Market Trends of Middle East & Africa Sugar Substitutes Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the MEA Sugar Substitute Market according to our research experts:
Rising Demand for Low-calorie Sweeteners
The increasing awareness regarding the health benefits of low-calorie consumable products is a major catalyst for the growth of the stevia market in South Africa. As stevia is a natural and healthy alternative to sugar, it was approved for use in South Africa in 2012. Thus, stevia is expected to emerge as one of the most popular natural sweeteners among consumers who look for healthier alternatives. This factor brings in opportunities for manufactures of stevia in the country. Moreover, companies have started to expand their production lines and invest in the manufacturing and plantation of the same. The regulations supporting the stevia market in South Africa will provide an overall goal to evaluate the agronomic potential, extraction, production efficiency, and techno-economics for the commercial production of stevioside in South Africa.
Increased Utilization in Beverages
The consumer choices have shifted away from the traditional non-alcoholic drinks and toward health-oriented beverages. This is reflected by the continuous decline in the total volume of consumption of soft drinks. The market is also responding to consumer choices by adding new products, such as ready-to-drink herbal teas and functional beverages. There is a marked increase in the number of products with natural ingredients. Manufacturers are focusing on incorporating sugar substitutes, such as stevia and natural sweetener stevia, which is an excellent sweetener choice for carbonated soft drinks offering some unique characteristics, including zero calories, 100% natural origin, and being non-caloric, tooth-friendly, non-fermenting, highly soluble, and pH, heat, photo (light), and shelf-stable.
