DIETARY FIBERS MARKET ANALYSIS

Global dietary fibers market size is expected to reach US$ 15.84 Bn by 2031, from US$ 7.89 Bn in 2023, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% during the forecast period. Dietary fibers are ingredients present in the food products that encourage waste movement inside the body. The consumption of dietary fibers-based food products also reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease by lowering the level of blood sugar in the body. Moreover, they also support weight management.

Market Regional Insights:

• Asia Pacific held the largest market share and accounted for over 43% share of the global dietary fibers market in 2023. Countries such as China, Indonesia, and Japan are expected to be the leading producers of foods and beverages during the next few years. Promising trends in the food & beverage industry in the Asia Pacific region are estimated to spur the demand for dietary fibers during the forecast years.
• North America accounted for 24% of the market share in 2023. North America was the largest market for immunity-boosting and health-enhancing products in 2023. Nutritional care has witnessed a major evolution in the region, with consumers becoming highly aware of packaged food products' ingredients. The new trending diets and lifestyles adopted by the people in the North America region have rendered the consumption of dietary fibers highly significant.
• Europe accounted for 18% of the market share in 2023. Increased online product delivery services across developed countries in Western Europe including Italy, the U.K., Germany, France, and Spain will positively influence the market growth in the region.

Figure 1. Global Dietary Fibers Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Analyst’s Views:

Global dietary fibers market is expected to have tremendous growth potential over the next decade driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers globally. As people become more aware about the various health benefits of a fiber-rich diet such as maintaining digestive health, managing weight, and reducing cholesterol levels, the demand for dietary fiber ingredients from food and beverage manufacturers is expected to surge. Functional foods with added dietary fibers will be in high demand. The market will further get support from rising incidences of lifestyle diseases forcing people to make dietary changes.

However, the lack of consumer education about suitable dosage and different types of fibers can restrain the market to an extent. Finding innovative ways to mask the strong flavors that are associated with some fiber types will also be a challenge for companies. The Asia Pacific region will dominate the market and remain the fastest growing as developing countries like India and China continue to emerge as major consumer markets boosted by changing dietary habits and rising affluence.

Market Drivers:

Increasing health awareness: Increasing awareness about the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle is one of the key factors driving the growth of the market. More consumers are recognizing that obtaining adequate fiber intake through diet is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing illnesses. High fiber foods are known to reduce the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, bowel disorders, and other chronic diseases. Many national health organizations recommend consuming at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day. However, most people in developed nations consume only half of the recommended daily intake through their regular diets. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend as more home-bound consumers paid greater attention to boosting their immunity through diet. According to data provided by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global annual per capita consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables increased from 95.9 kg in 2019 to 101.9 kg in 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends consuming a minimum of 400 grams of fruits and vegetables daily for adequate fiber intake and overall health.

Wide application in food and beverages industry: Global dietary fibers market is witnessing significant growth driven by its wide application in the food and beverages industry. Dietary fibers find extensive usage in various food products to enhance texture, increase shelf-life, and offer various health benefits. Many national and international food regulators also recommend adequate intake of dietary fibers for a healthy diet. Food manufacturers are increasingly utilizing various types of soluble and insoluble fibers to develop healthier food options for consumers. For instance, oat, wheat, and potato fibers are being added to breads, cereal, and baked snacks to increase their nutritional value without compromising on taste. Similarly, pectin fibers from citrus fruits are used in jams, jellies, and fruit fillings to provide texture and nutrition. Soluble fibers like inulin are also finding applications in dairy products like yogurt and ice cream. They allow by reducing total sugars without changing the taste and mouth feel.

Rising incidence of lifestyle diseases: Growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes across the globe has significantly propelled the demand for dietary fibers in 2022. These chronic health conditions have been associated with modern sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits which lack essential fiber intake. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death globally, accounting for over 17.9 million deaths in 2019. Similarly, the International Diabetes Federation reported that approximately 537 million adults were living with diabetes worldwide in 2021, and this number is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030.

Market Opportunities:

Emerging markets in developing countries: Emerging markets in developing countries present a massive opportunity for market growth. These developing nations are experiencing rapid economic development and urbanization, thereby leading to significant changes in consumer lifestyles and diets. People in these countries have more discretionary income and there is a growing middle class with rising health consciousness. This has increased the demand for packaged food products that provide added health and nutrition. Dietary fibers play an important role in maintaining overall wellness and preventing diseases.

Food and beverage companies are recognizing the abundant potential in these emerging consumer markets. They are strategically expanding their product portfolio to include more fiber-fortified options. Many local and regional players are also launching innovative fiber-rich food items tailored to local tastes. The intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables that are high in natural fibers is on the rise. However, the dietary fiber consumption in developing nations still lags behind global recommendations due to traditional food practices and limited awareness. There is scope to further educate people about the health benefits of high-fiber diets.

Innovation of new functional food products: The innovation of new functional food products presents tremendous opportunities in the market. In recent times, consumers have developed greater awareness about the importance of intestinal health and balanced diet. There is an increasing understanding among people that adequate fiber intake helps maintain digestive regularity and reduces risks of serious issues like heart diseases and diabetes. Food companies can capitalize on this consumer behavior by developing novel and appetizing food items enriched with functional fibers.

Government initiatives to promote healthy diets also provide tailwinds. For instance, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommends adults consume 25-30 grams of dietary fiber per day for better heart health and diabetes management. However, on average Americans consume only 15 grams daily. Similarly, World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines suggest fiber intake of 25-29 grams for women and 38 grams for men aged 19-50 years. According to the data provided by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows nearly 90% of Americans do not meet the daily fiber intake recommendations.

Growth in food supplements sector: Global dietary fibers market has tremendous potential for growth driven by rising awareness about the health benefits of fiber-rich diets. The consumption of dietary fibers through food supplements is emerging as an important trend. Dietary fibers play a key role in maintaining gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health by regulating bowel movements, lowering cholesterol, and managing blood sugar levels. Medical research conducted by organizations like the World Health Organization indicate that adequate fiber intake from natural as well as supplementary sources can significantly help reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

As people increasingly adopt sedentary lifestyles and consume more processed food with low fiber content, they are more prone to developing lifestyle-related ailments. This is where food supplements containing isolated or concentrated forms of fibers like inulin, pectin, beta-glucan, and psyllium gain relevance. Busy consumers struggling to meet their daily fiber needs through regular meals are looking at supplements as a convenient option. According to a report by the WHO, in 2020, non-communicable diseases collectively accounted for 74% of all deaths globally with cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause. The growing disease burden and risk awareness have accelerated the demand for functional foods and health supplements fortified with dietary fibers.

Market Trends:

Preference for clean label and natural ingredients: The clean label and natural ingredients trend has significantly influenced the market in recent years. Consumers have become increasingly conscious about the ingredients in their food and are preferring products with easy-to-understand labels highlighting only natural constituents. This preference for simplicity and transparency in food labeling is driving the demand for naturally-sourced dietary fibers that do not involve artificial processing and additives.

Manufacturers have taken note of this shifting sentiment and are reformulating their product lines to use more natural and organic dietary fibers. For example, oat fiber has gained immense popularity as a clean-label source of soluble fiber. Its soothing properties make it suitable for use in snack bars, breakfast cereals, yogurts, etc. According to the International Oat Association, worldwide production of oats increased by 2% in 2021 as compared to the previous year, indicating higher demand.

Rising demand for gluten free and sugar free products: The rising demand for gluten free and sugar free products is having a significant influence on the global dietary fibers market. More and more people are opting for healthier food options that help to manage their weight and promote overall wellness. This has increased the demand for fiber-rich foods across the world. Dietary fibers provide a feeling of fullness and help slowly down the digestion process which helps people to consume fewer calories and manage hunger pangs effectively.

This shift in consumer preference has led to innovations in product formulations and marketing strategies by food companies. According to a report provided by the WHO, worldwide obesity rates have nearly tripled since 1975 with over 650 million adults and 120 million children considered clinically obese. This underscores the need for a balanced, fiber-rich diet. The demand for gluten free and sugar free high fiber options is likely to grow further as more people adopt preventive healthcare approach through correct food habits.

Market Restraints:

High prices of dietary fibers: The high prices of dietary fibers are posing a major challenge for the growth of the market. Dietary fibers are an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet as they help to promote digestive health and reduce the risk of obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers. However, the rising cultivation and production costs of various fiber sources like fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, and legumes have significantly increased their market prices in the recent years.

This rise in input costs is forcing manufacturers to pass on some of the increased expenses to the end consumers in the form of higher product prices. Due to inflationary pressures and economic slowdown that is caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic across regions, consumers have less disposable income available to spend on premium-priced healthy fiber foods and supplements. The high prices make them unaffordable for the masses, particularly in developing nations where a large population is based.

Stringent international quality standards and regulations: Stringent international quality standards and regulations have certainly placed restrain on the growth of the market. Countries across the world have implemented various quality control standards to ensure safety and well-being of consumers. While such measures aim to protect public health, they do impose certain compliance burden on food businesses.

All these quality-aligned operational challenges pose difficulties for small and medium scale players in particular. The increased cost of compliance and delayed market arrivals diminish the returns on product innovations. This discourages explorations of newer dietary fiber sources and applications. In 2021, according to the data provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), less than 20% of the small fiber producers in Asia Pacific were found adhering to basic quality standards due to the prohibitive costs involved. With the global fibers market still in the growth stage, such restrain on innovation can surely impact its future expansion potential negatively.

Counterbalance: Ensure compliance with regulations by investing in quality control measures and testing to ensure that products meet the required standards. Another way is to work with regulatory bodies to understand the requirements and ensure that products are properly labeled and marketed. Collaboration with industry associations and other stakeholders can also help to develop best practices and guidelines for compliance.

Recent Developments:

• In July 2021, Cargill, Incorporated., plans to invest US$ 45 million (EUR 38 million) in adding soluble fibers to its European portfolio of starches, sweeteners, and texturizers to meet rising demand for low-sugar products. Cargill Incorporated is a US-based global food corporation headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
• In April 2021, Hain Celestial Group Inc., a natural and organic products company, sold its plant-based WestSoy and Dream brands to SunOpta Inc., company focused on natural food, ingredient sourcing, organic food, and specialty foods. SunOpta Inc. will be able to increase its footprint in the niche market of plant-based beverages due to the US$33 million deal. The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. is an international food and personal-care company based in the U.S. Its products include natural foods and organic personal-care items.

Figure 2. Global Dietary Fibers Market Share (%), By Application, 2023

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Top Companies in this Market

• Cargill, Incorporated
• Archer Daniels Midland
• Ingredion Incorporated
• E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
• Tate & Lyle PLC
• SunOpta Inc.
• Suedzucker AG Company
• Grain Processing Corporation
• RETTENMAIER & SÖHNE GmbH & Co KG
• Roquette Frères S.A

*Definition: Dietary fibers are a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. They are defined as the edible parts of plants or analogous carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the human small intestine, usually with complete or partial fermentation in the large intestine. The term includes polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, and lignins. There are two main types of dietary fibers: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers dissolve in water and form a gel-like substance, while insoluble fibers do not dissolve in water and pass through the digestive system largely intact. Dietary fibers have been associated with numerous health benefits, including improved digestive health, lower cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.