Food for Special Medical Purpose Market - By Condition , By Form , By Target Consumers , By End Users , By Distribution Channel and By Geography - Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2024-2030

Food for Special Medical Purpose Market Overview

The Food for Special Medical Purpose market size is expected to reach approximately $26.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2024 to 2030. Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) are evidence-based nutritional solutions for the dietary management of specific disorders or disease-related medical conditions. FSMPs are developed with stringent nutrient content to support patients with unique metabolic and health requirements. Demand is propelled by growing burden of diseases such as cancer, an aging population and rising prevalence of metabolic disorders.

Trends within this market highlight a shift toward personalized nutrition and innovations in formulations to improve patient outcomes. In 2023, Nestlé Health Science introduced a new line of tailored nutritional products for patients with specific diseases, reflecting a push toward precision nutrition. Additionally, Danone is working on advanced formulas for infants with unique dietary needs, as well as solutions to support aging populations. Furthermore, the rise of plant-based diets and awareness of food allergies has led to the development of allergen-free and vegan FSMP options, catering to broader dietary preferences and restrictions.

Market Snapshot: 

Food for Special Medical Purpose - Report Coverage:

The “Food for Special Medical Purpose Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Agricultural Packaging Market.

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

• Due to COVID, the Food for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) market faced significant disruptions. Lockdowns and restrictions affected manufacturing and supply chains, leading to delays in the production and distribution of specialized nutritional products. Increased demand for immune-boosting and therapeutic nutrition products helped offset some losses as patients and healthcare providers prioritized FSMPs for vulnerable populations.
• The Russia-Ukraine war also influenced the FSMP market. The conflict disrupted the global supply of essential ingredients, especially for nutrition products heavily reliant on imported raw materials. Rising costs and shortages of certain components increased FSMP prices, challenging accessibility for some consumers and heightening the need for localized production and resilient supply chains.

Key Takeaways

Cancer is the largest segment

Cancer is the largest segment in the FSMP market, driven by the growing prevalence of the disease and the critical role of nutritional support during treatment. According to the World Health Organisation, globally over 35 million new cancer cases are predicted in 2050, an increase from the estimated 20 million in 2022. Patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery often face nutrition issues due to side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss. FSMP products tailored for cancer patients are designed to provide high-calorie, protein-rich and easily digestible nutrition to support recovery and maintain strength. These products also enhance immune function and help manage treatment-related side effects, improving overall quality of life. Rising cancer awareness campaigns and advancements in oncology care have amplified the adoption of nutritional interventions. Healthcare professionals increasingly recommend FSMP products as an integral part of comprehensive cancer care, further fueling market growth. 

Oral is the largest segment

Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) dominate the FSMP market owing to their ease of use, wide availability and diverse formulations. These products are designed for patients who can consume food orally but require supplemental nutrition due to medical conditions like cancer, chronic illnesses or malnutrition. ONS come in convenient forms including ready-to-drink liquids, powders, and bars making them convenient for both hospital and home settings. The segment’s growth is supported by increasing awareness among healthcare professionals and patients about the benefits of oral supplements in managing medical conditions. Moreover, oral FSMP appeals to children, adults and the elderly alike, further driving demand. Liquid oral nutritional supplements are traditionally developed with casein proteins as these high-quality proteins naturally tolerate high-heat treatments. However, whey protein is higher in leucine and is more quickly digested than casein, resulting in faster and higher levels of blood plasma leucine and other essential amino acids. In September 2023, FrieslandCampina Ingredients launched Nutri Whey ProHeat, a heat-stable whey protein designed for the medical nutrition market.
 

North America Leads the Market 

North America held the largest share in the Food for Special Medical Purpose (FSMP) Market in 2023 due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure and stringent regulatory framework. The region benefits from widespread awareness about specialized nutrition and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular conditions. The American Cancer Society released its Cancer Statistics 2023 report, which showed that in 2023 in the United States, there will be nearly 2 million new cases of cancer diagnosed. Additionally, the growing aging population, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, drives demand for FSMP products catering to conditions like dysphagia, osteoporosis and dementia. According to the latest projections by the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of individuals aged 65 and older is projected to reach 74 million by 2030. Reimbursement policies and insurance coverage for medical nutrition further bolster the market. The presence of leading FSMP manufacturers, coupled with well-established distribution channels through hospitals, pharmacies, and online platforms, strengthens the region’s position. The North American FSMP market continues to expand, driven by rising health awareness and the growing focus on personalized medical nutrition solutions.

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Conditions

As the prevalence of chronic diseases continues to grow worldwide, the demand for specialized nutrition tailored to specific health conditions is expected to increase. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases account for approximately 70% of all deaths globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that non communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and respiratory illnesses, will account for 86% of the 90 million deaths annually by 2050. Patients with chronic conditions often require hospitalisation and require medical nutrition products that can help support their health. FSMPs play a critical role in dietary management for patients with diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders and metabolic diseases, which require customized nutritional interventions. This trend is anticipated to fuel the FSMP market as healthcare providers increasingly integrate nutritional support as part of chronic disease management.

Stringent Regulations to Hamper the Market

Stringent regulations governing FSMP products pose a significant challenge to market growth. FSMP falls under specialized categories of medical nutrition requiring rigorous compliance with labeling, safety and clinical validation standards set by regulatory authorities like the FDA, EFSA, and CFDA. These regulations often lead to lengthy product approval processes, delaying market entry for new formulations. The high cost of compliance and the need for extensive clinical trials can discourage smaller players from entering the market. Additionally, variations in regulatory frameworks across regions create barriers for manufacturers looking to expand globally. Misinterpretation of FSMP classification by authorities or lack of clear guidelines can lead to product recalls which can further impact growth.

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Key Market Players

Global food for special medical purpose market top 10 companies include:

1. Nestlé Health Science
2. Danone 
3. Abbott Nutrition
4. Fresenius Kabi
5. Mead Johnson Nutrition
6. B. Braun
7. Baxter International
8. Dutch Medical Food BV
9. Pfizer Inc.
10. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)

Scope of the Report:

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