Sports nutrition goods, vitamins, and minerals are sold on a sizable global market that has had unmatched growth over the years, thanks to the emergence of new consumers, the development of sales channels and products, better regulations, and shifting market trends. This food category, whether it takes the form of energy bars, snacks, protein powders, sports drinks, or dietary supplements meant to improve health and wellness, now includes more people than just athletes and bodybuilders, indicating increased popularity among new active and recreational nutrition users as well as the healthy eating everyday consumers.
Brands and importers from around the world are developing innovative products to take advantage of the expanded consumer demographic, new consumer needs, and intense interest in the sports and nutrition segment as a result of a greater awareness of health and wellness. This niche market is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 10.9% from 2021 to 2028.
Drivers of the sports nutrition market
Due to easier access to testostérone propionate information, consumers in modern times are generally more informed than they were in the past. As a result, consumers—particularly younger generations who are exposed to the influence of social media when it comes to body image—are increasingly educating themselves about healthy eating and living habits.
Rapid urbanization, busy or sedentary lifestyles, time constraints, and daily stress had a negative impact on a number of individuals at the same time, boosting awareness about lifestyle-related diseases, especially in light of rising healthcare costs. Due to the current Covid crisis, which promotes the sick population to purchase immunity-boosting sports nutrition products, consumers have begun to place more emphasis on self-care, preventive healthcare, and exercise in order to maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
The aggressive expansion of sales channels, including the retail and e-commerce segments, the latter of which has experienced a rapid growth in the aftermath of Covid, is another significant market driver for the sports nutrition category. Additionally, a new wave of increased sales for the sports and nutrition category has been brought on by the rise in online fitness courses, the reopening of gyms, health clubs, and international sporting events, combined with brand collaborations, new product development, and marketing and promotional activities.
What do customers desire?
While performance seekers are more concerned with product functionality, source, or quality, casual sports nutrition consumers are more laid back and on the lookout for economical, flavorful, conventional low sugar, high protein goods that encourage energy boost.
Personalization
There is a demand for items that give the proper nutritional requirements for active gym goers and notably athletes, for whom every activity has varied training goals and different strains on their bodies. The mass market for pre- and post-workout sports supplements has changed to products enhanced with specialized benefits for a variety of needs, such as gut health, skin health, joint support, energy boosters, sleep promoters, weight management, immunity enhancement, muscle growth, endurance support, fatigue support, focus support, and so forth. Given that nutrition is one of the cornerstones of successful wellbeing, the personalization trend in sports nutrition food is significant in the market. Consumers are increasingly requesting goods that are personalized for their problems.
Green and tidy
Consumers of today look for businesses that support ethical consumerism and environmental friendliness, but also transparent labelling with clean components. The demand for plant-based components in food and beverages is quickly increasing around the world as a result of the popularity of veganism and green eating, as well as trends like high protein and free-from foods.
Wholesome snacks
People are reevaluating their snacking habits and shifting toward quick, healthful on-the-go foods like protein and energy bars, trail mixes, or sports beverages as a result of a more hectic lifestyle but an increasing variety of sport nutrition products and availability. In order to live healthier lives, people are spending more time online researching the advantages of sports nutrition foods that are increasingly replacing unhealthy snacks, especially since brands are constantly introducing new flavors and innovations. The recent pandemic and increased home seclusion have increased the interest and frequency of snacking.
Significant marketplaces and parties
North America dominates the worldwide sports nutrition market in terms of market share, accounting for more than 30% of it because to its large consumer base, high prevalence of lifestyle disorders, and extensive marketing and product development. In Europe, the second-largest market for vitamins, minerals, and sports nutrition products, recent fast growth has been fueled by the expansion of health centers and the busy lifestyles of a wide range of consumers, while in Asia Pacific, particularly Japan and China, convenience and healthy eating are daily necessities.
According to forecasts, both established and emerging markets will experience continued rapid growth due to rising sport supplement usage and advancements in product technology. Despite the fierce competition from industry titans like PepsiCo Inc., Abbott Nutrition Inc., and Ultimate Nutrition Inc., importers and distributors of vitamins, minerals, and sports nutrition products are becoming more eager to connect with top prospects and secure a piece of this long-term lucrative market.