Market Insights

The Africa beta-glucan market accounted for USD 12.82 million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 20.75 million by 2023, with a CAGR of 7.5%.

Market Dynamics

Factors driving the beta-glucan industry are the increasing consumption of nutraceuticals and functional food, its usage as immunomodulator (immunomodulators are chemical agents that modify the immune response or the functioning of the immune system) and increased usage as fat substitutes. Another major market trend is the consumers shifting to processed foods, to proactively strengthen their immune system. A large part of the working class in these regions belongs to the age group of 18 to 50 years, which includes men and women. The consumption level of beta-glucan is very high, which helps to keep people healthy and proactive. Moreover, there has been an abundant opportunity for growth in these regions due to the emerging economies and the governments’ initiatives. The demand for beta-glucan products has increased due to a change in the eating patterns and rise in consumption of processed foods, coupled with high disposable incomes in the South African countries. Beta-glucan is a natural immune booster, intended to protect against all interruptions that may bring about damage to the body.

The shortage of raw material, like molasses, due to its increasing application in wine blending and industrial applications, is expected to hinder the beta-glucan market growth. The production of yeast is dependent on the availability of molasses. The yeast market is facing tough competition from other industries for raw materials. The bio-fuel industry is also threatening the growth of the yeast margin as it operates on high margins. The availability of other feasible substitutes is also hampering the beta-glucan industry.

Market Segmentation

The human body does not produce beta-glucan, naturally. Hence, the only way to get is through outside sources, such as baker's yeast, shiitake mushrooms, and cereal grains that include barley, oats, rye, and wheat. Hence, beta-glucan is segmented by source type into cereal, yeast, mushroom, bacteria. By type, the market is segmented as soluble and insoluble. The cereal segment accounted for the maximum share of the beta-glucan market, in 2016. This segment is further segregated into oats barley and others such as wheat, sorghum, rye, of which, oats is the fastest-growing segment. By type, the market has been segmented into soluble beta-glucan and insoluble beta-glucan. Soluble beta-glucan dominated the market, with a value of USD 2.31 million, in 2015. 

Regarding applications, the beta-glucan market is segmented into food & beverages, bakery, dairy & functional food products, nutraceuticals and others, including cosmetics, biodiesel, and animal feed. The food & beverage segment leads the overall market, currently. It holds around 25% of the beta-glucan market.

Regional Analysis

The Africa beta-glucan market consists of South Africa and other countries, which is expected to witness a robust growth through 2023, due to the rising demand for healthy and nutritious food, among health concerned consumers across the regions of Egypt, South Africa, and others.

Competitive Landscape                            

The prominent players present in the Africa beta-glucan market are –

• Associated British Foods Plc
• Tate & Lyle Oat Ingredients
• Lesaffre Human Care
• Lallemand, Biothera Inc.
• Royal DSM N.V.
• Cargill
• AIT Ingredients (The Soufflet Group)
• Bio Springer
• Chr. Hansen

These companies are focusing on research and development activities to enhance their product portfolio, to stay competitive in the market. In addition, they are also focusing on expanding their exclusive functional food product portfolio through the acquisition of various raw materials and end product manufacturing companies, with the objective of enhancing their market position.     

Key Deliverables in the Study

• Market analysis for the Africa - market, with region specific assessments and competition analysis on a regional scale.
• Market definition along with the identification of key drivers and restraints.
• Identification of factors instrumental in changing the market scenario, rising prospective opportunities, and identification of key companies that can influence this market on a regional scale.
• Extensively researched competitive landscape section with profiles of major companies along with their market share.
• Identification and analysis of the macro and micro factors that affect the Africa beta-glucan market on a regional scale.
• A comprehensive list of key market players along with the analysis of their current strategic interests and key financial information.