The global sports nutrition market is anticipated to witness considerable growth, with an estimated valuation of approximately $23.8 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8%. This market was valued at approximately $15.6 billion in 2021, indicating a substantial rise in value over this forecast period.
The sports nutrition sector encompasses a wide range of products, including sports drinks, supplements, energy bars, and protein powders. The demand for these products is increasing rapidly, driven by a rise in health consciousness, an upswing in sports activities, and the growing popularity of fitness culture.
Several key trends underline this growth:
Given these trends, the market is well-positioned for continued growth over the coming years. While the market's prospects are promising, challenges such as regulatory hurdles and concerns about the safety and effectiveness of some products may pose potential roadblocks. However, with ongoing advancements in product development and an increasingly health-conscious global population, the future of the sports nutrition market looks bright.
Top 5 Players to Capture Over 55% Market Share
The sports nutrition market is moderately consolidated, with the top five players accounting for over 55% of the total market share. These companies include, PepsiCo Inc., GNC Holdings, Cliff Bar & Company, The Coca-Cola Company, and Abbott Laboratories. These companies have established strong brand identities, innovative product lines, vast distribution networks, and substantial investment in R&D, which allow them to maintain a significant market share.
Abbott Laboratories is a well-known multinational healthcare company that operates across various segments, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices, and nutrition. With a revenue share of over 16.5% in the global sports nutrition market, Abbott Laboratories has established a significant presence in this competitive industry.
Protein Powder to Contribute More Than 24% Revenue Share to the Market
Among different product types, protein powders dominate the market, contributing to over 24% of total market revenue. Protein powders' popularity can be attributed to their versatility and the widespread understanding of protein's essential role in muscle recovery and growth. This product type is favored by both professional athletes and regular gym-goers, owing to its convenience and effectiveness.
Whey protein remains the most popular type of protein powder due to its complete amino acid profile and rapid absorption rates. Vegan protein powders, such as those made from peas or hemp, have also seen significant growth due to increasing consumer demand for plant-based products.
Post Workout Sports Nutrition to Generate Over 50% of Sports Nutrition MarketRevenue
The post-workout sports nutrition segment represents over 50% of the market's total revenue. The demand for these products is driven by their role in enhancing recovery, reducing muscle damage, and improving overall athletic performance. Post-workout supplements typically contain a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and other nutrients designed to replenish the body's stores and kick-start the recovery process after intense physical activity.
North America to Contribute Over 40% Revenue to Global Sports Nutrition Market
Geographically, North America contributes over 40% of the global sports nutrition market's revenue, the largest share compared to other regions. This dominance can be attributed to a high prevalence of sports and fitness culture, greater awareness about sports nutrition, and the presence of major market players in the region. The U.S., in particular, has a thriving sports industry, which directly impacts the demand for sports nutrition products.
Moreover, the availability and accessibility of these products through various channels, including online platforms, have significantly driven growth in this region. However, the market in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest rate in the coming years due to increasing awareness about health and fitness and growing disposable income.
A Shift to Vegetarian and Vegan Diet to Shape Sports Nutrition Market
The demand for plant-based sports nutrition products is indeed on a sharp rise, driven by a growing global shift towards vegetarian and vegan diets, increasing awareness of the environmental impact of animal-based products, and a broader recognition of the health benefits associated with plant-based nutrition.
The number of people identifying as vegan has been increasing globally. For instance, in the United States alone, the number of people identifying as vegan was pegged at 1.67 million. In the UK, the Vegan Society estimated that there were 2.7 million vegans in 2022, up from 150,000 in 2014. A substantial proportion of these consumers, particularly those engaged in regular physical activity, are likely to be interested in plant-based sports nutrition products.
Consumer preferences are shifting towards natural, minimally processed ingredients, and plant-based products often align with these preferences. Moreover, a growing body of research suggests that plant-based diets can provide all the necessary protein and other nutrients needed for high-level athletic performance, which is further boosting their popularity.
To target the growing vegan population, brands in the plant-based sports nutrition space are employing a range of growth strategies:
Segment Overview
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