South Korea Probiotic Supplements Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Ingredient (Bacteria (Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus Thermophilus), Yeast (Saccharomyces Boulardii)), By Type (Tablets/Capsules, Sachet & Drops), By End User (Adult, Kids), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline (Pharmacy, Super Markets, Other Outlets)), Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

The South Korea probiotics supplement market was valued at US$165.187 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.78% during the forecast period.

Probiotic supplements are products that contain live microorganisms, primarily bacteria or yeast, designed to offer health benefits when consumed. These microorganisms are often referred to as "good" or "helpful" bacteria due to their perceived role in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms that reside in the digestive tract. An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to various health issues, including digestive problems, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. Probiotic supplements are believed to restore balance to the gut microbiome by introducing beneficial bacteria. These bacteria can help to outcompete harmful bacteria, promote the growth of other beneficial bacteria, and produce substances that have positive effects on health. Probiotic supplements come in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. They are also present in some fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.

Introduction:

The probiotic supplement market in South Korea has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, and this surge can be largely attributed to a combination of high online engagement and a well-established e-commerce marketplace. Probiotic products, known for their positive impact on gut health, have secured a significant share in the health-functional food market, leading to a substantial increase in their sales value over the past few years. Several factors contribute to the success of probiotics in the South Korean market. One key driver is the heightened scientific awareness among consumers, coupled with a burgeoning demand for a healthier lifestyle.

This shift in consumer mindset is evident in their receptiveness to information about the benefits of probiotics and the importance of maintaining a balanced microbiome. Such awareness is disseminated through various channels, including media, TV health programs, commercials, and social networking services, creating a robust informational ecosystem that supports the market's expansion. Notably, retailers in South Korea are actively exploring new products that promise health benefits, and probiotics, which command a higher profit margin, have emerged as an appealing option. Unlike some markets where price may be a primary consideration, Korean consumers prioritize the efficacy of the product over its cost. This discerning approach reflects a desire to invest in high-quality supplements with genuine health effects.

Drivers:

• Online Engagement and E-commerce: In South Korea, the surge in online engagement with probiotics reflects a broader societal trend of increasing digital connectivity. The country's tech-savvy population has seamlessly integrated the exploration and purchase of probiotic supplements into their online routines. The convenience and accessibility offered by e-commerce platforms have played a pivotal role in shaping consumer behavior in the probiotic supplement market.
• Innovative Product Offerings: The probiotics market is characterized by a diverse array of innovative product offerings, with probiotics available in various forms, including drinks, capsules, powders, snacks, and even beauty and skincare products, all leveraging the benefits of probiotics for healthy skin.
• Regulatory Support and Quality Assurance: The South Korean government plays a crucial role in regulating and ensuring the safety and quality of probiotic products in the market, which has contributed to consumer trust and confidence in these products.
• Consumer Awareness and Demand for Healthier Lifestyle: Consumers in South Korea have shown a growing scientific awareness and demand for a healthier lifestyle, learning about the benefits of probiotics and a balanced microbiome through media, TV health programs, commercials, and social networking services.
• Retailer Strategies and Consumer Preferences: Retailers have been exploring new products with promising benefits, and probiotics, which command a higher margin, have become one of their options. South Korean customers are inclined to choose supplement products based on their perceived effectiveness rather than just price, and they believe that probiotics offer more benefits than vitamins and minerals

Products offered by key companies:

• Duolac Yum Yum Plus features a blend of 67% lactic acid bacteria and 33% Bifidus bacteria, offering triple care for children's gut health (probiotics), immune system (zinc), bone health (vitamin D & calcium), and overall well-being.
• Amway offers Nutrilite Botanical Beverage Mix - Chicory Root Extract with Probiotics is a dietary supplement that combines the benefits of chicory root extract and probiotics to support digestive health and overall well-being.

Prominent growth in the online segment within the South Korean probiotics supplement market:

The South Korean probiotic supplements market has witnessed remarkable growth, particularly in the online segment, presenting a promising and consistent opportunity for the expansion of probiotics. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this growth as consumers turned to probiotics to strengthen their immune systems. This surge in demand for immune-boosting supplements highlights the probiotic market's adaptability and resilience in responding to health trends and crises. The success of probiotics in South Korea can be attributed to the increasing scientific awareness among consumers and their heightened interest in adopting healthier lifestyles. This knowledge is disseminated through various channels, including media, TV health programs, commercials, and social networking services, fostering a well-informed and health-conscious consumer base. Concurrently, retailers are actively exploring new products with promising health benefits, and probiotics, with their higher profit margins, have emerged as a strategic choice for businesses seeking to cater to the evolving preferences of South Korean consumers.

Notably, South Korean consumers exhibit a discerning approach to supplement selection, prioritizing perceived effectiveness over mere cost considerations. They hold the belief that probiotics offer a multitude of benefits, surpassing those of traditional vitamins and minerals. This inclination towards products that deliver tangible results underscores a shift in consumer mindset, emphasizing the importance of functional and outcome-driven supplements in the market.

Prominent growth in the adult segment within the South Korean probiotics supplement market:

The surge in the South Korean probiotics supplement market, particularly in the adult segment, is intricately linked to several key factors. One pivotal driver is the growing scientific awareness and an increased demand for healthier lifestyles among consumers. This shift in consciousness has been spurred by widespread exposure to information on the benefits of probiotics and balanced microbiomes through various media channels such as TV health programs, commercials, and the pervasive influence of social networking services (SNS). Consequently, there has been a palpable uptick in the demand for probiotic supplements, especially among adults who are actively seeking options to enhance their overall well-being. Another influential factor contributing to the burgeoning probiotics market is the aging population in South Korea.

The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer to the demand dynamics of the probiotics market. With probiotics recognized for their immune-strengthening properties, there has been a noticeable surge in demand during the pandemic. In 2021 the market witnessed a significant wave of interest in probiotics as individuals sought health protection and immunity reinforcement, further fueling the market's growth in the adult segment. E-commerce has played a pivotal role in facilitating the accessibility and popularity of probiotic products. This surge in online engagement has provided a convenient avenue for adults to explore, purchase, and incorporate probiotic supplements into their daily routines, contributing significantly to the market's expansion.

Market development:

• In February 2022, AceBiome broadened the availability of AB21®, a novel probiotic formulation, to pharmacies and online channels in South Korea. AB21®'s proprietary blend of four meticulously selected probiotic strains works in three ways to combat viral respiratory infections.
• In June 2022, BioGaia expanded its partnership with Grace International, granting the company exclusive rights to market and sell its infant probiotic drops in South Korea.

Segmentation

• By Ingredient
  • Bacteria
    • Lactobacilli
    • Bifidobacterium
    • Streptococcus thermophilus
  • Yeast
    • Saccharomyces boulardii
• By Type
  • Tablets/Capsules
  • Sachet & Drops
• By End User
  • Adult
  • Kids
• By Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline
    • Pharmacy
    • Super Markets
    • Other Outlets