Immune Health Demands Continue to Grow In Asia
It goes without saying that concern about the risks from foreign challenges such as viruses has never been higher. However, even before the current crisis, immunity was a major concern for consumers in Asia.
Immune support is in high demand in Asia.
Last year, Wellmune® conducted consumer research showing that demand for immune health products was high across the world, but particularly so in Asia.
- Immune system support is the most important reason for purchasing healthy lifestyle products in all countries in Asia except Japan (where it is #2).
- In China, 50% of respondents said they had used an immune health product in the previous six months and a further 29% said they would consider doing so in the future.
- In Indonesia, 51% of respondents said they had used an immune health product in the previous six months and a further 23% said they would consider doing so in the future.
- In Thailand, 41% of respondents said they had used an immune health product in the previous six months and a further 25% said they would consider doing so in the future.
Join our webinar to learn more about the importance of research when evaluating immune health ingredients. Register here.
Population aging drives interest.
There is more than one driver for this growing interest, but one of the most important is population aging. By 2050, the number of Asians aged 60 or over is projected to hit nearly 1.3 billion – and they are looking to stay healthy and active for longer.
Functional foods, beverages and supplements are in demand in Asia.
While traditional methods of maintaining immune health, like washing our hands frequently and getting enough sleep have never been more important, many consumers are also turning to functional foods, beverages and supplements. Consumer research shows:
- In Thailand, juices, snacks, dietary supplements, and various beverages are the categories where interest in immune support benefits is strongest.
- In Indonesia, dietary supplements, fruit/vegetable juices and snacks are categories in which there is strong interest in immune support benefits.
Science-supported products are essential.
Consumer research also shows people are more likely to buy a product if its claims are based on research or scientific data. For example, in Asia, research on ingredients (41%) and seeing scientific data (39%) are key purchase drivers for healthy lifestyle products.
Why is research important?
Simply put, quality research is the key to understanding the safety of an ingredient, how it works, and its benefits – all of which help deliver products consumers can trust. And in this time of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that companies act responsibly and demonstrate a commitment to safety, efficacy and scientific research. Creating a quality immune health product starts by evaluating a functional ingredient’s research, characterization and safety data.
Join our webinar to learn more about:
- What consumers want from healthy lifestyle products
- Why research is important to understanding the benefits of an immune health ingredient
- How to better evaluate immune health ingredients
- And a look at some of the differences between common immune heath ingredients and their research
Sources:
Kerry, Global Consumer Survey – Digestive & Immune Health, 2019
Euromonitor, ‘Healthy Ageing and the Supplements Trend in Asia Pacific’, 2018
United Nations ‘World Population Ageing’, 2017
Kerry, Global Consumer Survey – Digestive & Immune Health, 2019