The market for dietary foods - Italy

The global market for diet foods has been experiencing growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% projected for the period 2022-2027. Growth drivers include an increased consumer focus on unified lifestyles and rising incidences of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and celiac disease. Notably, the market for diet foods in 2021 consisted of 30% Total Diet Replacements (TDRs) and 70% Meal Replacement Products (MRPs). During the years 2020-2021, Italy saw significant growth (28.0%) in the production of specialized diet foods, driven largely by products like gluten-free foods. However, the industry is not without its challenges, as the Russian-Ukrainian conflict led to a consumer price index increase for food products by 19.6 points between January 2022 and November 2023, resulting in a 19.6 percent price increase in consumer prices over that period.

Analyzing the Flourishing Demand for Diet Foods in Italy: Trends and Figures

In recent years, the Italian market has been witnessing a notable increase in the demand for diet foods – an umbrella term encompassing an array of products tailored for individuals with certain health conditions, necessitating specific nutritional needs, and infants in good health under 12 months of age. This surge in demand is propelling the value of diet foods higher, with the industry's worth estimated to rise from a significant $213.7 billion to an impressive projected $303.0 billion globally between 2022 and 2027. The Italian market for diet foods has shown a similar pattern of growth, with the total turnover for homogenized and dietetic food productions expanding by an estimated 50.9% from around 1.12 billion euros to approximately 1.69 billion euros between 2017 and 2021. Specialized nutrition foods, particularly those produced for the dietary management of medical conditions such as celiac disease, dominate the market with a share of 76.5%. Of particular note, gluten-free products have reached a production value of roughly 738.1 million euros, indicating a considerable demand within the segment.

The market's expansion has been driven by various factors, not least among them the gradual increase in the number of Italians afflicted by diseases that necessitate dietary adjustments. The prevalence of obesity, for instance, has climbed from 10.5% to 12.0% of the population over 18 years old, translating into a staggering count of nearly 6 million individuals. Similarly, diagnosed cases of celiac disease have shown a 17.0% increase, touching nearly 242,000 cases. Not to be overlooked are chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which have seen respective incidence rates inch up to 18.6% and 6.6% of the population, respectively. Demand for diet foods is not uniformly spread across the country. Regions in the Northwest boast the highest concentration of individuals requiring specialized diets due to chronic diseases and allergies – accounting for 26.4% of the total number. Conversely, the South is home to the highest number of individuals with obesity, nearly 1.6 million, which is about 26.8% of the nation's total obese population. The sector itself has expanded, with the number of enterprises growing by 7.0% over four years, numbering around 214, while the workforce employed surged.

Prominent Diet Food Manufacturers in the Italian Market

The Italian market for diet foods is populated by a diverse group of companies that specialize in creating specialized food products tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of individuals with dietary restrictions or health conditions. These companies stand out not only for their innovative products but also for their commitment to quality, safety, and the promotion of healthier lifestyles. Let’s delve into the profiles of some of these key players :

• Dr. Schär s.p.a With over a century of history, Dr. Schär is a titan in the specialized nutrition industry. Offering gluten-free solutions under the brand Schär, the company caters to the needs of individuals with celiac disease. They also produce Flavis brand foods with controlled protein levels for those managing chronic renal failure and congenital protein metabolism disorders. Kanso is another division offering foods with medium-chain fatty acids for particular clinical conditions. Dr. Schär's dedication to quality and innovation has made them a trusted partner in improving the lives of those with special dietary needs.
• Enervit s.p.a Originating in 1954 from the vision of Paolo Sorbini, Enervit has established itself as a leader in the sports supplement and functional nutrition sector. Their expertise lies in the research, development, production, and marketing of products designed for sports enthusiasts and those passionate about their overall well-being. Enervit prides itself on product innovation and is particularly renowned for its functional bars and other health-related supplements. 
• Esi s.r.l Established in 1975, Esi is dedicated to the creation and distribution of dietary supplements, phytotherapeutic products, and natural cosmetics. Known for their innovative formulations, Esi meets the burgeoning demand for health-oriented products, advocating for high product quality and safety, grounded in scientific research and technological advancement.
• Geovita s.r.l Geovita, with roots dating back to 1926, focuses on the production and distribution of dietary and organic products. The company is well-known for its adaptability in meeting modern trends of healthy and sustainable nutrition. Their dedication to selecting premium-quality ingredients and sustainable practices places Geovita at the forefront of the food market.
• Nutrition & Sante' Italia s.p.a Founded in 2003, Nutrition & Sante' Italia specializes in dietary products and food supplements. The company offers a variety of weight management products, such as meal replacements and diet-specific snacks and sweeteners. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 16/01/2024

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