The market for food supplements - UK

The global dietary supplements market, valued at USD 153 billion in 2021, is forecasted to experience a substantial growth with a CAGR of 8.4% from 2022 to 2030, expecting to reach around USD 317 billion. The market's expansion is fueled by an increasing health consciousness heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a surge in supplement sales. In the UK alone, the market has seen a 40% growth from 2009 to 2021, with a trade deficit indicating a higher demand for imported dietary supplements. Powdered proteins and oils like CBD are among the popular products. In 2021, 71.1% of the UK adult population consumed dietary supplements, a trend driven by an aging population and a decline in nutrient intake. The consumption patterns indicate a significant presence of daily supplement users. Regulation remains under scrutiny, ensuring that supplements are safe and properly labeled. Innovation in formats, targeted health benefits, and personalized nutrition shapes the market offerings while players in the segment are engaged in research to scientifically substantiate their health claims.

Exploring the UK's Burgeoning Appetite for Dietary Supplements

In recent years, the UK has seen a surge in the consumption of dietary supplements, reflecting a broader global trend which underscores an increasing public focus on personal health and wellness. More specifically, the market for dietary supplements in the UK has witnessed a remarkable 40% growth between 2009 and 2021, a testament to the country's rising health consciousness and evolving dietary habits. It is estimated that the value of the market stood at approximately GBP 453.7 million in 2021, while the proportion of the adult population incorporating these products into their diet exceeded 70%. Several factors have contributed to fueling the demand for dietary supplements. Among these factors is the aging British population, where more than 18% were aged over 65 as of 2021. This demographic shift is closely tied to increased usage, as older individuals generally have a higher inclination toward consuming supplements. Another pivotal factor is the decline in nutrient intake observed in the UK population over recent years.

For example, intakes of vitamin A and vitamin D have seen reductions of approximately 20% over the last two decades, prompting more people to turn to supplements as a means to address nutritional gaps. The prominence of dietary supplements is particularly visible across age groups with different preferences. Youths aged between 18-24, who formerly composed roughly a quarter of regular supplement consumers, now represent about 43% as of January 2023. This spike in interest from younger consumers amplifies the market's growth potential. Meanwhile, women are at the forefront of consumption compared to their male counterparts, with over half of the surveyed women consuming dietary supplements. As one delves into specific product types, multivitamins emerge as the front-runners, followed by popular choices like vitamin C, fish oil, and vitamin B. The UK market adapts to generational preferences, offering fish oil predominantly to those over 65, while younger generations, such as Generation Z and millennials, show a predilection for vitamin C. The heightened awareness surrounding health, combined with a decline in personal health perceptions, has spurred the British public to invest more in maintaining good health, with the average weekly spend on health rising from GBP 8.15 to GBP 8.82 in 2021.

Moreover, the sources influencing supplement purchases largely spring from personal research and advice from trusted circles like family, friends, and healthcare professionals, with social media influencers emerging as a modern-day catalyst in driving consumer choices.

Key Players Shaping the Dietary Supplements Market Landscape The dietary supplements market features a tapestry of dynamic entities, from retail giants to specialized health brands, all contributing to the sector's robust growth trajectory. Understanding the presence and positioning of these key actors provides a panoramic view of a marketplace that straddles health, nutrition, and personal well-being.

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Leading the distribution channels are supermarkets and hypermarkets, accounting for the lion's share of dietary supplement sales. These venues are vital for their accessibility, offering a wide range of dietary supplement options under one roof, appealing to the general population seeking convenience alongside their routine grocery shopping.
• Pharmacies Health-conscious consumers often turn to pharmacies for their dietary supplement needs, valuing the expert advice and trust associated with healthcare retail. Pharmacies like Boots and Superdrug represent prominent figures in dietary supplement distribution. Their established reputation for health and wellness products makes them favored destinations for consumers seeking quality assurances and professional recommendations.
• Health Food Stores With a focus on natural and organic products, health food stores like Holland & Barrett cater to a niche yet rapidly growing segment of the market. These stores specialize in meeting the demands of consumers who prioritize health products derived from nature, often incorporating ethical sourcing and environmental consciousness into their brand ethos.
• Online Retailers The ascendence of digital shopping solutions has seen online platforms become a crucial venue for the purchase of dietary supplements. Online retailing allows consumers to effortlessly browse a plethora of brands and products, often with the added convenience of home delivery and access to extensive product information and reviews.
• Innovative Brands Innovation plays a central role in driving the dietary supplements market forward. Endeavors in product format, such as Frunutta's sublingual dissolving supplements, reveal a market responsive to consumer needs for user-friendly application methods. Health&Her’s product line addressing menopausal symptoms shows how targeted research and development can result in specialized offerings that meet specific health needs.
• Manufacturers and Ingredient Suppliers At the core of the industry are the manufacturers and ingredient suppliers, who form the bedrock of the dietary supplements market. They are responsible for sourcing raw materials, producing high-quality ingredients, and developing formulations that underpin the effectiveness and safety of the end products consumed by health-seeking customers.
• Scientific Research and Clinical Trials Companies like Quality of Life and HVMN underline the market's drive towards evidence-based products. They commit to products supported by clinical trials and scientific research, aiming to provide consumers with transparency and substantiated health benefits

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 30/01/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• European market segmentation by product type
• Global market segmentation by region
• Size of the global dietary supplements market
• Size of the UK dietary supplements market
• Imports of food supplements
• Exports of food supplements
• Origins of British imports of food supplements
• Destinations of dietary supplements exports
• Consumption of dietary supplements by age
• Profile of dietary supplement consumers
• Focus on the consumption of food supplements in the United Kingdom
• Main reasons why British people take food supplements
• Sources of influence on dietary supplement purchases
• British people's view of their health
• Evolution of the nutritional intake of the British
• UK production sold of food supplements
• Places to buy food supplements
• Sales trends of the top 10 brands of dietary supplements
• Breakdown of sales by product type
• Search interest for the term "vitamin