China and Hong Kong Probiotic Food Market - 2024-2027

Overview

The China and Hong Kong Probiotic Food Market recorded a value of US$ 8,447.08 million in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of US$ 13,400.31 million in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12.28% during the forecast period (2024-2027).

The cultural shift towards Western diets in China and Hong Kong fosters an environment where probiotic foods are increasingly recognized, accepted, and demanded. This shift is driven by changing dietary habits, increased health awareness, the influence of international brands, and the convenience of functional foods, all of which contribute to the dynamic growth of the probiotic food market in these regions.

New strains are often developed to target specific health issues, offering benefits beyond traditional digestive health. These include boosting immunity, improving mental health, enhancing skin health, and reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases. This broadens the appeal of probiotic products to a wider consumer base.

For instance, in 2023, Australian probiotic technology company Melbourne Brand Pty Ltd and China Resources Pharmaceutical Commercial Group Co., Ltd (CRPCG). Signed a strategic partnership agreement. The two parties will work closely to continuously bring together the latest innovations in Australian and European biotechnology to the Chinese market. The first-generation VPROBIOTIC probiotic health products are introduced to China through China Resources Pharmaceuticals' mature national channel network.

Drivers

Increasing Focus on Preventive Healthcare and Wellness

With an increasing emphasis on preventive healthcare, Chinese consumers are more proactive about maintaining their health through diet and lifestyle choices. Probiotic foods are seen as a natural and effective way to support digestive health and boost immunity, aligning with these health-conscious behaviors.

For instance, an article published in Elsevier 2023, estimated that the rate of preventive care use is 48.94% for middle-aged and elderly in China. Individual-level social activity participation is associated with preventive care use. There is a positive correlation between community facility richness and preventive care use.

Consumers in Hong Kong are increasingly seeking out foods that support digestive health, particularly amidst concerns over urban stress, diet-related issues, and the desire for a balanced lifestyle. Rapid urbanization has led to dietary shifts and lifestyle changes among urban Chinese consumers. Busy urban lifestyles often result in diets lacking in diversity and potentially harmful to gut health, creating a demand for probiotic foods that can help restore and maintain gut microbiota balance.

For instance, in 2023, according to the City University of Hong Kong, the country's public medical burden has been seriously increasing due to an aging population and the prevalence of chronic diseases. To tackle this issue, the Primary Health Blueprint recently released by the Hong Kong government represents a reform aimed at shifting the public mindset from a treatment-oriented healthcare to a prevention-oriented one. Thus, the above factors help to boost the market growth.

Continuous development of new probiotic strains

New strains are often developed to target specific health issues, offering benefits beyond traditional digestive health. These include boosting immunity, improving mental health, enhancing skin health, and reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases. This broadens the appeal of probiotic products to a wider consumer base.

For instance, in 2023, Australian probiotic technology company Melbourne Brand Pty Ltd and China Resources Pharmaceutical Commercial Group Co., Ltd (CRPCG). Signed a strategic partnership agreement. The two parties will work closely to continuously bring together the latest innovations in Australian and European biotechnology to the Chinese market. The first-generation VPROBIOTIC probiotic health products are introduced to China through China Resources Pharmaceuticals' mature national channel network.

Additionally, new strains enable the creation of more personalized probiotic solutions tailored to individual health needs and preferences. This trend toward personalization in health and wellness products is gaining traction and can drive market growth. The development of new strains can lead to innovation in the types of probiotic products available. This includes not just traditional yogurts and supplements, but also functional beverages, snacks, and other food items. Variety in product formats caters to different consumer preferences and consumption habits.

Restraints

Expensive Manufacturing Technologies and Production Costs

Expensive manufacturing technologies and high production costs pose significant challenges for the probiotic food market in China and Hong Kong. For instance, establishing state-of-the-art fermentation facilities equipped with precise temperature and humidity controls is crucial to ensure the viability of probiotic strains. Companies must invest heavily in these technologies to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations for product quality.

Specialized packaging materials are necessary to protect probiotics from moisture and oxygen, preserving their viability from production to consumption. This requirement further increases production costs, impacting the overall profitability of probiotic products in the market. These high costs translate directly into higher retail prices for consumers. In a price-sensitive market like China and Hong Kong, where consumers are keenly aware of value for money, elevated product prices can limit adoption rates.

Segment Analysis

The China and Hong Kong food supplement market is segmented based on type, ingredient, application, age, and distribution channel.

Continuous Innovation in Yogurt Flavors Drives Segment Growth

The yogurt segment is poised to hold the largest share of the China and Hong Kong probiotic food market. This market dominance is driven by the widespread consumer acceptance of yogurt as a convenient and effective source of probiotics. In both China and Hong Kong, the market has seen a strong preference for yogurt due to its long-standing presence in the diet, its association with health benefits, and its versatility in catering to diverse taste preferences.

The yogurt segment benefits from continuous innovation in flavors, formulations, and packaging, which caters to evolving consumer demands in the China and Hong Kong markets. For instance, on March 27, 2023, China dairy firm Junlebao launched a new yogurt containing 10 probiotic strains, including the firm's patented strain and others derived from kefir.

Sustainability Analysis

The sustainability analysis of the China and Hong Kong probiotic food market reveals a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices and responsible sourcing, which are becoming integral to the market's development. In response to increasing consumer awareness and demand for sustainable products, companies in the probiotic food market are adopting strategies that minimize environmental impact while maintaining product quality and safety. This shift is crucial for market players aiming to build long-term consumer trust and meet regulatory expectations in both China and Hong Kong.

Market sustainability efforts include the use of environmentally friendly packaging materials, such as biodegradable or recyclable options, which reduce the market's overall carbon footprint. By addressing concerns over plastic waste and pollution, companies are aligning their products with the values of environmentally conscious consumers, thereby enhancing their market appeal. Additionally, the adoption of sustainable sourcing practices for raw materials, such as using organic or locally sourced ingredients, further strengthens the market's commitment to sustainability.

Moreover, energy-efficient production processes and waste reduction initiatives are gaining traction in the market as companies seek to lower their operational costs and environmental impact. These practices not only contribute to the sustainability of the probiotic food market but also provide a competitive edge to brands that prioritize eco-friendly operations. In the long run, these efforts are expected to resonate with a growing segment of consumers who prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

Unmet Needs

The unmet needs of the China and Hong Kong probiotic food market present significant opportunities for growth and innovation. One of the primary unmet needs in the market is the demand for greater product diversity. While the market is dominated by traditional probiotic foods like yogurt, there is a growing consumer appetite for a wider range of probiotic-rich products, including snacks, beverages, and functional foods.

The critical unmet need in the market is the availability of targeted probiotics that address specific health concerns. Consumers in China and Hong Kong are becoming increasingly health-conscious, seeking probiotic products that provide tailored benefits, such as improving gut health, boosting immunity, or enhancing skin health. However, the market currently lacks a broad selection of products that cater to these specialized needs. Developing and promoting probiotics with targeted health benefits could fulfill this unmet need and position companies as leaders in the market.

Furthermore, there is a need for greater consumer education in the market about the benefits and proper usage of probiotics. Despite the growing popularity of probiotic foods, many consumers remain unaware of the specific strains and their health effects. This knowledge gap can lead to underutilization or misperception of probiotic products. Addressing this unmet need through educational campaigns, clear labeling, and transparent communication can enhance consumer confidence and increase market adoption.

Competitive Landscape

The major players in the market include China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited, Kashi Dairy (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (Classy Kiss), Green Vitamin, Meadows, Green Fermentation Lab, Bombooch Kombucha, Alive Food, FoodCraft, KUPPA KOMBUCHA LIMITED, Yo Mama Frozen Yogurt, Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd., and Taboocha.

By Type

Yogurt

Kefir

Sauerkraut

Tempeh

Kimchi

Miso

Kombucha

Others

By Ingredient

Lactobacillus

Streptococcus

Bifidobacterium

Others

By Application

Gastrointestinal Health

Gut Microbiota/Microbiome Balance

Digestion

Constipation

Bloating

Diarrhea

Leaky Gut

Inflammation

Gluten sensitivity

Abdominal Pain

GERD/Helicobacter pylori

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea/Post-Antibiotic Treatment

Gut Flora/Gut Microbiome Restoration

Others

Vaginal Health

Urinary Tract Health

Kidney Stones

UTIs

Others

Oral Health

Anti/Healthy Ageing

Allergies/Asthma

Bone & Joint Health

Osteoarthritis

Osteoporosis/Low Mineral Bone Density

Inflammation

Brain/Mental Health

Sleep

Cognition

Mood

Depression

Focus

Cardiovascular Health

Circulation

Energy/Fatigue Reduction

Metabolic Syndrome/Blood Glucose

Liver Health

Energy

Immunity/Respiratory Infections

Nutrient Absorption

Skin-Hair-Nails

Atopic Dermatitis & Eczema

Acne

Rosacea

Hair Growth/Hair Loss

Skin Microbiome

Others

Sports

Women's Health

Fertility

Menopause

Pregnancy

Pcos

Vaginal Health & Health Vaginal Microbiome

Vaginal Infections (Bv/Vvc)

Pregnancy Outcomes

Others

Men'S Health & Men'S Fertility

Weight Management

Pediatric Health

Colic

Constipation

Regurgitation

Atopic Dermatitis

Others

Others

By Age

Infant

Children

Adults

Seniors

By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Pharmacies and Drug Stores

Convenience Stores

Online Retailers

Other Distribution Channels

Key Developments

On March 27, 2023, China dairy firm Junlebao launched a new yogurt containing 10 probiotic strains, including the firm's patented strain and others derived from kefir.

On April 26, 2022, China dairy giant Yili introduced its new product launch strategies, including the introduction of a solid beverage formulated with probiotics and GABA as the key ingredients.

Why Purchase the Report?

To visualize the China and Hong Kong probiotic food market segmentation based on type, ingredient, application, age, and distribution channel, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.

Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.

Excel data sheet with numerous data points of China and Hong Kong probiotic food market-level with all segments.

PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.

Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The China and Hong Kong probiotic food market report would provide approximately 51 tables, 64 figures, and 210 pages.

Target Audience 2024

Manufacturers/ Buyers

Industry Investors/Investment Bankers

Research Professionals

Emerging Companies