REPORT SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of BCC Research in conducting this study is to present a comprehensive picture of recent trends in the global probiotics industry through 2007, and to develop market projections for the 2008 to 2013 period. The study covers the following principal areas: probiotics as ingredients and probiotic applications for supplements and foods. The report identifies a number of factors that have shaped historical trends in sales revenues and those that are projected to contribute to future trends in the sales of probiotics. The central roles of scientific research, consumer awareness, and government regulatory provisions are presented and discussed in detail.
REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY
There is considerable interest in probiotics in both the business and science communities. However, the manufacture of probiotics essentially remains a niche market, and commercial applications in the U.S., currently, are primarily for supplements and dairy-based products. Science is discovering new information about existing and new probiotics, and product manufacturers are tapping into new areas of commercial applications for probiotics.
BCC Research examines the explanatory factors underlying past performance and identifies areas that potentially are important to future commercial opportunities in the industry. This report presents an informative balance of the scientific and market factors that are critical in the probiotics industry.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This report presents valuable information relating to one of the fastest growing segments of the global ingredients, dietary supplement, and food industries. It contributed almost $15 billion in sales to the global economy in 2007. This study will be a resource for readers with an interest in the dietary supplement and functional foods industries in general, and in probiotics in particular.
Market projections developed in this study provide a context for assessing potential growth through 2013, and suggest areas of business opportunities in the U.S. and in the international probiotics industry. Companies already invested in the industry, and those seeking areas of expansion will find this material useful in their decision-making.
SCOPE OF REPORT
The report represents a complete update of the BCC Research report on the probiotics industry published in 2005. The current report covers the important role of U.S. and foreign manufacturers in the market for probiotics. The study also includes a detailed examination of existing and emerging applications for probiotics in supplements and food products.
It describes in detail, recent historical trends in global sales of probiotics, industry structure, technologies, and relevant government regulatory provisions that govern activities in the industry. Current trends in domestic probiotic sales are compared to current sales trends in Canada, the European Union (EU), and Japan. Profiles of major companies in the U.S. and these countries are included in this report.
INFORMATION SOURCES
This study is the result of extensive research covering materials from diverse sources. BCC surveyed numerous scientific and industry publications on probiotics to develop a qualitative and quantitative analytical framework for the findings documented in this report. Communications with various government and industry experts provided supplemental information on various aspects of the study. Data from the investment community was used to complement and validate other third party industry data.
ANALYST’S CREDENTIALS
Rachel Agheyisi works as a freelance research analyst for BCC Research. Her professional experience includes more than 15 years in academia and consulting. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from McMaster University in Canada.
