The food supplements market - Italy

The dietary supplement market includes the manufacture, distribution, and sale of products formulated to supplement the diet and provide essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, fiber, and other substances with beneficial physiological effects. These products are intended to improve health, well-being, and physical or mental performance and are marketed in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, liquids, and nutrition bars. The sector is divided into several categories, including essential vitamins and minerals for metabolism and prevention of nutritional deficiencies, proteins and amino acids used for muscle recovery and improved sports performance, probiotics and prebiotics for gut health and strengthening the immune system, omega-3 and essential fatty acids with beneficial effects on cardiovascular and brain health, plant extracts and phytotherapies such as ginseng forenergy or turmeric for anti-inflammatory properties, weight control supplements aimed at supporting metabolism management, and antioxidant and anti-aging products that counter oxidative stress and slow cellular aging. the market has a wide target audience, including sportsmen and athletes who use protein, BCAAs, creatine, and energy bars; the elderly who rely on supplements for bones, joints, memory, and cardiovascular health; women who turn to products for skin care, hair, and nails, as well as specific solutions for pregnancy and menopause; children who need vitamins and minerals for growth and development; and people with special needs, such as vegans, celiacs, and those with food intolerances. At the regulatory level, dietary supplements must comply with strict regulations that define their safety, labeling and permitted claims, following the guidelines of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Ministry of Health. Manufacturing companies are required to ensure the quality of ingredients and transparency of formulations to ensure consumer safety. The dietary supplement market is booming globally, driven by increasing health awareness and the spread of more wellness-conscious lifestyles, with a focus on innovation and sustainability in formulations and manufacturing processes. The global dietary supplementmarket is steadily expanding, with projected growth of 67.7 percent between 2024 and 2030, from $194.7 billion to $326.6 billion, and a CAGR of 8.98 percent. Increased awareness toward health, the trend toward preventive medicine, and the adoption of healthier lifestyles are the main growth drivers. In Europe, the market is confirmed to be equally dynamic, with a projected increase of 67.8%, from $44.4 billion in 2024 to $74.5 billion in 2030, driven by strong demand in Italy, which boasts the largest continental market. In Italy, the value of the dietary supplement market is expected to grow from €4.5 billion in 2024 to €7.55 billion in 2030, with a CAGR of 9%. Between 2018 and 2024, total sales increased by 37.2%, supported by the wide adoption of supplements targeting general health, mental wellness, and preventive medicine. Distribution is dominated by pharmacies, accounting for 77.9 percent of sales in 2023, followed by large-scale retail, parapharmacies, and online channels. Demand is influenced by the aging population, with more than 31% of Italians over 60 years old, and the growing interest in personalized wellness. On the supply side, the sector is distinguished by a strong presence of Italian companies such as Aboca, Pharmanutra and Enervit, alongside global players. Companies focus on innovation, developing products with natural and sustainable ingredients, and on practical formats such as chewable gums and stick packs. Digitization plays a key role, with a growing prevalence of e-commerce and subscription services.