The Muscle Mag
U.S.: Herbal supplement sales rebound in 2023
Following a slight decline in 2022—the first in two decades—herbal supplement sales rose by 4.4% in 2023, reaching an estimated $12.55 billion, as reported by the American Botanical Council’s latest Herb Market Report.
The 4.4% increase from 2022 to 2023, totaling an additional consumer expenditure of $533 million year-over-year, is lower than the average annual growth rate of 8.2% observed from 2015 to 2019. Nonetheless, the return to positive growth in 2023 after a minor 1.9% decrease in 2022 suggests a potential return to the previous upward trend in consumer sales.
In the mainstream channel, psyllium maintained its top position with sales of $276.1 million in 2023, reflecting a 2.7% increase from 2022.
Despite a 27.7% drop in sales compared to the previous year, elderberry remained in the second spot with nearly $177 million in sales. The top five also included turmeric ($133.3 million in sales), ashwagandha ($120.4 million), and apple cider vinegar ($101 million).
Read the full report on NutraIngredients-USA.
U.S.: Gatorade mixes up portfolio with vitamin-enhanced Hydration Booster line
Gatorade has introduced a new electrolyte drink mix line called Hydration Boosters, which has a stronger appeal to lifestyle than Gatorade’s traditional sports-oriented products.
Marissa Pines, senior marketing director for PepsiCo’s Gatorade business, stated in an interview with FoodNavigator-USA, “Gatorade has been in the hydration industry for nearly six decades, and in recent years, we have taken steps to continue evolving the portfolio to meet the needs of different athletes and consumers. Gatorade Hydration Booster is our new electrolyte drink mix that further expands our offerings in this enhancement category.”
Developed in collaboration with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, the Hydration Booster line aims to address consumer demands for convenient and functional ways to enhance water consumption, focusing on more everyday lifestyle moments, according to Pines.
The global water enhancer market, encompassing dry mixes and liquid drops, was valued at $1.68 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 10.03% from 2024 to 2028, driven by product innovation and demand for functional products, as per a Technavio report.
Read more HERE.
EU: Journal issue to address all aspects of the safety profile of ashwagandha
Experts are requesting submissions for a special issue of Phytotherapy Research dedicated to addressing all aspects of the safety profile of ashwagandha. Dr. Thomas Brendler, one of the guest editors for the issue, emphasized the importance of addressing concerns in a systematic manner.
Ashwagandha has faced increased scrutiny in Europe in recent years and was listed as one of the 13 ingredients of concern in a report from the Heads of Food Safety Agencies (HoA) in Europe.
The HoA report suggests an Article 8 procedure against the 13 ingredients, potentially leading to their ban from use in food supplements.
“The best approach now is to address all concerns systematically, and that is the focus of this special issue,” stated Dr. Brendler, affiliated with the University of Illinois.
For more insights, watch our video interview with Dr. Brendler HERE.
Asia: NutraIngredients-Asia Award winners announced
The 2024 NutraIngredients-Asia Awards took place at the Abandoned Mansion in Bangkok, celebrating the region’s top ingredients, products, research, and initiatives.
Hosted by NutraIngredients-Asia’s editor Tingmin Koe and editor-in-chief Gary Scattergood, the event honored Ramasamy Venkatesh, managing director at Gencor Pacific, with the 2024 NutraChampion Award.
For a comprehensive list of the winners, click HERE.
