and wellness’ products including functional foods, supplements and personalised nutrition, along with more sustainable products such as alternative protein, will become a AU$25bn billion market by 2030, according to new data.

Dr Katherine Wynn, senior economic advisor at CSIRO Futures, the strategic advisory arm of national science agency CSIRO, said of the AU$25 billion market, health and wellness would make up more than half (54%) of the market.

Alternative protein and sustainable products are forecast to make up 18%, with the remaining 28% being premium products like convenience meals and luxury products.

She told FoodNavigator-Asia​: “The health and wellness, sustainable solutions, and premium segments will see higher growth (3.6% per annum) compared to the food and agribusiness industry as a whole (2.4%)​.”

The food and agribusiness sector currently contribute about AU$138 billion to the economy.

We expect Australia’s brand for safe and high quality food and agribusiness products to help industry capture growth in these growth markets​,” she added.

Fortified, functional, and personalised nutrition

As consumer demand for healthy foods and foods with added health benefits increases, foods such as enriched yoghurt and fortified breakfast cereals are likely to claim a larger chunk of the $25 billion pie​,” said Wynn.

The domestic consumption for fortified and functional products is expected to reach AU$5.5b (US$3.7b) by 2030, while the opportunity for exports is expected to reach AU$4.2b (US$2.8b). The growth is estimated at 3% p.a.

Perhaps the biggest opportunity within the health and wellness trend is personalised nutrition, which is estimated to increase 19% p.a from US$44m in 2018 to US$370m in 2030.

As consumer awareness improves and the price of services fall, weight-loss programmes, gyms and fitness centres, private health insurance providers, grocery stores and specialty stores are expected to be important channels for personalised nutrition solutions.

Alternative proteins

Wynn also said that continued global population and real income growth, particularly across the Asia-Pacific, would drive total food demand over time.

On top of increasing food demand, ethical, cultural, religious, environmental and dietary factors are expected to increase consumer demand for alternative protein sources over the next decade.

Wynn added that the meat alternatives market, such as plant proteins and insect-based ingredients, would fuel the growth.

The alternative protein market is expected to increase 5% p.a. both domestically and export as demand increase from export markets with large vegetarian populations.

For example,India has a relatively larger population that eat predominantly vegetarian and may exhibit relatively greater demand for alternative proteins sources over time​.”

Market research has also shown that consumers are more willing to pay a premium for sustainable brands, which could see greater economic as well as environmental benefits.

Take action

Wynn called for the industry to take action to capitalise on these growth opportunities.

She said it was important to understand how consumer trends and preferences are changing, which can help the industry to innovate accordingly.

Continued improvements to food safety and systems is also important, especially as Australian produce needs to travel long distances to key export markets​,” she added.

Investments in traceability systems can also help the industry to further leverage Australia’s brand in agribusiness and improve consumer trust.

Adding that these high growth opportunities would also attract significant global competition, “but investment in the right skillsets can help industry to participate in future food markets more successfully​.”

Continued efforts to strengthen linkages within the local supply chain will also support industry’s overall capacity to deliver high quality products and innovations to market​.”

She added that if Australia harnessed these opportunities, the food and agribusiness sector could successfully become a growth orientated, de-commoditised, value-adding and differentiated sector.

Achieving this growth will depend on continued innovation and investment by all players in the food industry​,” Wynn said.

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Empowering Women Through the Life Cycle

Empowering Women Through the Life Cycle

Content provided by Glanbia Nutritionals | 07-Nov-2023 | Product Brochure

As discussions around female empowerment widen, and advances in women’s health access and provision accelerate, the implications for business, healthcare,...

Analyzing the unknown threat from Microplastics

Analyzing the unknown threat from Microplastics

Content provided by Agilent Technologies | 06-Nov-2023 | Infographic

Microplastics are any plastic-derived synthetic solid particle or polymeric matrix, ranging in size from 1 µm to 5 mm and insoluble in water.

Pycnogenol® Supports Cognitive Function

Pycnogenol® Supports Cognitive Function

Content provided by Horphag Research | 18-Sep-2023 | White Paper

Clinical research shows daily supplementation with Pycnogenol® may help support brain function in a variety of age groups with results showing improved...

Functional Beverage Market Insights in ASPAC

Functional Beverage Market Insights in ASPAC

Content provided by Glanbia Nutritionals | 06-Jul-2023 | Product Brochure

High growth ahead for protein beverages makes Asia Pacific (ASPAC) the market to watch. Consumer research shows new usage occasions, key consumption barriers,...

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Food & Beverage Trailblazers

F&B Trailblazers Podcast