Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food Market Overview 2023 to 2033

As per the recent report by Future Market Insights, the Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food Market is likely to reach a valuation of USD 429 million in 2023. Besides this, the market shows potential to record a CAGR of 6% to cross a USD 743.4 million valuation through 2033.

Among all the factors supporting market growth, encouragement from the government sector takes centerstage. Malnutrition is a serious problem impacting humanity today.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50 million children worldwide are severely malnourished, while almost 500 million are overweight.

Around 45% of deaths among children under 5 years are attributed to undernutrition. In order to provide 50 million undernourished children with the required specialized care, the popularity of ready-to-use therapeutic food is witnessing a substantial upsurge.

Traditionally, therapeutic food is too expensive to employ for anything other than the management of acute malnutrition making it a very valuable commodity. Moreover, their availability was heavily reliant on short-term or long-term external financing for emergency or humanitarian operations limiting the sales of ready-to-use therapeutic food.

Nowadays, with the growing availability of such items at the local markets along with increased procurements by government organizations has created an international market for the product.

The demand for ready-to-use therapeutic products is predicted to rise due to the rising trend of utilizing sugar substitutes such as icing sugar in its preparation. It is used to make candy bars, paste, cream, and biscuits that could be attractive for children and increase sales.

Leading firms are now concentrating on making ready-to-use therapeutic food items based on whey permeate powder, which is also expected to boost the acceptance of RUTF and augment the market further.

Attributes Details
Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food Market Share (2022) USD 412.3 million
Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food Market Size Value (2023) USD 429 million
Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food Market Size Value (2033) USD 743.4 million
Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 6%

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How does the Market progress Until the End of the Year 2022?

Market Statistics Details
(H1), 2021 (A) 6%
(H2), 2021 (A) 4%
(H1),2022 Projected (P) 5%
(H2),2022 Projected (P) 5%
(H1),2022 Outlook (O) 5%
(H2),2022 Outlook (O) 4%
BPS Change : H1,2021 (O) - H1,2022 (P) 5%
BPS Change : H1,2022 (O) - H1,2021 (A) 4.7%
BPS Change: H2, 2021 (O) - H2, 2022 (P) 3%
BPS Change: H2, 2022 (O) - H2, 2021 (A) 4%

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, FMI projected the global ready-to-use therapeutic food market to surpass USD 300 million by 2020 end. This trend is continuing in the market in the post-pandemic years which is expected to nearly double in size by 2033.

Global Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food Market Historical Analysis (2016 to 2022) Vs. Forecast Outlook (2023 to 2033)

Based on estimates of previous market reports, the total value of ready-to-use therapeutic products sold in the year 2016 amounted to USD 327.92 million. In the following years, the sales of RTU therapeutic products until 2022 increased by 2.7% on average notwithstanding the impact of the pandemic years.

The COVID-19 pandemic had amplified the risk of acute malnutrition among the impoverished sections of society. Government-mandated shutdown made millions of people unemployed disrupting critical nutrition requirements and enhancement programs and slowing down the RTU therapeutic products business as well.

It was the period when RTU therapeutic products gained international importance and created a huge opportunity for market players in the post-pandemic period.

The same is true for the geriatric population who were at a higher risk of getting infected by the novel virus. Hence, manufacturers implemented several arrangements to ensure that the availability of ready-to-use therapeutic foods is not hampered.

As a result, sales have been sustained immensely throughout the course of the pandemic and are expected to remain so in the future.

Based on estimates of previous market reports, the total value of ready-to-use therapeutic products sold in the year 2016 amounted to USD 327.92 million. In the following years, the sales of RTU therapeutic products until 2022 increased by 2.7% on average notwithstanding the impact of the pandemic years.

The COVID-19 pandemic had amplified the risk of acute malnutrition among the impoverished sections of society. Government-mandated shutdown made millions of people unemployed disrupting critical nutrition requirements and enhancement programs and slowing down the RTU therapeutic products business as well.

It was the period when RTU therapeutic products gained international importance and created a huge opportunity for market players in the post-pandemic period.

The same is true for the geriatric population who were at a higher risk of getting infected by the novel virus. Hence, manufacturers implemented several arrangements to ensure that the availability of ready-to-use therapeutic foods is not hampered. As a result, sales have been sustained immensely throughout the course of the pandemic and are expected to remain so in the future.

Nandini Roy Choudhury
Nandini Roy Choudhury

Principal Consultant

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The UNICEF Effort to put forward Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food in Undernourished Pockets

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has always been at the forefront of combating hunger and malnutrition associated with the global pediatric population.

Various awareness campaigns and relief programs have been established by this organization in the recent past that have popularized the use of RTD therapeutic products.

To achieve its objective, UNICEF has established various therapeutic feeding centers to save lives and support families in numerous poverty-stricken countries.

Though most of the works are carried out in the Central African Republic other parts of the world have been equally assisted. The organization is slated to remain the primary end-user for the ready-to-use therapeutic food market during the forecast years.

Therapeutic Food Demand Growing Outside of Traditional Markets

The Middle East & Africa region is slated to generate potential green spaces for global as well as regional ready-to-use therapeutic food manufacturers. Many African countries have high levels of malnutrition, and efforts to mitigate through pragmatic options are underway.

Several NGOs such as UNICEF, the World Food Programme as well as various government organizations are augmenting their presence in several below par countries, globally.

The region is slated to witness an improvement in purchasing power of locals and register a substantially high therapeutic food demand market CAGR through 2033. Countries such as Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Ethiopia in East Africa, and some Asia Pacific countries are anticipated to encourage regional markets to the fullest.

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Market Limitations to Consider

Inconsistency in ready-to-use therapeutic food items, particularly made of milk products, and the danger of microbiological contamination are the two key limitations for the market. Furthermore, the absence of specified commodity criteria in the Codex Alimentarius for therapeutic milk by UNICEF is projected to stymie the expansion of the RUFT.

Category-wise Insights

High Demand for Drinkable Therapeutic Foods Makes it the Dominating Segment

In terms of product type, the semisolid paste therapeutic food segment accounted for more than 50% of the market until the year 2022. It was followed by the drinkable therapeutic food segment in terms of value that are estimated to garner a higher growth rate in the coming days.

The solid therapeutic food segment is projected to grow at a slower rate confined mostly to commercial purposes and value addition.

Formulations that can be ingested in a liquid form are slated to emerge as the most prominent category of ready-to-use therapeutic foods. Since numerous malnourished population cluster falls in the below 5 years age group, sales of drinkable foods are surging.

Because it is challenging to give paste form of the product to newborns, the demand for drinkable therapeutic milk constitutes a very important sub-segment.

Infants don’t have a fully developed digestive system and require formulae that are easy to break down and absorbed by the bloodstream. Therapeutic foods in liquid form help achieve this objective and are highly recommended by doctors and nutritionists as well.

Country-wise Insights

Germany and the United States to Remain the Leading Supplier of Therapeutic Food Commodities

Regional Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food Markets Market Share in Percentage
United States 23.5%
Germany 14.5%
Japan 2.3%
Australia 0.9%

The core markets for the production and supply of ready-to-use therapeutic foods are expected to be the United States in North America and Germany in Europe. While the United States ready-to-use therapeutic food market is expected to develop at a solid double-digit rate throughout the evaluation period.

Key ready-to-use therapeutic food providers to UNICEF and other top organizations are regional firms in the European region. Moreover, ready-to-use therapeutic food production facilities in Germany and other European countries are currently expanding and are sufficiently advanced.

So, Germany is predicted to see strong output and income creation through sales of ready-to-use therapeutic food ultimately leading to sound growth.

Asia Pacific Economies Soon to be Self-sufficient by Rapidly Progressing RTD Therapeutic Products Market

Regional Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food Markets CAGR (2023 to 2033)
United Kingdom 5.3%
China 4.5%
India 6.5%

Through robust infrastructure development and encouragement by federal governments, therapeutic food producers in the Asia Pacific are emerging as key market players. Especially, ready-to-use therapeutic food manufacturers in China and India are constantly increasing their production capacity to compete at a global level.

Moreover, increasing malnutrition incidences throughout the African region are expected to drive the sales of ready-to-use therapeutic food in the Middle East and Africa market.

Leading Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food Market Players

Some prominent players operating within the ready-to-use therapeutic food landscape include

  • Nuflower Foods
  • GC Rieber Compact AS
  • Valid Nutrition
  • InnoFaso Corp.
  • Edesia Inc.
  • Nutrivita Foods Ltd.
  • Diva Nutritional Products
  • Insta Products Ltd.
  • Mana Nutritive Aid Product Inc.
  • Meds & Food for Kids Inc.
  • Samil Industrial Co.
  • Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc.
  • Amul India Inc.
  • Hilina Enriched Foods PLC
  • Société de Transformation Alimentaire

The aforementioned market players are actively involved in developing and launching new nutrition-enhancing formulations in various forms. In addition, these players are collaborating with governmental and non-governmental agencies to aid in the distribution of ready-to-use therapeutic foods to the severely impacted regions.

Presently, therapeutic foods are made using expensive ingredients such as minerals and vitamins, oil, and condensed milk, which raises the overall cost of the product. To address this, several key RTE therapeutic food manufacturers are doing research and development operations in an attempt to produce a cost-effective alternative for these basic materials. Expanding study on alternate raw materials that can be utilized in the making of RTD therapeutic foods projects a profitable business in the future for the market players.

The increasing focus of leading market players on the development of ready-to-use therapeutic food in the form of bar and biscuit products is likely to generate a profitable growth potential.

Furthermore, numerous key producers are focused on producing powder forms that are purchased by packaged food and beverage companies. Commercial use of RUTF products creates a big trend and opportunity for the business to extend its market position.

Report Scope

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2016 to 2022
Historical Data Available for 2022 to 2033
Market Analysis USD million for Value and Tons for Volume
Key Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Europe; Asia Pacific; and the Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Key Countries Covered United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, BENELUX, Nordics, Russia, Poland, China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand, GCC, North Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa
Key Segments Covered By Type, By End User, and By Region
Key Companies Profiled Nuflower Foods; GC Rieber Compact AS; Valid Nutrition; InnoFaso Corp.; Edesia Inc.; Nutrivita Foods Ltd.; Diva Nutritional Products; Insta Products Ltd.; Mana Nutritive Aid Product Inc.; Meds & Food for Kids Inc.; Samil Industrial Co.; Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc.; Amul India Inc.; Hilina Enriched Foods PLC; Société de Transformation Alimentaire
Report Coverage Market Overview, Key Market Trends, Key Success Factors, Market Background, Segmental Analysis, Regional Profiling, Market Structure Analysis, and Competition Analysis
Customization & Pricing Available upon Request

Industry Key Segment

By Type:

  • Solid Therapeutic Food
    • Power or Blend Form
    • Biscuits or Bar Form
  • Paste Therapeutic Food
  • Drinkable Therapeutic Food
  • Other Ready-to-use Therapeutic Foods

By End User:

  • United National International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
  • World Food Program (WFP)
  • Government Organizations
  • Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Other End Users

By Region:

  • North America (United States, & Canada)
  • Latin America (Brazil, Mexico & Rest of Latin America)
  • Europe (France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom Italy, BENELUX, Nordics, Russia, Poland & Rest of Europe)
  • Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand, and the Rest of APAC)
  • The Middle East & Africa (GCC, North Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Malawi, Kenya, South Africa & Rest of MEA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Expected Size of the market in 2023?

The market is estimated to reach USD 429 million in 2023.

How Much will the Market Expand until 2033?

The market may flourish at a 6% CAGR through 2033.

What is the Outlook of the Market in Germany?

Germany holds a 14.5% revenue share in the market.

Who are the Key Market Players?

Key players are Nuflower Foods, GC Rieber Compact AS and Valid Nutrition

What is Current Market Valuation?

The market is expected to reach USD 743.4 million in 2033.

Table of Content
      1. Executive Summary | Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food Market
      2. Market Overview
      3. Market Background
      4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
      5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Type
          5.1. Solid
          5.2. Paste
          5.3. Drinkable
      6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End-User
          6.1. UNICEF
          6.2. WFP
          6.3. Government Agencies
          6.4. NGOs
      7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Distribution Channel
          7.1. Direct Sales
          7.2. E-commerce Sites
      8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
          8.1. North America
          8.2. Latin America
          8.3. Europe
          8.4. Asia Pacific
          8.5. MEA
      9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
      10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
      11. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
      12. Asia Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
      13. MEA Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
      14. Key Countries Market Analysis
      15. Market Structure Analysis
      16. Competition Analysis
          16.1. Nuflower Foods
          16.2. GC Rieber Compact AS
          16.3. Valid Nutrition
          16.4. InnoFaso
          16.5. Edesia Inc.
          16.6. Nutrivita Foods
          16.7. Diva Nutritional Products
          16.8. Insta Products Ltd.
          16.9. Mana Nutritive Aid Product Inc.
          16.10. Meds & Food for Kids Inc.
          16.11. Samil Industrial Co.
          16.12. Tabatchnick Fine Foods Inc.
          16.13. Amul India
          16.14. Hilina Enriched Foods PLC
      17. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
      18. Research Methodology

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