The food supplement market has experienced significant growth in recent years and continues to evolve, driven by increasingly significant consumer trends. It represents a key sector in the health and wellness industry, with increasing demand due to several factors, including the aging population, the search for healthier lifestyles and increased concern for prevention diseases.
The food supplement market in France in 2024
It represents a turnover of 2.7 billion euros in 2023. Pharmacies remain the distribution channel which holds the largest market share with 54%. Parapharmacies and specialized nutrition and advice channels, even if they each represent only 5% of market share, are experiencing growth of +7% and +4% respectively. While certain distribution channels are developing, the sale of food supplements in organic stores is decreasing with a market share corresponding to 8% and a drop of -13%. The same is true for supermarkets with a decrease in growth of -5%.
Trends driving purchases: vitality/immunity, digestion and mood/stress/sleep. Natural formulations, the usefulness of the products, the absence of additives (+7% versus 2022), the advice of health professionals (+5% versus 2022) and the price are the 5 most sought-after purchasing criteria by the French. Dynamics around French manufacturing (+5% versus 2022) and the brand (+8% versus 2022) are also noted for the purchasing decision.
The food supplement market worldwide in 2024
The food supplement market is experiencing real enthusiasm: $182 billion in market share for the nutraceutical industry in 2023. The United States is the leader in this market and holds nearly a third of the market share. China, Europe and Latin America are actively taking part in this market. Thus, Latin America is experiencing the strongest development with growth of +10%. India is in second place, with growth of +7.7% well above estimates over the period 2023-2026. Weight management, sports nutrition and energy are very popular and represent almost a third of the market share of food supplements.
Essential oils market saw positive growth, post-pandemic
Essential oils have antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-infectious properties. They treat a variety of health conditions, including stress, immune disorders, sleep disorders and depression. Consumers are increasingly aware of natural and organic products, both in personal care products and food and beverage products. The impact on the global essential oils market is linked to the development of natural products and the abandonment of synthetic products. He encouraged manufacturers to focus on natural products. Essential oils are said to be in high demand due to their health benefits in pharmaceutical and medical applications as essential oils possess positive effects, such as eliminating harmful bacteria, relieving muscle spasms, relieving flatulence, disinfection and soothing of inflamed skin.
The increasingly strong prescribing power of health professionals
When faced with a health problem, consumers favor health professionals. In fact, 51% of them make an appointment with a doctor and 32% seek advice from a pharmacist. Among the 56% of consumers who received advice on the consumption of food supplements, 77% say they received advice from health professionals. The latter are gaining power in the prescription of food supplements. By advising on these products, they influence their consumption and develop a feeling of confidence among the French.
