Italy Probiotics Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Ingredient (Bacteria (Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus Thermophilus), Yeast, Saccharomyces, Boulardii, Others), By Form (Liquid, Dry), By Application (Functional Food And Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed), And By End-User (Human, Animal) - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The Italy probiotics market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.10% to reach a market size of US$555.188 million in 2028 from an initial value of US$419.1442 million in 2021.

Probiotics are live microorganism that when consumed provides health benefits such as improving the digestive system and boosting the body’s immune response. Yogurt and dietary supplements are some of the major sources of probiotics. Probiotics, when consumed properly, improve overall gut health, reduces intestinal inflammation, and prevent the body from diseases such as diabetes, diarrhoea, and irritable bowel syndrome. The growing prevalence of diabetes has provided a positive outlook to the probiotics market in Italy. For instance, according to the World Bank’s data, in 2021, Italy’s diabetes prevalence for the population aged 27 to 79 years stood at 6.4% which represented a 1.3% over 2011.

Probiotics, besides human consumption, are also used in animal feed to increase the gut immunity and disease resistance of animals. The surge in demand for livestock and poultry products in Italy is expected to propel the probiotic’s usage in animal feed thereby stimulating the overall market growth.

Drivers:

• Gut & heart health

Consumption of probiotics improves gut & heart health and reduces symptoms of digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel syndrome. The growing health awareness among people in Italy has boosted the scale of fitness activities, for instance, according to the Eurostat’s “Italy Physical Activity Factsheet 2021”, the prevalence of physical activity among adults aged 60 years and above stood at 32.8% which represented an increase of 8.8% in 2013. Furthermore, as per the same source, physical activity prevalence among children aged 8 to 9 years stood at 32.4% for the same year. Such an increase in physical activities has provided a positive outlook on the demand and usage of probiotics in Italy, thereby propelling the overall market growth.

• Consumer Awareness

Consumers are becoming more proactive in managing their health and are seeking natural and holistic solutions, leading to a higher demand for bacteria-based probiotic products. For instance, Probiotical's probiotic yogurt contains a blend of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium strains known for their beneficial effects on gut health. The yogurt is packaged in convenient single-serve cups, making it easy for consumers to incorporate into their daily routines. This innovative product format allows individuals to consume the desired bacteria strains deliciously and conveniently, promoting the growth of the bacteria segment in the Italy probiotics market. 

Changing trend in Italy

Moreover, urbanization and evolving lifestyles are further resulting in changes in dietary patterns, including higher consumption of processed foods and reduced physical activity. This shift has resulted in a greater prevalence of digestive disorders and other health issues. Probiotics are perceived as a natural and effective solution for promoting gut health and alleviating digestive problems. The convenience and ease of incorporating probiotics into daily routines through functional food and beverages make them a popular choice for urban dwellers.

Ongoing academic research

The scientific research and evidence supporting the positive effects of bacteria strains in various health conditions are driving consumer confidence and trust in these products. This increased trust, coupled with recommendations from healthcare professionals, is fueling the growth of the bacteria segment in the Italy probiotics market. For instance, in 2021, the University of Milan conducted a study showing that probiotic supplementation reduced the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children. This highlights the potential of probiotics as an alternative approach to support gut health and decrease reliance on antibiotics, aligning with the rising concern about antimicrobial resistance. 

Health benefits associated with bacteria ingredients.

By ingredient, the Italy probiotics market is divided into bacteria (Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus), yeast (Saccharomyces boulardii), and other miscellaneous ingredients. During the forecast period, the bacteria segment is expected to hold a considerable market share and is driven by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with bacteria strains such as Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Functional food and beverages are gaining popularity.

Functional food and beverages fortified with probiotics are gaining popularity as they offer a convenient and tasty way to incorporate these beneficial microorganisms into the diet. Some common examples of probiotic functional food and beverages in Italy include yoghurt and dairy products, probiotic drinks, functional foods such as probiotic-enhances cereals, granola bars, bread, and snacks available in the Italian market. These products aim to provide additional health benefits while being part of the regular diet.

Recent Developments

• Favorable launches and development for probiotics are also driving their market demand in Italy. For instance,
• In September 2021, Italian microbiome health startup Lac2Biome developed its white-label skin care product “Infiniteskin Microbiome Serum” which was made from the proprietary live probiotic strain m.biomeliveskin88. 
• Also, in February 2021, Perrigo and Probi signed a semi-exclusive agreement to launch their digestive & immune health probiotics in Europe. The companies stated that launch their first product in Italy in May 2021.
• Moreover, in October 2020, CSL Centro Sperimentale Del Latte launched its “Florganic Probiotics” in Italy which offers Lactobacillus strains that improve overall respiratory, oral, and skin health.
• In July 2021, a contract for Probi Ferrosorb®, a probiotic was signed by Probi AB and a new client in Italy. FerroSorb® is considered ideal for functional foods including beverages and powder products as well as for capsules, pills, and stick-packs. The product offers a natural way to maintain iron storage, may boost iron absorption, is mild on the digestive system, and does not cause gastrointestinal pain frequently connected with iron supplements. 

Italy Probiotics Market Scope:

SEGMENTATION:

• By Ingredient

• • Bacteria

• • • Lactobacilli
    • Bifidobacterium
    • Streptococcus thermophilus

• • Yeast
  • Saccharomyces boulardii
  • Others

• By Form

• • Liquid
  • Dry

• By Application

• • Functional Food and Beverages
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Animal Feed

• By End-User

• • Human
  • Animal