European Market for Antimicrobials in Food and Beverage Applications

Research Overview

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled European Market for Antimicrobials in Food and Beverage Applications provides an overview of antimicrobials used in various food applications. This study also offers a complete analysis of key drivers, restraints and trends affecting the market. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets/applications/technologies: baked goods, beverages, dairy and others (meat, fruits and vegetables and convenience foods).

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

By Application:

• Baked Goods
• Beverage Products
• Dairy Products
• Others (which include meat, fruits and vegetables as well as convenience foods)

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Microencapsulation
• Antimicrobial packaging
• Antimicrobials containing whey protein coating for cheese

Market Overview

Technological Advances Crucial to Improve Demand for Synthetic Antimicrobials

Across Europe, commodities such as synthetic antimicrobials are being increasingly used to extend the shelf life of food products. Some of the key application areas of antimicrobials include baked goods, beverages, dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables, and convenience foods, with the dairy sector exhibiting the highest growth. In keeping with increasing global distribution of food and the recent outbreaks of food poisoning such as avian flu and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), the use of varied combinations of antimicrobials, along with efficient delivery systems become imperative. Consequently, this will ensure food safety and restrict spiralling grocery costs.

"The future of food antimicrobials lies in improving technology combined with effective delivery systems to curb the growth of food spoilage organisms," notes the analyst of this research service. "These advances would propel food processors to continue to rely on the use of synthetic antimicrobials as an effective means to prolong the shelf life of food products." At the same time, natural alternatives are gradually gaining increased prominence over synthetic antimicrobials, due to the rising awareness of health benefits of natural foods. As a result, the emerging natural antimicrobials market poses a challenge to the development of chemical antimicrobials. However, high price and limited availability of natural alternatives promote sustained use of synthetic counterparts. In this context, technological advances are likely to assist in improving the product quality of synthetic antimicrobials and widening their use in diverse applications.

Emphasis on Consumer Education Essential for Market Growth

Currently, consumers are unaware of the stringent scientific safety assessment and authorisation procedures that are undertaken before antimicrobials are permitted for use. Hence, consumers are unwilling to purchase products that contain substances described in complex terms. Further, emerging scientific reports linking the use of synthetic substances to diseases such as cancer, are resulting in dwindling consumer confidence. "Consumers are sceptical about the consumption of antimicrobials, fearing its negative effects on health," states the analyst. "Such consumer apprehensions related to the antimicrobial usage are likely to reduce opportunities for further growth."

To overcome this hurdle, educating customers on the antimicrobial terminologies used in product labels will enable them to make informed decisions. Moreover, customers will also need to be made aware of the scientific assessments implemented before antimicrobials are permitted for use. Thus, greater awareness of the permitted levels of usage and a clear understanding of complex terminologies on product labels will become crucial in gaining consumer confidence. In this scenario, the market growth is anticipated to be slow, with revenues growing from $119.7 million in 2005 to $ 131.2 million by 2012.