Food Fibers Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

The Global Food Fibers Market is projected to register at a CAGR of 9.15% over the next five years.

Over the last couple of years, there has been an increase in the demand for nutritionally significant food by consumers. Since the awareness about the benefits of food fibers on health has become more prevalent over the past few years, the consumption of food fibers has also increased significantly. Health-conscious consumers are taking proactive and preventive measures for their health owing to increased awareness between a healthy gut microbiome and immune function, metabolic wellness, digestive health, and mental well-being. Fiber is a functional ingredient that supports the microbiome.

Thus, according to the 2021 Food and Health Survey from the International Food Information Council (IFIC), over 56% of consumers added or increased fiber content in their diet. While most consumers (92%) seek to get fiber from food, one in five still supplement their diet with fiber supplements. Additionally, the growth of the food fiber industry is augmented by its fortification in shelf-stable food products, such as natural alternative sweeteners, like monk fruit extracts, stevia, shelf-stable bars, cereal, chips, pretzels, and other snacks. Moreover, protein supplements and meal replacement options incorporated dietary fibers from diverse sources, such as nuts, seeds, and chicory root.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Trend of Fiber Fortification in Food Industry

Dietary fibers offer proven health benefits, including weight management, heart health, immunity, satiety, and digestive health, as more than half of consumers worldwide are trying to increase their fiber intake. This prompted manufacturers to fortify higher-value products, like crisps, puffs, flakes, and other dietary fibers. Furthermore, World Health Organization has recommended a fiber intake of 25 g/day for adult women and 38 g/day for adult men. However, globally, the average information is below 20 g/day. Additionally, according to the latest study by the University of California San Francisco Health, the average fiber intake by adults in United States is around 15 grams daily. This represents half the recommended daily amount. This gap, coupled with increased consumer attention toward health and wellness, has triggered the fiber fortification trend in the food industry.

In September 2021, United Kingdom Food and Drink Federation (FDF) launched a new initiative to boost the nation's fiber consumption. Currently, only 9% of adults are getting recommended fiber intake. Several food brands, including Nestle, BirdsEye, and Kellogs, have supported this 'Action on Fiber' initiative and have undertaken pledges such as highlighting higher fiber options on product packaging to commitments to launch new products containing high amounts of fiber. In the past few years, the increased fiber demand has also been boosting the global trade of plant-based, clean-label fibers such as inulin.

Europe Remains Prominent in the Market

The increasing awareness regarding the consumption of food fibers and the associated health benefits are the main factors supporting the growth of the market in the region. This has increased the transition from consuming traditional foods to high-fiber foods. Additionally, the demand for soluble fiber in this region has also soared, as soluble fiber found in beans, oats, flaxseed, and oat bran may help lower blood cholesterol levels. In July 2021, due to the continued growth in demand for soluble fibers, Cargill invested USD 45 million (EUR 38 million) in the expansion of its European portfolio of starches, sweeteners, and texturizers to include soluble fibers.

The United Kingdom Food Standards Agency (FSA) has adopted an AOAC international method to authorize the labeling of inulin as a fiber. This recent development allows manufacturers to label inulin and oligofructose as dietary fibers in United Kingdom. Manufacturers now claim the following benefits on the ingredient label - enriched with fiber, fibers added, and rich in fiber. Moreover, high traction around clean-label food, functional food products, and plant-based and sustainable food products in the region will also likely make fibers a key ingredient in the European food industry in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape

The food fiber market is competitive, with various central and local players competing to gain market share. Key players are trying to expand their market by strengthening their distribution channels by acquiring small companies, developing new products, and expanding their geographical presence. Companies focus on introducing new innovative products to increase their market share, primarily by targeting new sources of plant-based fiber, such as hemp, pea, and potato. Cargill Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Kerry Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, and Tate & Lyle are the major players operating in the food fiber market.

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