The healthy food market - Italy

The global health food market, valued at $113.8 billion in 2022, is expected to grow significantly at a CAGR of 9.33% through 2030, potentially reaching $232.30 billion. Driven by consumer demand for nutrition and a decrease in unhealthy food consumption, the sports nutrition segment is also surging with a 2022 valuation at $42.7 billion and an anticipated growth to $82.5 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 8.6%.
The European sports nutrition market alone could jump from $5.76 billion in 2022 to an estimated $9.94 billion by 2029.
In Italy, the "healthy" food and supplement industry turnover hit 1.2 billion euros in 2019, with a marked increase in certain health food categories between 2016 and 2022: "rich-in" products soared by 131.6%, while "free-from" products grew by 23%. Moreover, the Italian sports drink market is projected to reach $971.2 million by 2027 from its $661 million valuation in 2022. The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has exerted upward pressure on consumer prices, with a 19.6% increase in the food consumer price index from January 2022 to November 2023.

Rising Interest in Sports Nutrition and Health Foods in Italy

The Italian market reflects a growing interest in health and sports nutrition, evidenced by a surge in consumer spending and shifting buying habits. Between 2019 and 2022, the "healthy" food and supplement segment within the pharmaceutical and food industries achieved a considerable turnover, estimated at approximately 1.2 billion euros. Notably, the sales of "rich-in" foods, which are fortified with protein, fiber, and vitamins, skyrocketed by more than 130% in this period, indicating a significant consumer move towards nutrient-dense options. Concurrently, "free-from" products that minimize sugar, fat, and other unwanted additives have also experienced a noteworthy increase of around 23% in sales. The Italian sports drink and energy drink market further corroborates this trend, reaching a value of over 660 million dollars in 2022, with projected growth of approximately 7.6% annually until 2027.
The demand for sports nutrition products rose dramatically by over 122% between 2021 and 2022, signaling robust consumer interest in this category. Interestingly, Italian households have reduced their spending on unhealthy oils, fats, and sugary products by approximately 11.6% and 2.3%, respectively, suggesting an overarching shift towards healthier food choices. Moreover, the move towards sports nutrition is further reinforced by the increase in value and volume spending on health foods, with products devoid of added sugars, high-protein offerings, and low-calorie selections showing significant growth in the biennium period 2021/2022. Italians' approach to health and wellness is evolving, with nearly half of the population expressing a desire to improve their diet and about 20% looking to follow a diet plan. A substantial 72% of Italians have also shown an inclination to engage in more physical activity. Notably, almost 27% of Italians over the age of three participate in sports consistently, a percentage that has grown by around 2.5% since 2015. The Italian population's main sources of information for a healthy lifestyle are experts in the field and consulting websites.

Prominent Figures in the Italian Sports Nutrition Landscape

The Italian market for sports nutrition features a diverse array of established and emerging companies that cater to the nutritional demands of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Each brand brings its own unique philosophy and product offerings to the table, contributing significantly to the growth and dynamism of the sector. Below are the key players that are shaping the Italian sports nutrition market: 

Bulk™ - Paving the Way in Online Sports Supplements Originally launched in 2005 as BULK POWDERS™, Bulk™ has swiftly carved out a niche for itself as a leading name in the sports nutrition supplement industry. Renowned for its direct-to-consumer approach, the British-based company prides itself on its commitment to offer an extensive selection of top-notch nutritional supplements at affordable prices. With a hands-on approach to product manufacturing, Bulk™ guarantees both quality and competitive pricing, ensuring that customers across the fitness spectrum can access the best supplements to support their health and athletic goals. 
Enervit S.p.A - A Beacon of Innovation and Performance Enervit S.p.A, with its origins dating back to 1954, stands tall as a pioneer in the realms of sports food supplements and functional nutrition. Established by Paolo Sorbini, the company has a storied history marked by continual innovation and meaningful collaborations with elite athletes. Enervit has built a reputation for developing a comprehensive range of products engineered to enhance athletic performance and overall well-being, solidifying its status as a trailblazer in the discovery of novel nutritional solutions.
Nutrition & Santé S.p.A - Forging a Future of Functional Foods Since its inception in 2003, Nutrition & Santé S.p.A has been at the forefront of producing functional foods and nutritional solutions that cater to both physical and mental wellness. As a forward-thinking enterprise, the company has remained agile, staying ahead of food trends with a focus on organic, "free-from," and locally sourced products. Operating 11 production facilities across France and Spain, the firm's commitment to responsible manufacturing and sustainability is evident in its broad spectrum of over 500 food recipes under esteemed brands such as Gerblé, Céréal, Valpibio, and Bicentury. 
Namedsport S.r.l - Natural Nutrition for Peak Performance A relative newcomer founded in 2014, Namedsport S.r.l has quickly established itself as a specialist in nutritional products that draw on the principles of natural medicine.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 17/01/2024

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