Market Trends of Asia-Pacific Free From Food Industry
Increasing Demand for Lactose Free Products Across the Region
Many Asian countries have a significant population of lactose-intolerant people which is expected to drive the market for lactose-free products in the region as the awareness increases, backed up by increasing buying power and product variance in the market. In China, nearly 90% of the population is lactose intolerant. However, there is no significant domestic production of lactose-free dairy products and an ingrained preference for imported products. Many Indians have some kind of lactose malabsorption. Economically advantaged consumers are generally using dairy substitutes, such as tofu, soy milk, and almond milk.
Lactose-free infant formula holds the largest market share among lactose-free products in Japan. Soy milk has long been a staple of the Japanese diet. An online survey conducted by My Voice in 2021 showed the top reasons for consuming soy milk as health (51.4%) and nutritional value (44.3%).
Also, Malaysia is establishing itself as a lucrative niche in the Southeast Asian rice milk industry, with sales steadily increasing. According to a recent trend, the rising popularity of functional diets like vegan and gluten-free is driving demand for dairy substitutes, which will drive rice milk sales in Malaysia in the future years. Furthermore, the versatility of plant-based dairy foods has led to the widespread adoption of a variety of uses. Furthermore, customers are looking for a vegan diet. Dairy substitutes include low-fat, low-calorie, and low-cholesterol content, making them appealing to health-conscious, vegan, and lactose-intolerant customers.
India is the Fastest Growing Market in The Region
The living standards in India are being upgraded with rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the improving economic status of people. As the country continues to develop, various means of advertisements are spreading awareness regarding the consequences of consuming foods that contain allergens. Indian consumers are developing an inclination towards natural, organic, and clean-label products, which is likely to surge the demand for free-from foods in the near future. Soy milk and gluten-free products are already in high demand among the health-conscious consumer group in tier 1 cities, which is inclining towards sustainable foods.
Another key driver of the free-from-food products market in India is the growing health consciousness among consumers. Many people are becoming more aware of the health benefits of consuming free products, such as the reduced risk of digestive problems and better overall gut health. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease is also driving the demand for the free products market in India. Many consumers are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional dairy products that can help them manage these conditions, and this factor has helped propel the growth of the market over the recent past.
