The global food immunomodulators industry is estimated to be worth USD 430.65 million by 2024. It is projected to reach USD 652.5 million by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 4.2% over the assessment period 2024 to 2034.
Natural foods contain various chemical compounds that can affect the body's immune system. These substances, known as immunomodulators, can interact with the body in specific ways and can be produced internally or externally. Examples include omega-3, carbohydrates, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals, which we consume daily in various forms. These compounds play a major role in stimulating immune activity and protecting against harmful organisms that can cause diseases.
There is a rising trend in foods with immune-boosting and health-modulating effects. The market for food immunomodulators is growing rapidly. Unlike medicines with unpleasant tastes, food-based immunomodulators are easy to consume and act effectively in the gut. Increased consumer awareness about the easy and healthy consumption of foods containing immunomodulators is leading to increased sales in this industry.
With the rise in allergies and inflammatory diseases, consumers are becoming more conscious of their everyday habits. This shift in consumer concerns may also have a positive impact on preventing the emergence of pandemics like COVID-19.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Food Immunomodulators Industry Size (2024E) | USD 430.65 million |
| Projected Global Food Immunomodulators Industry Value (2034F) | USD 652.5 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 4.2% |
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The below table presents a comparative assessment of the variation in CAGR over six months for the base year (2023) and current year (2024) for the global food immunomodulators market. This analysis reveals crucial shifts in performance and indicates revenue realization patterns, thus providing stakeholders with a better vision of the growth trajectory over the year. The first half of the year, or H1, spans from January to June. The second half, H2, includes the months from July to December.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 4.3% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 4.4% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 4.5% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 4.6% (2024 to 2034) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 4.3%, followed by a higher growth rate of 4.4% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to increase to 4.5% in the first half and remain considerably high at 4.6% in the second half.
Immunity Training by Yeast Beta Glucan as food immunomodulators
Numerous scientific studies have revealed the many positive effects of polysaccharides on human and animal health. Polysaccharides are large molecules made up of smaller sugar units. One example that has garnered particular interest worldwide is beta-glucan, which occurs naturally in various forms in organisms such as yeast, mushrooms, bacteria, algae, plants, and cereals.
The biological activity of beta-glucans typically depends on their structure and origin. Yeast beta-glucan has been studied extensively and has shown significant progress in the field of immunomodulating compounds. Unlike in the past, when only pathogenic organisms were used to train the human innate immune system, compounds from plant-based sources such as yeast beta-glucan have proven to be equally effective and faster-acting.
Companies like ADM have started introducing new prebiotic technology, which is considered a ground-breaking advancement that will allow the modulation and help the gut microorganisms flourish well in the gut.
Approaches such as employing multiple scientific separation and purification technologies utilizing beta-glucans from various natural-based sources to meet the specific taste and nutritional preferences of different customer segments are gaining popularity through DuPont Nutrition and BioSciences.
Functional immune-boosting foods as immunomodulatory compounds
The immune system plays a crucial role in defending the human body against disease-causing pathogens. Functional foods, which are naturally based, such as various species of ginseng, mushrooms, and algae, are in high demand among consumers, and play a major role in boosting innate and adaptive immunity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions worldwide, especially in food production, with a focus on immunity and health benefits. With no cure for the disease, people are turning to foods that can boost immunity. Scientific studies have shown that many chronic diseases in humans, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, as well as infectious diseases in animals, are linked to diets that do not meet nutritional needs.
As a result, consumers are increasingly aware of the connection between diet and immunity, leading to a growing demand for foods with immune-boosting properties. There has been a major shift of consumers towards functional food products with clean labels, making immune-boosting claims, and containing vitamins and minerals.
For instance, companies like Amway Corporation and Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. have gained popularity as they advertise improved health claims. Consequently, there has been a significant increase in consumer interest and demand for a variety of healthier products that meet their preferences and nutritional requirements.
Rise in demand for Clean Label Plant-based foods as Natural Immunomodulators
The current global health situation has been significantly impacted by autoimmune diseases. To address this, the scientific community has been actively researching solutions to mitigate their effects. As a result, there has been a focus on studying the properties of plant-based immunomodulatory compounds due to their positive effects and widespread appeal across different age groups.
The increased interest in personalized natural dietary recommendations with immune-modulating properties has led to the development of tailored food products with specific immune system benefits. Health-conscious consumers, particularly millennials, are seeking age-appropriate natural diet-based foods that align with their preferences, such as high-quality ingredients, low fat and sugar content, no cholesterol, and allergen-free products.
The fast-paced modern lifestyle has also contributed to the demand for convenient, clean-label products. Companies like DSM are meeting this demand by offering customized solutions to consumers and providing detailed information about probiotics and vitamins tailored to individual needs.
They also conduct webinars to raise awareness about the production, testing, and certification processes for their products. Consequently, there is a growing demand for customization in the food and beverage industry to cater to these evolving consumer preferences.
Principal Consultant
Global sales increased at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2019 to 2023. For the next ten years (2024 to 2034), projections are that expenditure on such products will rise at 4.6% CAGR.
Between 2019 to 2023 increasing concern over sustainability measures in food production and less knowledge resources about the new microbial properties have raised the awareness and demand for immunomodulatory property-based foods. Danone SA and ADM have given the lead in doing so by producing properly investigated microbiome solutions that are clinically proven and promote better immune health.
Danone’s variety of product ranges has succeeded in enhancing the immune response and gut health without compromising the flavors, textures, and sources. This has led to improved health among all age groups of consumers and increased the demand for these products. During this period, the increasing number of health-conscious customers looking for allergen-free products with immune-modulating properties propelled the growth of this industry.
From the year 2024 to 2034, the sector is registered to fasten, owing to the achievements in precision nutrition and new-age technologies. The approaches of precision nutrition will further optimize food nutrition technology across a variety of specifications for both humans and animals, thereby improving immune function and immune response rates against various diseases.
Further, the introduction of better microbiome solutions tailored to technological advancements coupled with better stability and versatility of these products will promote less waste and better health and well-being.
Tier 1 Companies are referred to as the major players of the industry as they are fully established worldwide with majority shares of the business ecosystem. Industry leaders always lead the level of creativity, research, and development and most of the time are the trendsetters. They include Danone SA, Nestle SA, ADM, and Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd. Danone, with its innovative ingredient formulations and global industry distribution, is the leading provider of sustainable nutrition and health solutions due to the effective distribution of its products.
Tier 2 Companies are the regional players with adequate market coverage and are known for offering niche products. They are typically more localized and address specific issues of more general ones.
Lonza Group SA is an example of this, performing well in the European territory due to its cutting-edge innovative capsule technology to deliver probiotics to the human body. In the same way, Sabinsa Corporation develops prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics from a range of natural sources that are helpful for consumers according to their age requirements, focusing on specific target mechanisms.
Tier 3 Companies are smaller players who are usually limited to the local or regional areas. They tend to service localized areas and do not possess the same level of R&D as bigger companies but are nonetheless helpful in satisfying local needs. These companies are smaller in size but still strong in their target industries due to their deep-seated innovations and customer service.
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The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top three territories. China and India are set to exhibit high consumption, recording CAGRs of 7.1% and 8.2%, respectively, through 2034.
| Countries | CAGR 2024 to 2034 |
|---|---|
| USA | 5.2% |
| India | 8.2% |
| Japan | 6.8% |
| China | 7.1% |
Japanese customers are known for seeking better quality products and are particularly interested in high-nutrient foods to improve their immune health. This could be due to the plummeting population in Japan thus leading to lower fertility rates.
As a result, companies like Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd. are focused on developing better diverse microbial cultures to produce a variety of probiotic beverages to meet this demand. Technology plays a crucial role in managing and producing these immune-modulating ingredients, ensuring improved quality in food and beverages. The Japanese government is worried about the workforce population, as they are working long hours and not prioritizing their health.
Consequently, the government has been actively promoting healthy eating programs and investing in the scientific sector to procure better microbial strains and species for better results and to improve overall well-being. This initiative has led to growth in the food industry, with a focus on food immunomodulators that have enabled companies to introduce enhanced solutions to the market.
Chinese consumers are increasingly looking for convenient superfoods that are nutritious and diverse. This demand has led to the rise of processed, packaged, and heat-stable foods, which require high-quality ingredients to provide better nutrition and support immune function.
Another important factor is the expansion and diversification of natural-based product ranges. As profits from traditional production methods decline, producers are incorporating more profitable new technologies. However, this diversification requires specialized techniques to improve the flavor, texture, colors, and packaging of various products for different markets. Additionally, China's high environmental standards have led to the adoption of sustainable microbiome cultures. Companies are embracing innovative eco-friendly technologies to minimize negative environmental impact and comply with regulations.
DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences is at the forefront of developing solutions based on traditional and new eco-friendly applications to reduce food and beverage waste and meet the population's needs. All these factors indicate the growing success of sales of Chinese food immunomodulators.
The growing trend of health-conscious consumers has increased the demand for high-quality natural and synthetic sources, leading to the production of foods with high nutritional value to improve immune health responses. Companies like Symbiotec are providing innovative solutions at lower prices across many countries worldwide.
They are developing a diverse range of products to enhance reproductive productivity in animals and address health concerns in humans. This expansion of immunomodulatory-based food production is a significant factor in India's food and beverage industry. Investors have noted favorable stress-related production conditions with heat and acid stability for commercial manufacturing of these immunomodulators. The increased demand for immune-boosting foods in India is mainly due to the rising emphasis on autoimmune diseases.
| Segment | Product Type |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | Functional foods- 27% |
Companies such as Nestle SA are introducing new product lines consisting of organic fruits and herbs with improved probiotic formulas and proper clinical certifications. The demand for modern production techniques has been met through better management of growth, health, and food conversion rates, leading to higher returns on investment.
Another important factor is the increasing availability of safe, legal, and sustainably produced microbial strains for further production processes. Danone SA, through its subsidiary Bledina, is addressing this demand by involving customers in farm visits where the ingredients are grown and supporting these wellness solutions with scientific explanations. Furthermore, advancements in superfoods are expected to enhance the nutritional, immunity, and digestibility levels offered to different consumer groups.
For instance, Kerry Group is improving its products through research and offering ingredients and end-use products that not only boost immunity but also support the development and function of the brain, eyes, skin, and gut.
They have also introduced a product that enhances protein absorption, contributing to the overall well-being of consumers. These new product initiatives are crucial in meeting the increased demand for immune-modulating foods as a key means of preventing many diseases, thereby driving growth in the food immunomodulators sector.
The prevalence of autoimmune diseases is steadily increasing in many major countries around the world. This trend is impacting economies and development, raising concerns about the safety of food and beverages. To address these health issues and prevent a significant economic downturn, many countries are implementing precautionary measures.
In this context, food with immunomodulatory properties plays a crucial role. A healthy gut microbiota can improve nutrient absorption, reduce disease rates, and promote growth, which is beneficial for companies specializing in food immunomodulation. To meet the demand for safer products, many companies are choosing to launch only clinically proven and certified food items with clear labeling.
Plant-based immunostimulants, immunosuppressants, and functional foods must be supported by scientific evidence and reasoning. Companies that focus on enhancing the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract to improve gut bacteria functioning are well-positioned in this growing business ecosystem. The expansion of this industry is largely driven by the increasing incidence of autoimmune diseases and the recognition of the importance of preventive health management measures.
The food immunomodulators market is highly competitive, with major players such as Danone SA, Nestle SA, Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd., and ADM making significant investments in research and development. These companies are focused on creating innovative and sustainable food concepts to address the market demand. They are also committed to efficiently manufacturing foods that improve immune health and other health concerns sustainably.
To expand their sales, manufacturers are implementing various strategies, including vertical and strategic acquisitions. For example, Chr Hansen Holding A/S increased its market share by acquiring smaller healthcare companies and labs and integrating them into its distribution network to ensure the quality and availability of raw materials. Similarly, Amway Corporation strategically targeted both local consumers and local ingredients producers to regionalize their distribution and gain a larger market share. For instance:
As per product type, the industry has been categorized into Immunostimulants (Prebiotics and Probiotics, Postbiotics, Vitamins, Minerals, Proteins, and Peptides), Immunosuppressants, Functional foods (Fortified dairy products, Fortified cereals, Energy bars), and Others (Amino acids, Phytochemicals) and according to forms include Powders, Tablets, Capsules, and Liquids.
As per ingredient type, the industry has been categorized into Plant-based sources (Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, Herbs, and Spices), Animal-based sources (Fish oils, Bone broth, Egg yolks, Honey), Fermented products (Dairy-based and Non-dairy based), Mushroom based sources, and Algae based sources.
This segment is further categorized into Animals (Pets, Ruminants, Poultry, Aquatic, Equines, Bovines, and Pigs) and Human Beings [Age Groups (Children, Adults, Elderly), and Gender (Men and Women)].
As per the sales channel, the industry has been categorized into Store-based retail (Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Convenience stores, Medical stores, Specialty stores) and Online retail (Company websites, and Third party websites).
This segment is further categorized into Nutraceuticals (Anti-inflammatory support, Eye health support, Cardiovascular health support, Mental Health support, Respiratory health support, Gut health support, Disease prevention).
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East & Africa.
The global industry is estimated at a value of USD 430.65 million in 2024.
Sales increased at 4.4 % CAGR between 2019 and 2023.
Some of the leaders in this industry include Danone, Nestle, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., ADM, Kerry Group, Cargill Inc., Ingredion Inc., Sabinsa Corporation, BioGaia, Lallemand Inc., Tate and Lyle, Glanbia Nutritionals, Amway Corporation, Bio-Thera Solutions Ltd., and Stratum Nutrition.
The North America territory is projected to hold a revenue share of 23% over the forecast period.
The industry is projected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 4.6 % from 2024 to 2034.
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