Asia-Pacific Probiotics Market Outlook, 2028

The Asia-Pacific region has a rich history of consuming fermented foods and beverages, which naturally contain probiotics. Traditional practises and cultural familiarity with probiotics have created a strong foundation for the market's growth. Rapid urbanisation, hectic lifestyles, and changing dietary patterns have led to an increased consumption of processed and convenience foods. As a result, there is a higher demand for probiotic products to counterbalance the potential negative effects on gut health caused by these dietary changes. The growing middle class and increasing disposable income in many Asian countries have contributed to the expansion of the probiotic market. Consumers have more purchasing power to invest in health-enhancing products, including probiotics. The adoption of Western dietary habits and health trends has influenced the demand for probiotics in the Asia-Pacific region. The popularity of probiotics in Western countries has resonated with Asian consumers, driving the market's growth. Digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are becoming more prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region. Probiotics are recognized for their potential to support digestive health and alleviate symptoms, leading to increased consumption. The concept of a healthy skin microbiome is gaining attention in the beauty and personal care industry. Probiotics are being included in skincare, hair care, and personal care products to promote a balanced skin microbiome, improve skin health, and address specific skin concerns, further driving the probiotic market.

According to the research report, “North America Probiotic Market Outlook, 2028” the market is anticipated to add USD 21.50 Billion from 2023 to 2028. The market is projected to grow with 10.15% CAGR by 2023-28. The demand for functional beverages, such as probiotic drinks and kombucha, is on the rise in the Asia-Pacific region. Consumers are seeking healthier alternatives to sugary beverages and are attracted to probiotic beverages for their potential digestive health benefits. There is a growing awareness of and emphasis on women's health in the Asia-Pacific region. Probiotics are recognized for their potential in supporting women's health, including maintaining vaginal health, supporting a balanced microbiome during pregnancy, and promoting postnatal recovery. Traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and traditional Korean medicine, have long recognized the importance of the gut microbiome in overall health. Probiotics align with the principles and practises of these traditional systems, driving their integration into healthcare practises. The Asia-Pacific region has seen a growing interest in sports nutrition and performance enhancement. Probiotics are increasingly being incorporated into sports nutrition products, targeting athletes and fitness enthusiasts who seek to optimize their gut health and performance. For instance, Ginger Rage, a recent start-up in India, sells probiotic goods like Kombucha, which advertises as being low in calories, a cocktail mixer, gut-friendly, and immune boosting. Additionally, the business makes all of its products available on other social media sites and through its online retail store. During the projected period, such advancements and the variety of products available in the area are anticipated to further accelerate market expansion.

China has one of the largest probiotic markets in the world. The market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer awareness of gut health, rising disposable incomes, and changing dietary habits. China has a long history of consuming fermented foods and beverages, many of which contain probiotics. Traditional Chinese fermented foods, such as yoghurt-like products like suanmiao and pickled vegetables like suancai, have been consumed for centuries and are rich in beneficial bacteria. Chinese parents are becoming more aware of the importance of gut health in infants. Probiotics formulated for infants and children are gaining popularity as a means to support digestive health, boost immunity, and prevent common infant health issues. China has a rapidly ageing population, and there is an increasing focus on health and wellness among older adults. Probiotics are gaining traction as a natural and preventive approach to support digestive health, boost immunity, and promote healthy ageing. In addition, Japan has a long history of consuming fermented foods, known as fermented miracles or hacco in Japanese. Traditional fermented foods like miso, natto, and kimchi contain beneficial bacteria and have been consumed for centuries, contributing to the incorporation of probiotics in Japanese cuisine. Yakult, a popular probiotic drink, was first developed in Japan in the 1930s. It contains the probiotic strain Lactobacillus casei Shirota and is widely consumed in Japan as a digestive health supplement.

According to the report, the market is categorized into probiotic foods and Beverages, probiotic Dietary supplements, and Animal Feed based on product type. In 2022, the probiotic foods and Beverages segment held the largest market share of all of them. Asia-Pacific countries have a long history of consuming fermented foods and beverages as part of their traditional diets. Fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi, tempeh, and miso have been consumed for generations, providing a natural source of probiotics. The cultural acceptance and familiarity with fermented products have contributed to the popularity of probiotic foods and beverages in the region. The adoption of Western dietary patterns and the influence of global food and beverage trends have played a role in driving the demand for probiotic foods and beverages in the Asia-Pacific region. For instance, some popular brands known for their probiotic products include Yakult, Nestlé, Danone, Calpis, Vitasoy, Amul, BioGaia, and many more. In addition, the animal feed segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a significant increase in livestock production due to factors such as population growth, rising disposable incomes, and dietary preferences. As the demand for meat, dairy, and poultry products rises, there is a parallel need to improve animal health, productivity, and feed efficiency. Probiotics in animal feed are recognized for their potential to enhance digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall animal well-being, leading to increased adoption of probiotics in animal feed formulations. For instance, some brands offering probiotics for animal feed in the Asia-Pacific region include Chr. Hansen, Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Novozymes, Provita Eurotech, and more.

In terms of distribution channels, the market is divided into hypermarkets and Supermarkets, pharmacies and drugstores, convenience stores, specialty stores, online stores, and others. Hypermarkets and supermarkets are large retail stores that offer a wide range of products, including probiotic supplements and food items. They are popular distribution channels in many Asian countries, providing convenience and a variety of choices to consumers. For instance, Carrefour, Walmart, Tesco, AEON, Lotte Mart, and Big C In addition, online distribution channels have witnessed significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by the increasing popularity of e-commerce. Consumers can conveniently purchase probiotic products through various online platforms, including dedicated health and wellness websites, e-commerce marketplaces, and brand-specific websites. For instance, Alibaba, JD, Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, HealthKart, and more.

In the Asia-Pacific region Bacteria-based probiotics have a dominant market share based on ingredient type. Bacteria-based probiotics, particularly strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera, have been widely used and researched in the region. These strains have a long history of safe consumption and are well-known for their potential health benefits, such as supporting digestive health, boosting immunity, and promoting overall well-being. Awareness and recognition of the benefits associated with bacteria-based probiotics contribute to their leading market share. Furthermore, Yeast-based probiotics are expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Yeast-based probiotics offer specific characteristics and functionalities that make them suitable for niche applications. For example, certain yeast strains have been studied for their potential to manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or improve vaginal health.

Based on end use, Probiotics have found widespread application in various human health sectors, including dietary supplements, functional foods and beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The versatility of probiotics allows their incorporation into a wide range of products that target different consumer needs and preferences. This broad range of applications in the human segment contributes to its leading market share. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a rapid expansion of the livestock and aquaculture industries. Factors such as population growth, urbanisation, and rising incomes have led to increased demand for animal-based products, including meat, dairy, and seafood. As the livestock and aquaculture industries expand, there is a growing need to improve animal health, enhance productivity, and ensure optimal performance. Probiotics offer benefits such as improved digestion, enhanced nutrient utilization, and disease prevention in animals. The increasing focus on animal health and productivity drives the demand for probiotics in the animal segment, resulting in the highest projected CAGR.

Recent Developments:

• In China's offline retail market in September 2022, Garden of Life, a probiotics brand owned by Nestle Health Science, introduced two new probiotic drinks aimed at boosting kids' immune systems and growth.
• In January 2022, Mengniu's Youyi C introduced two probiotic solid drinks, claiming they were created specifically for Chinese consumers. According to the manufacturer, the beverage Daily Health contained Chinese star bacteria Bifidobacterium lactis V9, Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-6, and Lactobacillus paracasei PC-01.
• Mar 2021: The peach probiotic latte (probiotic coffee) was officially launched in all 200 locations in China by COSTA, one of the top international coffee brands, in partnership with NZMP, an ingredient and solution brand of the highly regarded dairy giant Fonterra.

Major Companies present in the market:

Danone S.A., Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd. , Nestlé S.A., Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited, Kerry Group plc , Royal DSM N.V., Lallemand Inc., Evonik Industries AG , International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Lonza Group AG, AB BIOTICS, Probiotical Spa, Probi AB, General Mills, Inc., PepsiCo Inc., Arla Foods Amba, Mother Dairy, Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Asia Pacific
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Asia Pacific Probiotics market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Probiotics market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea

By Product Type

• Probiotics Food and Beverages
• Probiotics Dietary Supplements
• Animal Feed

By End use

• Human
• Animal

By Ingredient Type

• Bacteria
• Yeast

By Distribution channel

• Hypermarkets and Supermarkets
• Pharmacies/Drugstores
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty stores
• Online
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Probiotic industry, 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.