Market Trends of Europe Protein Bar Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Europe Protein Bar Market according to our research experts:
Hypermarkets/Supermarkets to Drive the Regional Market
Owing to a huge retail space and catering to a wide variety of preferences, supermarkets/hypermarkets are dominant channels for the sales of protein bars in the country. Factors, like business expansion and the rising number of hypermarkets/supermarkets, add to the sales of these retail formats and significantly contribute to the protein bar market. Supermarkets/hypermarkets provide attractive shelf visibility through display and assortments. As they are often placed at the entrance, at the checkout, and/or in the designated functional food aisles, protein bars invariably attract the consumers' attention. Additionally, in developed countries, such as the United Kingdom, considering the growing popularity of protein bars and a changing trend of having them with coffee, Spar hypermarket in Armagh (United Kingdom) expanded its protein bar space to seven shelves, located next to the coffee machine. Thus, customers find it beneficial to shop from such retail stores, as they also offer attractive discounts and schemes.
United Kingdom is Expected to Drive the Regional Market Demand for Protein Bars
Protein bars have gained popularity among all sections of society in the United Kingdom. Consumers in the country are looking for protein bars that help them maintain their busy lifestyles and provide them with much-needed nutrition. There is a growing demand for protein bars with less or no sugar, no added flavors, gluten-free, and vegan varieties, which help consumers meet their growing obesity concerns. Due to the growing consumer interest in high-protein products and other sports nutrition goods, manufacturers in the field are looking to expand their product offerings through various adopted strategies, like partnerships.
Consumers in the United Kingdom are looking for high nutritional value snacks and simple ingredient lists, rather than calorie counting. Claims, like free-from, raw, high fiber, no added sugar, and the use of natural ingredients, are expected to continue to be the key factors influencing consumers' decisions. Moreover, schools in the United Kingdom have started accepting snack bars including protein bars as a part of the packed lunch, as they are healthy and manage to catch the children's attention very well. This is expected to act as a driver for the United Kingdom protein bar market.
