|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indian nutraceutical industry poised for robust growth
|
|
Monday, 13 July, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Anurag More, Mumbai
|
Indian nutraceutical market is witnessing robust growth as consumers increasingly embrace preventive healthcare, wellness, and nutrition-driven lifestyles. The market, valued at US$ 38.77 billion in 2025, is projected to nearly double to US$ 84.99 billion by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3 per cent between 2026 and 2033, according to Grand View Research.
The growth is largely attributed to heightened health consciousness among Indian consumers following the Covid-19 pandemic. A greater emphasis on immunity, holistic wellness, and preventive healthcare, coupled with the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders, is driving demand for nutraceutical products.
Wellness-first mindset driving market expansion
Dr R K Sanghavi, Senior Consulting Clinician and Chairman of the Nutraceutical Committee at the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA), said younger generations are increasingly prioritising health, longevity, and work-life balance over traditional career ambitions.
He noted that corporate restructuring, automation, and uncertainty in the technology sector have encouraged professionals to focus on aspects they can control, including their physical and mental well-being. This shift has contributed significantly to the growing acceptance of nutraceuticals as part of everyday health management.
Echoing this view, Sonam Chandwani, Managing Partner at KS Legal & Associates, said rising disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, expanding e-commerce platforms, and increasing awareness of nutrition and preventive healthcare continue to support the industry's growth.
Millennials and Gen Z reshape consumer preferences
Industry experts say changing consumer behaviour is redefining the nutraceutical landscape. Dr Sanghavi highlighted that millennials have transformed fitness from a trend into a lifestyle, contributing to rapid growth in India's fitness ecosystem.
He cited industry estimates projecting the Indian fitness market to expand from Rs16,200 crore in 2024 to Rs 37,700 crore by 2030, while fitness facility memberships are expected to increase from 1.23 crore to 2.32 crore during the same period.
The nutraceutical market, meanwhile, is expected to grow from R s58,000 crore in 2024 to nearly Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030, reflecting increasing consumer investment in preventive health and wellness.
Chandwani added that demand is rising for products targeting immunity, gut health, healthy ageing, sports nutrition, and personalised wellness. Consumers are also showing greater preference for plant-based formulations, clean-label products, and ingredients backed by scientific evidence.
Preventive healthcare gains momentum
Experts believe preventive healthcare is becoming a defining trend, particularly among younger consumers. According to Dr Sanghavi, Generation Z has built upon the wellness movement initiated by millennials by adopting fitness trackers, scrutinising nutrition labels, and actively seeking preventive health solutions.
Chandwani observed that consumers are increasingly choosing nutraceutical products to support long-term health and wellness. However, she stressed that manufacturers must ensure all health claims are supported by scientific evidence and comply with applicable regulations.
Compliance and labelling remain critical
As the market expands, regulatory compliance continues to play a central role. Dr Sanghavi said nutraceutical products in India must comply with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) labelling requirements, including declarations relating to ingredients, nutritional information, recommended usage, storage instructions, allergen warnings, and mandatory cautionary statements. He emphasised that manufacturers cannot make claims suggesting their products diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent diseases.
Chandwani similarly noted that labels must include mandatory information such as manufacturer details, batch numbers, expiry dates, and prescribed cautionary statements, while avoiding false or misleading claims.
Industry seeks regulatory clarity
Despite strong growth prospects, manufacturers continue to face regulatory challenges. Dr Sanghavi pointed to recent FSSAI advisories concerning nutrient salts, derivatives, chelates, isomers, and esters, saying their interpretation has created uncertainty for manufacturers using alternative nutrient forms. He also highlighted gaps in the draft Food Safety and Standards (Nutraceutical) Regulations, 2022, which could restrict the use of certain nutrient derivatives commonly adopted in international formulations.
Chandwani said the industry must continuously adapt to evolving regulations governing product classification, ingredient approvals, labelling, and health claims while ensuring compliance through scientific substantiation.
Focus on quality and global standards
Industry stakeholders say maintaining quality standards will be essential as India's nutraceutical sector expands. Dr Sanghavi said manufacturers are increasingly adopting globally recognised quality systems, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000, alongside supplier qualification, raw material testing, stability studies, and supply chain traceability.
He also noted that the Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association has signed a memorandum of understanding with NSF to promote NSF GMP Certification among nutraceutical manufacturers, aiming to strengthen quality assurance and improve India's competitiveness in global markets.
Chandwani added that manufacturers should maintain robust quality control systems, ensure ingredient traceability, scientifically validate product claims, and regularly review labelling and marketing materials to remain compliant with evolving regulatory requirements.
With preventive healthcare becoming increasingly mainstream and consumers placing greater emphasis on wellness, India's nutraceutical industry is expected to remain one of the country's fastest-growing healthcare segments over the coming decade.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|