01.06.10
Growing consumer awareness of functional foods is fueling demand and boosting product availability for digestive health ingredients in the EU, according to a recent report from Frost & Sullivan titled “EU Digestive Health Ingredients Market.” In 2008, digestive health was the largest product segment of the total EU-approved functional food market, accounting for 68% of sales. Rising product prices, coupled with the extension of application areas, will continue to enhance market prospects, the report stated. The market earned revenues of $245 million in 2008, and Frost & Sullivan estimated it will reach $536.5 million in 2015. The following market segments are covered in the research: prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes. Currently, functional foods for digestive health are available as dairy products, fortified beverages, baked foods, cereals and convenience foods. This category is poised for healthy growth in the coming years, primarily due to its significant potential to penetrate different application sectors.