Market Trends of Europe Specialty Food Ingredients Industry
Specialty Food Ingredients Are Widely Used In Beverages
As health concerns intensify, consumers are increasingly investing in healthcare and opting for healthier food choices. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that the UK's healthcare expenditure as a percentage of GDP climbed from 10% in 2019 to 11.1% in 2023. In light of these rising health concerns, consumers are scrutinizing food ingredients and showing a preference for natural sweeteners like stevia. This sweetener is making waves across a spectrum of beverages, including teas, coffees, soft drinks, flavored waters, juices, and even alcoholic beverages. In the brewing industry, enzymes such as cellulase, alpha-amylase, and beta-glucanase play pivotal roles, enhancing malt separation, boosting extraction yields, and ensuring effective beer filtration and stabilization. This widespread enzyme application is fueling the growth of the specialty ingredients market. Data from HM Revenue and Customs indicates that the UK's annual beer production increased from 1,399 hectoliters of pure alcohol in 2020 to 1,511 hectoliters in 2023. With this uptick in alcohol production, the utilization of enzymes has correspondingly risen. For instance, glucoamylase enzymes are vital in the alcohol distillation process. Responding to the burgeoning demand for natural food colors in beverages, color ingredient manufacturers are expanding their offerings. Carotenoids, a prominent natural colorant, are widely used in beverages like cider, malt drinks, and flavored waters.
Germany Is The Largest Market For Specialty Food Ingredients
Germany boasts the fourth-largest food processing industry in the nation, serving a wide range of specialty food ingredients. In 2022, the production value of Germany's processed food and beverage sector hit USD 238.9 billion (EUR 218.5 billion), reflecting a 17% uptick from the prior year, as reported by the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BEV) in 2023. The country's rich regional culinary traditions cultivate a strong acceptance of specialty food ingredients. Moreover, the rising popularity of low-carbohydrate diets is driving up per capita consumption of both regular and frozen baked goods across diverse demographics. This bakery consumption surge is simultaneously escalating the demand for a variety of food additives. Market players are not only innovating products but also ensuring their relevance. For instance, in July 2023, MC Mühlenchemie launched its Omnizym brand, rolling out enzyme-based ingredients. Their flagship ingredient aims to reduce sugar content in yeast-risen baked goods, tackling challenges posed by rising commodity and production costs. Such innovations are set to boost demand in the foreseeable future.
