The Rise of Omega Fatty Acids in Functional Products

Analyst Insight by Diana Cowland, Analyst - Health and Wellness, Euromonitor International

 Most of the health benefits derived from consuming fish oil originate from the long chain omega fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), according to many clinical research studies. Flaxseed, canola and soybean oils are typical non-animal sources that provide short chain omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) or omega-6 fatty acids in the form of linoleic acid (LA). All of the above are becoming increasingly familiar labels on dietary supplements and food and drink products across the globe. Retail value sales of food (including milk formula) and drink with added omega fatty acids reached US$30 billion in 2012, while sales of fish oils/omega fatty acids in supplement format reached US$1.8 billion, and interest is certainly not fading.

Dietary supplements the clear leader in adult intake of omega fatty acids

The health benefits linked to omega fatty acids range from aiding children’s brain development to boosting the ageing brain’s health, heart health and even helping to relieve depression. At the moment, excluding milk formula from food and drink, dietary supplements are the clear leader with regard to adult intake. In fact, in four of the seven regions covered by Euromonitor International’s consumer health research, fish oil/omega fatty acid supplements ranked among the top three fastest growing types of supplements over 2007-2012. In Australia, where this is the second fastest growing type of supplement, consumers are embracing its benefits for cardiovascular and mental health. Companies such as Blackmores and Sanofi offer a wide array of fish oil options to people at different age stages. In Latin America, fish oils/omega fatty acids are also gaining importance. They have long been used as a paediatric supplement in many countries but are now being promoted as an “omega” supplement.

The Move towards Natural Colors, Flavours, and Additives

One of the hot topics at the World Food Technology and Innovation Forum was the move from artificial to natural colours, flavours and additives. Lianne van den Bos, Senior Research Analyst at Euromonitor explains the steps companies like Nestlé and Tate & Lyle have taken towards natural ingredients, and explains that innovation in natural products should be the next target for companies looking to be ahead of the curve.

Watch on Youtube

Related articles

Beverage Ingredients: Trends and Influences

La industria de Alimentos Saludables en América Latina: México, Colombia y Venezuela

Este webinar, enfocado en México, Colombia y Venezuela, tratará temas de interés como las principales categorías de alimentos saludables y las tendencias de innovación que actualmente están en alza. El objetivo de la conferencia es analizar las tendencias de consumo e innovación en nuestros países tomando como marco referencial tendencias globales en productos saludables, la situación económica y temas de salud pública. Se analizarán los mercados de México, Colombia y Venezuela y los aspectos únicos de esta región en comparación con otros países en el mundo.

Understanding Australia's Business and Consumer Environment: A Guide for Successful Business Down Under

Understanding Australia's Business and Consumer Environment

How will Australia's economy, business environment and consumer trends impact the success of your business? This e-book examines the fundamentals businesses must understand to successfully expand or operate in Australia.

Download Now >>

Heralded as the success story among advanced economies for weathering the global economic downturn of 2008-2009, Australia’s high income levels and steady growth offer good opportunities for consumer goods and services in a wide range of sectors.

Key Findings:

• At the height of the global slowdown, advanced economies as a whole contracted by 3.5% - contrasting with Australia’s 1.4% growth.
• Whereas incomes and consumer expenditure have stagnated across many advanced economies, Australia’s per capita disposable income and expenditure have expanded by 9.8% and 3.5% respectively in real terms since 2008.
• In 2012, Australia was ranked 15 out of 183 economies on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, meaning it is the fifteenth easiest place in the world to start and operate a local firm.
• Australia has an educated population: 99.9% of adults (those aged 15+) were literate in 2011, but suffers from skills shortages.
• In 2011, the population aged 45-49 in Australia had the highest average gross income: A$77,810 (US$80,259).

Topics include:

• Ease of doing business rating
• Corruption index
• Literacy rate
• Future challenges
• Natural resources
• Media consumption
• Consumer trends
• More

Download Now >>

The Surge of Organic Dairy Products in Turkey

Sales of organic dairy products are rising in Turkey; benefiting from increased consumer awareness of health and wellness and rising disposable income. Private label companies, which make up a large section of the dairy industry in the country, are boosting organic sales as well. 

Watch on Youtube

Global Pharmaceuticals Industry 2012

Global pharmaceuticals revenue growth slipped in 2012 recording 2% annual growth. China, US and Japan remain the main payers in the industry. China will continue to strengthen its positions in the future.

Masculinity vs Health: Challenges and Opportunities

Cultural and social pressures shape men as tough, which ultimately affects their health outcomes. A strong sense of independence, control & resilience often prevents men from seeking timely help related to health. Not surprisingly male life expectancy shows unfavourable gaps when compared to the female gender. Consumer health offers therapies and options that may improve life expectancy. Market opportunities exist in the promotion of men’s health. The challenge is to find successful approaches.

The report offers:

• An overview of masculinity and health indicators
• What does consumer health offer to men?
• Approaching and talking to men
• What is the future of men’s health

Download a sample of "Masculinity Vs Health: Challenges and Opportunities"

For more information on this report, please contact Olivier Hoffman <Olivier.Hofmann@euromonitor.com>

Related articles

Weight Management Update: Opportunities and Challenges

Functional Milk Protein and Greek-style Yoghurt Together Offer Healthy and Indulgent Snack Opportunities

For the Sake of Public Health, Let's Not Give Up on Reduced Sugar

14 Facts about Mothers from Euromonitor's Survey Research

14 Facts about Mothers from Euromonitor's Survey Research

Euromonitor International's Annual Survey revealed global trends among mothers. Read 10 key facts below and then listen to our podcast to learn more.

1. Despite other demands on their time, mothers exercise slightly more often than women who have no children (69% of mothers do physical activity weekly vs. 61% of female non-mothers; 41% of mothers go to the gym each week vs. 35% of female non-mothers).
2. Parents (both mothers and fathers) use shortcuts for information about nutrition—such as testimonials and packaging—more than non-parents.
3. Mothers use advertising (TV, print, internet) as a shortcut to find out about other product information.
4. Nine out of ten mothers prepare meals at home at least once a week, more often than anyone else, including fathers (7 out of 10).
5. Mothers typically prepare home-cooked meals using entirely raw ingredients (62%), relying less on pre-prepared ingredients, such as shop-bought sauces (43%).
6. When mothers do choose convenience options such as ready meals, it is because they are pressed for time—not because they prefer ready meals or because they cannot or do not like to cook.
7. Almost half (47%) of mothers say they are on a diet trying to lose weight
8. Although mothers say they are health-conscious, they “cave in” and snack more often than non-mothers during the daytime (2.2 vs. 2.0 snacks per day on average)
9. Mothers in developed markets are more willing to spend extra on convenient products (49%) versus “green” products (36%)
10. Mothers in emerging markets consider a variety of other product information beyond quality, price, and convenience, such as branding and packaging, as well as “green”
11. Mothers in emerging markets especially enjoy learning about new products (trying new products, browsing shopping malls), compared to mothers in developed markets
12. Mothers in developed markets are especially cost-conscious and enjoy bargain-hunting more than mothers in emerging markets (though they are not necessarily using their smartphones to find deals)
13. 60% of mothers visit social networking websites (e.g., Facebook) at least weekly, compared with 55% of fathers and 46% of non-parents
14. Mothers and fathers share photos and videos online more frequently than non-parents (31% vs. 32% vs. 27%)

These results about mothers were derived from responses to Euromonitor International’s Annual Survey 2011; this survey reached out to ~16,000 online consumers ranging in age from 15 to 65+ and living in 8 major markets:  Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, UK, USA.  

Related articles

Female-Led Consumption - A Long-Term Trend to Benefit Many Sectors

Greater Discretionary Spending to be Unleashed in China and India

As two key emerging markets and home to the world’s largest populations, China and India feature prominently in the development strategy of many businesses. Although food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing and transport have been so far growing strongly, in the 2013-2020 period households in both countries will spend significantly more on communications, health goods and medical services and education as continued income growth will unleash greater capacity for discretionary spending.

Related articles

India's Diverse Consumer Spending Patterns Require Multiple Business Strategies

Regional Focus: Asia Pacific's Changing Consumption Patterns Spur New Opportunities

Global Population Under the Age of 30 Centered in Emerging Markets

For the Sake of Public Health, Let’s Not Give Up on Reduced Sugar

Analyst Insight by Simone Baroke, Contributing Analyst, Euromonitor International

A new study makes the point that reducing sugar intake is valuable in the global battle against obesity. Reduced-sugar packaged foods and drinks, however, are delivering a mixed performance. While reduced-sugar soft drinks have a high penetration in developed markets, they lag behind in emerging economies, and reduced-sugar packaged foods are delivering moderate growth at best. So, where do we go from here?