World demand to rise 8.1% annually through 2016
World demand for food safety products is forecast to rise 8.1 percent per year to $18 billion in 2016. High profile international foodborne illness outbreaks, in addition to large product recalls due to food safety concerns, will continue to fuel demand as the prevention, identification, and traceability of food contaminants will remain key issues for consumers, food industry participants, and legislators. Demand for food safety products will also be boosted by the adoption of more stringent food safety regulations in both developed and developing countries. Advances will further be supported by growth in food and beverage production and expansion in the foodservice industry, as food processing plants and foodservice establishments constitute the largest markets for food safety products.
Food processing plants to remain largest market
The food processing segment will continue to account for the majority of the overall market for food safety products. The largest share of demand will stem from the meat, dairy, and beverage industries. Raw meat is easily contaminated during slaughter and subsequent processing, necessitating extensive food safety measures. Dairy product manufacturers will use food safety advances to extend dairy product shelf life. Above average growth is expected in the organic dairy product industry. Gains in beverage applications will be fueled by continued investment in disinfection equipment to purify water supplies, particularly filtration, ultraviolet, and ozone equipment. Demand for food safety products in foodservice establishments will be supported by growth in the foodservice industry, especially the limited service segment, as consumers seek convenient and inexpensive food options.
Disinfection products to be largest segment
Disinfection products will remain the largest food safety product segment, representing about half of all demand through 2016. Demand for diagnostic testing products will benefit from an upsurge in the frequency of food plant inspections, in no small part due to increasingly strict food safety regulations worldwide. Demand for disposable gloves is also expected to advance rapidly, boosted by gains in foodservice applications, especially the fast growing quick service restaurant segment. Good opportunities will exist for smart labels and tags, driven by the rapid adoption of new smart label technology in food packaging and heightened emphasis on traceability in the food supply chain.
China to offer some of the best growth opportunities
The US will remain the world’s largest national user of food safety products by far, accounting for over one-fourth of the world market through the forecast period. However, the most rapid advances will occur in developing regions. Gains in Asia, the Africa/Mideast region, Eastern Europe, and Central and South America will all outpace the global average. China will continue to see some of the fastest growth in demand, due to mounting pressure to ensure the safety of the food supply following a number of food safety incidents. In the coming years, China will surpass Japan to become the world’s second largest food safety product market. Other countries such as India, Brazil, Russia, and Mexico will also see rapid increases in food safety product demand through 2016, but gains will stem from a much smaller base.