The Africa microbial food culture market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period 2020-2025.

  • The market is majorly driven by the growing consumer demands for functional food and probiotic food supplements, along with the rising awareness regarding the consumption of fermented food products. In addition, its functional properties that improve the overall quality and shelf life of the product without any degradation of sensitive ingredients is expected to further strengthen its demand.
  • Furthermore, increasing technological advancement in processing and frequent product launch of new ingredient offerings is expected to propel the microbial food culture market growth in the region. Several organizations, such as Yoba-for-Life, Heifer International, and Joma Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology are working on probiotic strains and product development. For instance, in 2016, these organizations together had aimed to donate one-gram sachets containing probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 bacteria and Streptococcus thermophilus strain, for around USD 0.50 each in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.



Key Market Trends

Rising Demand for Probiotics in the Region

The probiotics market in the region has witnessed significant growth owing to its effectiveness in improving gut-related disorders related to digestion, intestinal tracts, etc. Moreover, growing awareness regarding the connection between diet and health is augmenting the demand for probiotic food and beverage products and dietary supplements in the region. Furthermore, owing to such factors global brands is focusing on launching innovative products to cater to the growing demand in the region. Additionally, the region has witnessed a steady consumption of probiotics as an animal feed due to increased awareness among the farmers about the positive effects of probiotics on animal health and thus eventually on the growth and productivity of animals coupled with manufacturer’s focus to develop innovative products driving the market growth in the country. For instance, in 2019, Animal Nutrition & Health (ANH) in partnership with Chr. Hansen launched new triple strain poultry probiotic GalliPro Fit in South Africa. The product is a uniquely formulated probiotic combining three novel strains into one product, creating a 3-in-1 solution for some of the poultry industry’s challenges.

South Africa to Drive the African Market

The market has witnessed an increase in health-conscious consumers who are looking for ways of mitigating the negative health effects of increasingly stressful lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. Moreover, a growing number of consumers are using probiotics to prevent and manage their digestive and general health issues. Owing to the growing demand manufacturers operating in the market are focusing on developing products with enhanced functional benefits to achieving competitive advantage in the market. For instance, in 2019, ProVen Probiotics launched its range of products in South Africa which include Acidophilus & Bifidus with A-Z Multivitamins for Children, with a combination of 100% of the recommended daily allowance of all 13 essential vitamins, together with 2.5 billion Lab4 friendly bacteria; and Adults Acidophilus & Bifidus with 25 billion, high strength probiotics which support healthy digestive and immune systems, particularly in those people affected by a stressful and hectic lifestyle. Moreover, ProVen Probiotic products contain zero artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Competitive Landscape

The Africa microbial food culture market is competitive and fragmented in nature owing to the presence of many regional and domestic players. Emphasis is given on the merger, expansion, acquisition, and partnership of the companies along with new product development as strategic approaches adopted by the leading companies to boost their brand presence among consumers. Key players dominating the country’s market include Chr. Hansen Holding AS, Lallemand Inc., Lake International Technologies, Protex International (Bioprox), and LB Bulgaricum, among others.

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