Technological Advancements and Stringent Safety Measures Drive Growth in the European Antimicrobial Market
Synthetic antimicrobials are gradually being overtaken by natural alternatives due to the increasing hype over the latter's health benefits. At the same time, technological advances are expected to modify the undesirable properties of synthetic antimicrobials, thereby improving product quality and contributing to an expanded application base. These trends will underline growth in the European antimicrobials market.
Frost & Sullivan finds that the European antimicrobial market earned revenues of $119.7 million in 2005 and estimates this to reach $131.2 million in 2012.
"The future of food antimicrobials lies in their ability to curb the growth of most spoilage organisms," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst R. Nithya. "Food manufacturers still resort to the use of synthetic antimicrobials as an effective means to prolong the shelf life of their products."
With increasing global distribution and outbreaks of avian flu and BSE, the use of different combinations of antimicrobials along with efficient delivery systems are regarded as the most reliable means to maintain food quality. Without the use of antimicrobials, food safety would be jeopardised and costs would become excessive.
"However, consumer suspicions about products containing antimicrobials are reducing opportunities for further growth," explains Ms. Nithya. "Consumers fear that consumption of antimicrobials would have negative effects on their health."
For many consumers, this fear stems mainly from the fact that they are not willing to buy products containing substances described in unfamiliar terms. Scientific reports linking these substances to diseases such as cancer is also lowering end user confidence in antimicrobials usage.
Stringent European legislation is not only limiting the quantity of antimicrobials that can be used in food products, but is restricting their application base as well. Promisingly, however, EFSA has recently approved the use of four antimicrobials to improve hygiene and processing procedures in chicken manufacturing plants, thus setting the stage for expanded antimicrobials usage in meat processing plants.
"To promote consumer confidence and informed decision making, market participants will need to focus on educating end users about the antimicrobial terminologies listed on product labels," advises Ms. Nithya. "Consumers should also be made aware of the fact that scientific assessments are carried out before any antimicrobial is permitted for use."
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users and other industry participants with an overview of the latest analysis of the European Market for Antimicrobials in Food and Beverage Applications (B463) then send an e-mail to Janina Hillgrub, using the 'Contact' button below.
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