Probiotic products are likely to see a boost from the growing coronavirus epidemic in Europe, if trends observed in Asia are anything to go by, according to GlobalData.
According to GlobalData analyst Mitsue Konishi, when the effect of COVID-19 became prolonged in Asia, "consumers searched for products that they thought would protect their health in general", with probiotic products filling this gap.
Natto Sales
Konishi cites the example of natto, a fermented soybeans product that has been low in stock consistently since the outbreak hit Japan – it is known for its health benefits, particularly in terms of lowering cholesterol, and is filled with fibre, probiotics and vitamin K2.
In addition, she added that probiotic yoghurts, which are generally associated with gut health and immunity, are also selling well.
“Consumers are more actively buying probiotic products," Konishi commented. "There will not be natto panic buying in Europe, but probiotic products claiming to improve the immune system are likely to grab consumers’ eye in the UK, as well as Europe.”
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
