Germany Probiotics Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The Germany probiotics market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.91% over the forecast period, from US$2.46 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$3.28 billion by 2029.
Probiotics are living bacteria and yeasts that benefit both humans' and animals' digestive systems. They are microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the human body when taken at appropriate levels, such as improving gut health, reducing intestinal inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies and colds, urinary infections, diarrhea, and so on. Probiotics also help to boost the immune system, which helps to prevent disease. The Statistisches Bundesamt estimated that the total number of people in 2023 was about 8,46,69,326, out of which about 24.5% were 20 to 40 years and 26.8% were 40 to 60 years old, while under 20, 60 to 80 years, and 80 to 100 were 18.8%, 22.6%, and 7.2% respectively. With the rising aging population, the demand for healthy dietary products, including probiotics, will also rise.

Probiotics are found in food products like yogurt, dietary supplements, and fermented food products as well. Apart from this, food supplements are one of the major sources of probiotics in Germany. With growing chronic diseases and increasing sedentary lifestyles, individuals are becoming more aware of the benefits of such supplements. This is one of the major factors driving the German probiotic market. Although increasing research, investment, and health awareness are projected to expand in the future, the cost of research and development remains a key barrier for this industry.

GERMANY PROBIOTICS MARKET DRIVERS:

The rising cases of chronic diseases are predicted to boost the demand for probiotics in the German market.

Germany is observing growth in its population, and the risk of chronic diseases, like diabetes and digestive issues, is increasing. The decreasing fertility rate and high life expectancy indicate an aging population, with many people above 65 years of age.

According to the World Bank, about 22% of the German population is over 65. Further, it is projected that one-third of the population will be over 65 by 2050. The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency reports that around one in six individuals in Germany suffers from a serious disability or chronic disease that affects their daily lives.

Moreover, as per the Statistisches Bundesamt's recent report, the causes of death by circulatory system disease were highest at 33.6%, followed by cancer at 21.7%. Mental or behavioral disorders, respiratory system disease, and digestive system disease accounted for 6.4%, 6.3%, and 4.3%, respectively, in 2022. Further, the health and social welfare systems are incurring significant expenses due to rising prevalence and related illnesses.

Germany Probiotics Market Segment Analysis

The functional food and beverages segment is expected to provide major market expansion.

Functional food and beverages (F&B) form an integral part of the daily diet intake owing to the various health benefits offered by the products that prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and diabetes. The German population is looking for F&B products that not only satisfy their hunger and thirst but also offer nutritional and antioxidant benefits that assist in maintaining bodily homeostasis. With the growing chronic disease prevalence, especially in males, the demand for functional food & beverage is also projected to grow.

According to the data provided by the Federal Statistical Office, in 2022, chronic Ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in males in Germany, with the death count reaching up to 42,900. Moreover, the same source stated that deaths caused by acute myocardial infarction and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases stood at 27,800 and 17,000, respectively.

The animal segment is predicted to contribute significantly to market growth.

The German probiotics market for animals is projected to show significant growth owing to the large number of pets and the increasing growth rate of pet adoption. Approx. 50% of the households in Germany have pets. Additionally, the rising pet ownership in the country will propel the advancement of probiotics in animal nutrition. For instance, as per the Central Association of Zoological Specialist Companies (ZZF), there were around 34.3 million cats, dogs, and other pet birds in German households. Further, according to the estimates from the Industrial Association of Pet Care Producers (IVH), the sales of pet food increased to around US$3.6 billion in 2021, mainly comprising dog and cat food.

According to the March 2022 press release by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, organic egg production in the country increased by 10.4% in 2021 from 2020 to reach a total value of 1.7 billion eggs. The organic animal farming growth in Germany serves as a prominent factor in propelling the growth of probiotics for better livestock output in the future.

Additionally, innovations and pet food catalog expansions by major players in Germany are further anticipated to propel the overall probiotics market growth under the animal division. For instance, MERA produces 60 thousand tons of premium food products for dogs and cats, as mentioned on the company’s website. In another instance, Chr Hansen, in August 2021, launched a new portfolio of stable live probiotics for enhancing a pet’s life stage by using probiotics in pet foods and supplements. The European Union, in January 2021, approved Chr Hansen’s triple strain probiotic for use in the poultry industry.

Furthermore, the key development by major players will bring innovative products for animal nutrition to the country. For instance, in 2023, Evonik, headquartered in Germany, announced its wide portfolio of gut health solutions based on probiotics for Poultry, swine, and aquaculture. This also encompasses the company’s expansion of production capacity in Spain.

Market Segmentation:

The German Probiotics Market is segmented and analyzed as below:

By Application

• Functional Food and Beverages
• Dietary Supplements
• Animal Feed

By End-User

• Human
• Animal

By Ingredient

• Bacteria
• Lactobacilli
• Bifidobacterium
• Streptococcus thermophilus
• Yeast
• Saccharomyces boulardii
• Others

By Function

• Regular
• Preventative Healthcare
• Therapeutic

By Type

• Lactobacillus
• Streptococcus
• Bifidobacterium
• Spore Formers
• Others

By Form

• Liquid
• Dry

By Province

• Berlin
• Hamberg
• Bavaria
• Others