Market Trends of Inulin Industry
Growing Consumers’ Interest in Prebiotics
- Inulin is a prebiotic that has gained popularity among consumers globally due to the growing awareness of the importance of gut health. The increasing consumption of prebiotics, such as inulin, has been driven by consumers' desire for improved digestion, lower stress response, better hormonal balance, and a decrease in cardiovascular diseases. As a result, manufacturers are showing interest in functional ingredients like inulin to manufacture functional health supplements, food and beverage products, and others.
- In addition to its widespread use in adult products, inulin is increasingly used in infant formula or milk to improve the intestinal microflora of babies and small children. The neutral taste of inulin ensures that it does not affect the original taste of the product, making it an ideal ingredient for infant and young children's nutrition.
- Manufacturers are capitalizing on this growing interest by introducing innovative products such as Beneo Orafti Synergy1 inulin, an oligofructose-enriched inulin formula for infants with positive prebiotic effects on newborns and can potentially address neonate nutrition.
- The demand for prebiotics, such as inulin, has also increased due to their use in a wide variety of applications in the food and beverage industry, including sweetening agents and texture enhancement. The increasing demand for products and dietary supplements with functional benefits among consumers globally, coupled with the rising concern toward obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcer, and other health issues, is driving the market for prebiotics, including inulin. As a result, inulin's demand is expected to continue to grow as consumers prioritize their gut health and seek products that offer functional health benefits.
Europe Holds the Significant Share in the Market
- The Europe inulin market is primarily driven by the widespread use of inulin in the food and beverage sector as a healthy substitute for fat and sugar. In the United Kingdom, the demand for fortifying food with prebiotic ingredients is expected to fuel market expansion, as the country has seen increased sales of final bakery, dairy, and meat products over the years.
- According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the United Kingdom was the second-largest global market for baked goods in 2020, with imports valued at USD 2.9 billion. Additionally, from January 2016 to August 31, 2021, 8,751 new bakery products were launched in the United Kingdom, further validating the potential for market growth in the country.
- France is also a significant organic food and drinks market in Europe, with increasing demand for natural ingredients and alternative sweeteners over the last decade, especially from the food industry. This trend is expected to aid the growth of the inulin market in the country.
- In the German market, inulin is being used as an alternative to sucrose in the development of sugar-reduced chocolate products. Combined with bulking agents and high-intensity sweeteners, inulin can produce tasty and no-added-sugar chocolates, driving its use in the country. Moreover, a full sugar replacement with inulin and isomalt allows manufacturers to make a 'no added sugar' claim under the European Union labeling regulations. With more than 6.19 million diabetic adults in Germany, as reported by the International Diabetes Federation in February 2022, the demand for inulin is expected to grow in the country, given its potential as a sugar substitute.
- In Spain, rising awareness about the health benefits of inulin and an aging population are expected to boost the inulin market, particularly in the food and beverage and dietary supplement applications, where the product aids digestion and bowel movement. This presents an opportunity for inulin manufacturers in the country to increase their production capabilities.