SPORTS NUTRITION MARKET ANALYSIS

Sports Nutrition Market Size and Trends

The sports nutrition market is estimated to be valued at USD 51.65 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 93.20 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2024 to 2031.

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The sports nutrition market has been witnessing significant growth over the past few years. The demand for healthy and nutrition-rich dietary supplements among athletes and sports enthusiasts to enhance physical performance and speed up the recovery process has been driving the market growth. Moreover, increasing sports participation and growing awareness about fitness and wellness are some of the key factors expected to boost the sales of sports nutrition products during the forecast period. However, stringent regulations associated with the advertising and promotion of sports supplements may restrain the market growth to some extent. But growing millennial population's inclination towards fitness is likely to unlock new opportunities for market players in the coming years.

Growing health consciousness

The rising awareness about the importance of good health and fitness is one of the key drivers of the sports nutrition market. People are realizing that maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps in preventing various chronic diseases and improves overall quality of life. They are understanding the role of proper nutrition in boosting physical performance and aiding muscle development. With busy schedules, many lack time to cook nutritious meals on a daily basis. Consumers thus rely on convenient nutrition products like sports drinks, supplements and bars to fulfill their nutritional needs, especially on busy days. Protein supplements in particular see strong demand as youngsters aspire for a toned physique. The prioritization of health has become a way of life for both fitness enthusiasts and casual exercisers. With more people joining gyms and taking up sports, the uptake of performance-enhancing foods and beverages is bound to rise further in the coming years.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Another major factor creating a conducive environment for the sports nutrition market is the popularity of active lifestyles. Gone are the days when people led a largely sedentary existence glued to desks and screens. There is now a significant cultural shift towards living an energetic lifestyle involving some form of physical activity on a regular basis. More individuals have started recognizing the mental and emotional benefits of routine workouts in addition to its physical perks. The rising health consciousness has also channeled this trend. The growing accessibility of fitness facilities and the promotion of sports at community levels have further spurred participation. From marathon running to soccer to CrossFit, there is no dearth of options for exercisers to choose from. The competitive spirit also drives many to push boundaries and achieve superior results through scientific training and nutritional interventions. As keeping up with strenuous workout routines demands proper nourishment and recovery, the requirement for sports foods and supplements is multiplying.

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The sports nutrition market faces several challenges. As customer tastes continue to evolve, it is difficult for companies to keep up with demand for new product innovations. Moreover, the market is highly competitive with many new entrants offering similar products. This has led to pricing pressures and companies finding it hard to differentiate themselves. Additionally, regulations around product claims and ingredients make it challenging to formulate new products and impact marketing strategies. Customers are also increasingly health-conscious which pushes companies to utilize clean label ingredients without compromising on taste and performance.

 Market Opportunities: The growing popularity of fitness and wellness

The sports nutrition market also provides several opportunities for companies who are able to leverage them. The growing popularity of fitness and wellness has expanded the potential customer base beyond serious athletes. Customers are more willing to experiment with different product types and forms like gummies and spreads.

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In the sports nutrition market, the product segment is led by sports drinks, which contributes 46.1% share of the overall market. Several key factors have driven the popularity and demand for sports drinks.  Firstly, sports drinks are extremely convenient for both casual and serious athletes. Their liquid format allows for easy consumption during or after physical activity without disrupting an athlete's routine. Sports drinks can be tossed back quickly to replenish fluids and minerals lost through sweat. This makes them ideal for on-the-go hydration. Secondly, sports drinks are designed specifically for proper hydration during exercise. They contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium that are lost through perspiration. Regular water cannot adequately replace both fluids and electrolytes at the same time. Many athletes have learned through experience that sports drinks prevent dehydration and muscle cramping more effectively than water alone. The flavor varieties available also appeal to different tastes. Popular options like Gatorade come in fruit punch, orange, and lemon-lime flavors that taste more pleasant than plain water when athletes are pushing their limits. The addition of carbohydrates in many sports drinks further improves absorption of fluids and supports energy levels during intense workouts or games. Finally, strong marketing by leading sports drink brands has increased awareness of their performance-enhancing and recovery benefits. High-profile sponsorship of major sporting events and athletes help validate the role of sports drinks in supporting an active lifestyle. As exercise habits increase worldwide, dependence on sports drinks for convenient and effective hydration will likely continue dominating their product segment. Growing strategic initiatives by key players is expected to drive the segment growth. For instance, in September 2023, Coca-Cola introduced the Limca Sportz ION4 sports drink in India.

 Insights, By Distribution Channel: Supermarkets Dominate Sports Nutrition Distribution through Product Selection and Price

Among the distribution channel segment in the sports nutrition market, supermarkets/hypermarkets accounts for 41.2% of the market share. This is driven primarily by their size advantages in terms of product selection and price competitiveness. Larger stores devote more space to sporting goods departments where they can stock the full range of sports nutrition products from various brands. Customers can easily compare nutrients facts, flavors and value sizes all under one roof. This makes supermarkets a one-stop-shop for their shopping needs. Their vast scale also enables negotiations for better bulk purchase deals from manufactures. Cost savings are passed on through regular promotional pricing that beats specialty wellness stores. Studies show price influences sports consumers' shopping decisions strongly. Greater foot traffic in supermarkets increases product visibility and trial. Clever product placement by shelves, fridges and checkouts induces impulse buys. Sports promotions, loyalty points for sports gear complement studio-sponsor deals to engage customers. Finally, 24x7 store formats match athletes' schedules, while reaching mainstream crowds for easy weekday top-ups. Effective digital media targets new audiences via delivery slots. With continued private label expansion, supermarkets will leverage scale further to strengthen leadership online and in-stores.

Regional Insights

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North America has established itself as the dominant region in the global sports nutrition market with 41.22% of the market share. With the growing health and fitness trends in the U.S. and Canada, there is immense popularity around protein powders, energy bars, pre-workout supplements, and other sports nutrition products. Leading brands from the region like GNC, Optimum Nutrition, Warrior Lab, and EAS have strong market presence both within North America as well as globally.  The presence of major sports leagues in the region and fitness obsessed population has boosted the consistent demand for high-quality sports nutrition over the years. Moreover, several private label brands available at large retail chains like Walmart, Target, and Costco, etc. have further widened the consumer reach. International players trying to enter the North American market also face stringent regulations and certification requirements pertaining to product quality, labelling, and safety. This acts as a barrier for new entrants and protects the market share of existing domestic brands.

Asia Pacific is witnessing the fastest growth in the global sports nutrition market landscape. Countries like China, India, Thailand, and Indonesia are touted to be major growth drivers on the back of rising health awareness, proliferation of gyms and fitness centers as well as flourishing sports culture in the urban centers. Young population with increasing disposable incomes are willing to spend on specialized supplements that promise fitness goals.  E-commerce has given tremendous boost to product visibility and availability in the otherwise fragmented APAC markets. Domestic brands are upgrading themselves and garnering sizeable revenues through strong online sales while global brands are also ramping up sponsorships and visibility campaigns catering to regional consumer preferences. Simultaneously, private label brands manufactured by regional players as per international standards are finding wider acceptance amid price-sensitive buyers. Overall, economic development, changing consumer habits, and supportive distribution environment make Asia Pacific an attractive and high potential sports nutrition market of the future.

Market Report Scope

Sports Nutrition Industry News

• In July, 2023, Myprotein launches three new products in India.
• In May 2023, Continente Launches New Sports Nutrition Brand.
• Sirio Europe's announcement of launching two new collagen-based gummies designed for sports nutrition at the Vitafoods Europe trade show in April 2023 represents a significant development in the realm of dietary supplements tailored for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Collagen, known for its role in supporting joint health, muscle recovery, and overall connective tissue function, is a valuable ingredient in sports nutrition products.
• Olly's introduction of two new products, the Post-Game Recovery Gummy Rings and Pre-Game Energize Gummy Rings, in February 2023 demonstrates the brand's commitment to meeting the specific needs of the fitness community.

*Definition: The sports nutrition market involves the manufacturing and sale of nutritional products targeted towards sports enthusiasts and athletes. This includes sports and energy drinks, sports food and supplements containing vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients that help improve athletic performance, stamina, muscle building, and recovery. The products aim to provide hydration and energy before, during, and after workouts or competitive sports. Popular categories are sports bars, gels, powders, and shakes consumed as meal replacements or supplements to regular diet.

Market Segmentation

•  Product Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Sports Food
  • Sports Drinks
  • Sports Supplements
•  Distribution Channel Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Specialty Stores
  • Online Stores
  • Other Distribution Channels
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • Maxinutrition
  • Glanbia
  • PepsiCo
  • GNC Holdings
  • Clif Bar & Company
  • The Coca-Cola Company
  • Universal Nutrition
  • Atlantic Multipower UK Limited
  • GlaxoSmithKline PLC
  • Olimp Laboratories
  • Ultimate Nutrition Inc
  • PowerBar Europe GmbH
  • Iovate Health Sciences
  • Quest Nutrition
  • PepsiCo
  • Cliff Bar
  • The Coca-Cola Company
  • MusclePharm
  • The Bountiful Company
  • Post Holdings