Asia Pacific Organic Food & Beverage Market Outlook, 2027

The Asia-Pacific region is an immense region, covering some 2.8 billion hectares of land area, or approximately 22% of the global land area. Asia’s position in the global food market tilts heavily towards demand because of its enormous population and limited agricultural resources. With only one-fifth of the world’s agricultural land, the region hosts more than half of the global population. The country with the largest organic agricultural area is China (3 million hectares), and the country with the most producers is India (835, 000 producers). The countries with the highest organic shares of the total agricultural land are Timor-Leste (8.2%) and Sri Lanka (6%).

According to the report-Asia Pacific Organic Food & Beverage Market Outlook, 2027, the market was recorded at USD 29 Billion in the year 2021. Singapore and Thailand in particular are the two natural hubs of the region as they offer logistic advantages thanks to their strategic positions. Therefore, high percentages of growth are also expected with the increase of preferences for organic products from the consumer and the increasing proposals of the distributors. The region is to grow with an anticipated CAGR of more than 14% through the forecasted period. A major driver of growth in Asia can be attributed to consumers’ fears for food safety. China, in particular, has experienced a large number of food scandals, which include melamine in dairy products and infant formula, rotten meats, sewage oil in food products, adulteration, counterfeiting, etc. By the end of the forecasted period, the market share of organic beverages is expected to grow by more than 17% CAGR.

Asian consumers are becoming more aware of organic production methods and how they differ from conventional products. Concerns about agrochemicals in food products are also generating demand for organic products, and the media is playing an important role in accelerating this trend through reports on green issues and food production methods. By the end of 2027, the organic meat, fish, and poultry segment is expected to show a marginal difference in market value. In the region, where there is increasing interest in healthy eating for healthy living, organic and natural foods have become keywords, and are being seen as the remedy for many lifestyle diseases. Hence, increasing awareness and demand for organic alternative milk are well expected.

Apart from the major sales channel, the region has a considerable influence on local provision shops, pharmacies, and others. Among all the segments, modern retail led the market with a share of more than 45% in the year 2021. One of the other reasons for the growing adoption of organic food is the income level of consumers. Consumers with high incomes are getting into living organically simply because it is trendy. The specialized store is expected to gain more popularity in the forecasted period.

In China, India, and South Korea, leading food and beverage companies have launched organic products. In addition, this is strongly supported by government incentives. Most Asian countries have also introduced national standards for organic foods, with labeling and certification schemes. Though Asia has been slow in adopting the organic trend, in the last 2-3 years, other countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan have witnessed tremendous growth rates due to the surging organic productivity in these countries. In reaction to rapidly changing farming practices, organic farming is an alternative agricultural system that strives for sustainability, the enhancement of soil fertility, and biological diversity. The farming method of rotating crops and applying mulch to empty fields can stabilize soils and improve water retention.

With the growing number of food scandals taking place, consumers in China have become more health-conscious. With growing disposable incomes, they are now able to afford organic dairy products. China’s organic dairy market is thus witnessing dynamic growth, especially in urban areas. The country imports large quantities of organic dairy products from France, the US, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. The growing purchases of these products have helped develop their retail sector. Organic yogurt, organic cream, and organic cheese are widely consumed. Furthermore, there is growing awareness in the Chinese public regarding the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and bovine growth hormone (BGH). Therefore, several consumers have switched over to healthier, organic alternatives. Owing to this, there is an increasing demand for organic dairy products. It can thus be said that the rapid rate of urbanization, growth in consumers’ disposable incomes, large-scale food adulteration, and growing public consciousness have bolstered the growth of China’s organic dairy food and beverage market. In China, the organic dairy market is growing dynamically, especially in urban areas. The increased number of organic dairy purchases helps in the development of the retail sector. Such factors strengthen the growth of the organic dairy market in China.

These days, people are becoming increasingly conscious about healthy eating and healthy living. Thus, natural and organic foods are growing in popularity. The organic food industry is booming in India at present. This can be easily observed by visiting a local supermarket and checking the shelves for organic products. Organic milk, in particular, is largely popular in India. Brands selling organic milk have certifications from authorities such as FSSAI, Agmark, and ISO. Hence, the organic dairy food and beverage market in India is expected to flourish over the coming years. In India, where there is increasing interest in healthy eating for healthy living, organic and natural foods have become keywords, and are being seen as the remedy for many lifestyle diseases. Hence, increasing awareness and demand for organic as well as local milk are well expected. Organic milk is the most popular product among many other organic products, which are considered healthier and adulteration-free. In South Korea, the growing preference of consumers towards luxury items, along with the rising income level among the affluent, are major factors driving the demand for organic dairy products.

Growing consumer adoption of healthy eating products, rising awareness of the product, a modernizing retail industry (supermarkets), and an increase in purchasing power are all driving the growth of organic beverages in the Asia-Pacific market. The key restraints on the market are the shorter shelf life of products; premium pricing of products limiting widespread customer acceptance; limited options to choose from; and limited organic farming. The organic dairy industry is booming owing to growing awareness about the health benefits of dairy products, the rise in income levels, and the availability of large organic farmlands in India and China.

Danone is a food company offering fresh dairy products, yoghurts, and fermented dairy products, as well as specialised dairy products. It sells its products under brands like Danio, Oikos, Danonino, Activia, Danoninho, Fruchtswerge, Serenito, Danimals, Tma, Danacol, Actimel, Densia, Danette, Danissimo, Fantasia, Vitalinea, YoCrunch, Taillefine, and Ser, and Light & Fit brands. Danone has a notable presence in the Asia-Pacific. Its subsidiary, Horizon Organic, sells organic dairy foods and drinks. On the other hand, Unilever Group is a popular consumer goods company. It operates through three segments, including food & refreshments, beauty & personal care, and home care. The company operates throughout the globe, has made 22 acquisitions, sells its products in 190 countries, and has global operations in more than 300 factories in 69 countries. Concerns about agro-chemicals in food products are also generating demand for organic products, and the media is playing an important role in accelerating this trend through reports on green issues and food production methods.

Moreover, consumers are more likely to buy it for themselves as well as for their children, as compared to the older population. Therefore, with the increase in the population, changes in buying patterns, and growing health concerns, the market share of vitamin fortified and mineral-enriched foods in the Asia-Pacific region is set to increase. The growing population and the change in food fashion among the younger generation are the major drivers for the market. Individuals are more concerned about health and are willing to pay extra for food that is specifically beneficial to health. Therefore, this tendency and awareness among people helps the vitamin fortified and mineral-enriched food and beverage market to grow. The market share in developed countries is captured by health-conscious people, such as pregnant women, guardians of infants, and the elderly population, as they are mostly aware of the benefits associated with functional ingredient fortified food and beverages. However, in developing countries, there is an increase in health concerns among people as well, due to enhanced disposable income, which drives the market to grow in the forecast period.

COVID-19 Impacts:

Starting in 2020, consumers shifted their food purchasing and consumption habits during the period of COVID-19 when restaurants were closed and home cooking became the norm. The COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the organic food industry. Due to the uncertainty, consumer purchasing patterns have changed as consumers have become more aware of the importance of a strong immune system, resulting in a preference for organic and natural foods. Moreover, following the epidemic in 2020, there has been a paradigm shift in the organic food industry, with consumers beginning to buy more organic commodities as a preventative health measure. This shift in mindset is expected to continue to fuel the organic food and beverage market's future growth.

Major Companies considered in Report:

Amy’s Kitchen, Danone - WhiteWave Foods, Eden Foods, Inc., General Mills, Hain Celestial Group,.

Considered In the Report

• Geography: Asia-Pacific
• Historical year: 2016
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecasted year: 2027

Countries covered:

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia

Aspects Covered In the Report

• Market Size By Value for the time period (2015-2026F)
• Market Share by Type (Food & Beverage)
• Market Share by Food (Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Fish & Poultry, Dairy Products, Frozen & processed Food)
• Market Share by Beverage (Non-Dairy, Coffee & Tea, Beer & Wine)
• Market Share by Sales Channel (Convenience Store, Modern Retail, Online Retail)
• Market Share by Country

Intended Audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the organic food and beverage companies, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.