The acceleration in demand for immunity boosting products reported during the coronavirus pandemic is likely to transition into a permanent ‘new norm’ of higher growth.
That’s the conclusion of latest analysis by Sirio Europe (Ayanda), the European headquarters of global supplements contract manufacturing specialist SIRIO Group,
“Already in Europe, we have seen a significant spike in the demand for immunity products across the main economies. In fact, recent weekly data from Euromonitor shows an increased purchasing of Vitamin C and Multivitamins by consumers, with unusual levels of stockouts present throughout Europe. While production and supply chains have been pretty robust during lockdowns, we have still seen large stock shortages. This is particularly surprising, as we are now approaching summer, which is not traditionally a peak period for these products. Anticipating a surge, we secured a very large inventory of ingredients to ensure continuity of supply for all customers” commented Dr. Dominique Baum, managing director at SIRIO Europe.
Additionally, says the company, confinement regulations leaving consumers with reduced exposure to sunlight has increased sales of nutraceuticals containing vitamin D or other ingredients that compensate the lack of natural daylight. Consumers are also purchasing products that strengthen their respiratory and cardiovascular systems, with Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants – that may protect against oxidative stress – proving popular. The long-term cumulative effect, the company suggests, will be continued growth in health boosting and immune boosting supplements, adding a further driver to an already expanding nutraceuticals class.
It cites as an example significant recent growth in sales of probiotics, which help stabilize the microbiome – an essential regulator of equilibrium in immunity.
“The lasting impact of the virus will see a further acceleration of an already popular product class and, in the next few years, we will likely see many new innovative immune formulations delivered via softgels and gummies. Consumers will be looking for new ways to potentially boost health and immunity with combination products, and we anticipate those products with multiple actives are likely to be increasingly popular. It’s difficult time for society, but it could lead to further improvements with an increased consumer focus on wellbeing” added Baum.
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