Published on: November 22, 2019
Sprouting is defined as the practice of germinating seeds to be eaten either in raw or cooked form. The process of growing sprouts typically takes one week and involves methods such as soaking and the pulse drip method. Sprouts can be germinated at home and processed commercially as well. Various types of sprouts include lentil sprouts, radish sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, bean sprouts, pea sprouts, and Brussels sprouts. Sprouts are a rich source of folate, which is a key element that can prevent anemia in humans. The regular consumption of sprouts also improves blood circulation, aids in weight loss, and boosts the immune system. Bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, and Brussels sprouts comprise the three most consumed variety of sprouts around the world. Bean sprouts are a common ingredient in East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine.
We have categorized the global packaged sprouts market as a part of the overall packaged foods and meat market, which covers companies that manufacture packaged foods and produce dairy products, fruit juices, meats, poultry, fish, and pet foods. According to our analysis, the global packaged sprouts market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.5%, which is attributable to factors such as the increasing prominence of organized retailing and growing awareness of the health-promoting benefits of consuming sprouts. Some of the key trends in the market include the rising popularity of the vegan diet, the growing presence of private-label packaged sprouts, and clean labeling practices being followed by vendors.
Global packaged sprouts market can be segmented into the following:
According to our analysis, the packaged bean sprouts is the most dominant segment in the market and will grow at a CAGR of 12.4% until 2022. We have identified APAC and EMEA as the fastest-growing geographies that will account for a revenue share of 54.9% and 32.4%, respectively, in 2022. The increasing demand for packaged sprout variants like mung beans, adzuki beans, and alfalfa sprouts in countries such as China, Japan, India, Australia, and South Korea will drive the growth of the market in APAC.
Various underlying factors might drive or impede the growth of the global packaged sprouts market during the forecast period. We have identified the following growth drivers for the market:
Organized retailers have established their presence worldwide as evidenced by the proliferation of organized retail establishments such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty stores across different geographical regions. Supermarkets are a major distribution channel that makes packaged spouts variants such as mung bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, adzuki bean sprouts, and lentil sprouts easily available to the consumers. Thus, the continuing proliferation of organized retailing channels in developed and emerging economies worldwide will drive the growth of the global packaged sprouts market.
Sprouts are a rich source of vitamins C, A, and K; fiber; proteins, pantothenic acid, and minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Also, sprouts contain various nutrients and enzymes that help boost several metabolic processes and chemical reactions in the body by breaking down chemical constituents such as proteins, starch, and lipids. Thus, the health-promoting benefits of sprouts among consumers in APAC, Western Europe, and North America is expected to be a major growth driver for the global packaged sprouts market.
The rise in disposable income in developing countries such as India, China, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa has resulted in middle-class expansion, an increase in consumer spending, and a marked shift in consumer preferences. Also, the rising rate of urbanization in these countries has contributed to infrastructure development, which has led to the emergence of various organized retailing outlets that make packaged health and wellness food products readily available to consumers. Thus, such factors are expected to drive the growth of the global packaged sprouts market.
Meanwhile, the vendors operating in the global packaged sprouts market face numerous challenges in increasing their sales and improving profitability. The following are some of those challenges:
Organized retail stores such as supermarkets and large chains of discount or convenience stores have emerged as important distribution modes for packaged sprouts manufacturers and vendors. However, this growth in the number of distribution channels has increased the pressure on manufacturers with regards to the prices and margins of the product as retail stores operate at a lower profit margin. Also, several retailers are eager to avoid a decline in revenue due to the gaps in inventory, which has made the order fulfillment rate a key factor in developing a relationship with the manufacturer. Therefore, retailers will not hesitate to approach the manufacturer's competitor in case of inadequate product supply during peak demand points.
The increasing penetration of superfood seeds and other health and wellness products in the market is expected to affect the sales of packaged sprouts. For instance, hemp is a source of proteins like edestin and albumin, which are also known as globular proteins. These globular proteins dissolve easily and are, therefore, readily accessible for the body to use. Also, products from sources such as wheatgrass, kale, acai berries, blueberries, raisins, and apricots are witnessing a considerable increase in demand, which will affect the growth of the global packaged sprouts market.
Sprouts are known to get contaminated during processing, which often leads to foodborne outbreaks such as salmonella infections. Perhaps, this is because the environment in which the sprouts are grown is favorable for microbial growth. In 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) jointly issued an advisory that suggested that children, elderly, and pregnant women, and individuals with a weak immune system must avoid eating packaged raw sprouts due to the risks associated with consuming contaminated products. Thus, such factors can potentially impede the growth of the global packaged sprouts market.
Our reports encompass a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis. In our global packaged sprouts market report, we have provided a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors, including several prominent players such as Fuji Natural Foods, Jonathan Sprouts, NARITA FOODS, Mann Packing Co., Inc, and Gold Coast Packing, Inc.
The following are some of the key developments mentioned in our global packaged sprouts market report:
Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our global packaged sprouts market research report is designed to provide entry support, customer and M&A assessment, as well as go-to-market strategy support.