The Australian vitamin and supplement industry was valued at $1.5 billion in 2022, but it has faced challenges in recent years due to increasing competition and declining sales. However, there are signs of the market stabilsing, and even growing, particularly if the supply chain invests in technology to keep on this trajectory.
Experts predict a 3.4% growth in the health supplement industry over the next five years, which is significantly higher than the previous five-year growth rate of 1.8%, attributed to increasing consumer interest in health, fitness and wellbeing.
With close to three-quarters (73%) of Australians purchasing complementary medicines in the 2020-21 financial year, vitamins were the most widely purchased category. Now with stock shortages affecting several industries, including manufacturing, new technology is set to increase supply to meet consumer demand in health supplements.
One such technology that has gained popularity in recent years is freeze-drying. This process involves removing water from a substance by exposing it to a vacuum, which allows the product to retain its nutritional value and quality. Freeze-drying is particularly useful for producing powdered supplements, as it preserves the active ingredients and makes them easier for the body to absorb.
GMP Pharmaceuticals chief operating officer, Daniel Xu said, “Looking ahead, we want to focus on new and cutting-edge technology that is able to produce health supplements efficiently and quickly. The creation of our freeze-drying department at GMP is in line with growing market trends, with new markets interested in nutritious food products instead of pill supplements. The custom design ensures the highest quality product is made while maintaining efficiency and maximum output.”
With increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products, companies are also turning to smart packaging technologies, which can help extend the shelf life of supplements and vitamins by maintaining optimal storage conditions. This technology includes oxygen scavengers, moisture absorbers, and temperature sensors, to protect the product’s potency and freshness.
“At GMP Pharmaceuticals, we understand that packaging plays a critical role in the efficacy of our customers’ products. That’s why we have developed close relationships with leading packaging material manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, giving us the flexibility to pack products in almost any form. Above all, we are committed to meeting the specific needs of our clients and ensuring their products are delivered to market with the highest quality packaging,” Xu said.