Indian probiotic market 'expected to grow'

The market for probiotic products in India is expected to experience huge growth in the coming years, according to a report on AP-Food technology.

Frost and Sullivan researchers have recently highlighted the potential for expansion within the country's probiotic market, which is expected to experience yearly growth of 22.6 per cent until 2015.

In 2009, two of the world's largest probiotic brands, Yakult and Danone entered the Indian market hoping to take advantage of the rapidly growing population. The joint venture between the two companies, called Yakult Danone India (YDI), aims to educate the Indian public about probiotic products.

Kiyoshi Oike, managing director of YDI, said at the time: "Though the market for probiotic foods in India is still at a nascent stage, as pioneers and global leaders in this category we will play a major role in developing the probiotics food market in India."

According to Frost and Sullivan, the probiotic market in the country is expected to be worth over €1 million (£870,937) by 2015. However, challenges were highlighted including poor storage facilities, supply chains and underdeveloped distribution channels.

Posted by Lauren Cook.