Immune Health New Opportunities in Functional Beverage Markets

Immune Health New opportunities in functional beverage markets

Contents

02 Consumer thirst for functional beverages

02 Untapped opportunities? The pre- pandemic immune beverage market

03 How COVID changed the game

04 Innovation across a range of beverage applications

05 Trending immune health ingredients

06 Prinova: A range of solutions for immnue health and more

06 Vitamins and minerals

07 Botanicals

08 Probiotics

08 Perfect premixes

09 Prinova Europe: Your ideal immune health partner

10 References

Consumer thirst for Untapped functional beverages opportunities? The pre-pandemic

There is growing thirst for beverages with immune beverage functional benefits – a category that includes: market

ENERGY SPORTS FUNCTIONAL JUICES Immune health is a concern for all of us, and DRINKS DRINKS BOTTLED WATERS nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting it. After a slight dip in value in 2020, the global Deficiencies in vitamins A, C, D, E, B2, B6, and functional beverage market is forecast to reach B12, folic acid, iron, selenium, and zinc can $158.28 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of all weaken our natural defences. Boosting 8.08%.1 our intake of such micronutrients through supplementation or the consumption of $158.28bn functional foods and beverages can increase resistance to infection.2

Consumer interest in the link between nutrition and immunity was high even before coronavirus became a household word. Research published in 2019, for example, noted that improving the body's immune system was already the top reason for consuming nutritional supplements.3 It is perhaps surprising, therefore, that the pre-COVID years did This is partly because health-focused consumers are now not see even more innovation when it came to beverages looking to everyday beverages to meet an increasing with immunity claims.4 range of needs. They’re not just seeking hydration, but also benefits in areas like cognitive performance and Between April 2017 and March 2020, the food and stress reduction. And in the current global climate, there is beverage launches targetting immune health claims particular interest in products that offer to boost our bodies’ was represented by: natural defences. In this white paper, the first in the series on functional beverages, we explore the growing demand for products with immune health benefits, and on-trend ingredients that can help meet it. DAIRY / PLANT SPORTS & JUICE HOT BASED DAIRY ENERGY WATERS DRINKS BEVERAGES DRINKS DRINKS 4% 3% 2% 2% 1%

How COVID changed the game

Unsurprisingly, the arrival of COVID-19 world’s biggest beverage manufacturers, including big and accelerated both interest in immunity and sales small brands6, some of which reportedly saw sales increases 7 of products with immune health benefits. of 500% in the early months of 2020.

6 in 10 500% looking for food and beverage products to improve their immune health Increase in early months of 2020

Research published at the end of 2020 found that six in ten With the effects of the pandemic widely predicted to be with global consumers had been increasingly looking for food us for years, or even decades, to come8 there is good reason and beverage products to improve their immune health, and to believe that this demand will continue long into the future. that the number of global food and drink launches with an According to Mintel, “Drinks that effectively communicate immune health positioning had grown to 1.65% (from just 1% how they can support immune health….will have a continued five years earlier)5. These included products from both the demand post-COVID-19.” 9

Innovation in the immune beverage space is taking place Innovation across the world, but has been particularly apparent in across a range Europe and Asia-Pacific. In 2020, according to Mintel data, 563 new beverage products in Europe, and 544 in of beverage Asia-Pacific carried a functional immune system claim.10 Immune support innovation is also taking place across a categories range of beverage categories:

Functional waters Juices & sports nutrition drinks

Immune Health Claims: The number of juice It is increasingly common for functional or “enhanced” waters products with immune health claims more and sports nutrition drinks to offer benefits beyond hydration. than tripled between 2018 and 2020. 2018 2020 In November 2020, for example, Pepsi added a new immune support line to its ‘Propel’ range of bottled waters 16 The European countries where they were most commonly seen are the UK, Russia and Germany11 Interest in bottled water with functional benefits. February 2021 - Base 2,000 internet users aged 16+ Secondary claims in the immunity juice category include: "I would be interested in bottle water that supports... Please select all that apply."

Vitamin/mineral- Functional- Brain & No added ...the immune system 40 fortified nervous system sugar ...healthy skin 40 Juices often derive their immune health claims from fruits or vegetables ...gut health 34 rich in vitamins or minerals. However, alongside them, brands are ...energy levels 34 increasingly leveraging botanicals such as ginger and turmeric as natural immunity powerhouses.12 ...brain function 33

Drinks and sachets for Immunity boosters: gut health Sachets & shots

There is growing awareness of the relationship between a healthy Ingredients for immunity - mainly vitamins & botanicals, gut and a healthy immune system. This has driven an increase are increasingly being incorporated into products that offer in products containing probiotics and prebiotics which make an energy boost: immune health claims as well as offering benefits for gut health.

Spain, the UK, Italy and France, account for the largest share of this market, and the UK has seen Ginseng Blueberry, elderberry & blackberry the highest growth (50% over the 14 past three years). Shots & sachets product launches:

Supplements in Powder and Sachet forms: 28% 33% Increase in Europe Increase in Europe (2018 and 2020) (2018 and 2020)15 Common active ingredients in immunity shot products include ginger, turmeric, berries, vitamins (such as B,C and D) and minerals (such as Nutritional and meal replacement drinks, including drinkable yoghurts and calcium and zinc), with probiotics and prebiotics also increasingly featuring. milks are the second biggest category, followed by kombucha. Commonly used probiotic strains include bacillus, lactobacillus and lactococcus.

Probiotics Traditionally best known for their digestive health benefits, there is growing interest in the role probiotics play in the immune system. In the UK, for example, 40% of consumers now find “contains probiotics” an appealing claim on food and beverage products. 23

40% Trending immune In the 12 months to April 2020, 34% of global probiotic drink launches carried a digestive health claim, 14% carried an health ingredients immunity claim, and 9% featured both24. Probiotics are therefore an attractive option in functional beverages that offer multiple benefits.

Naturally, 2020 and 2021 have seen a resurgence Botanicals of interest in ingredients with immune health Botanicals, a category that includes herbs, spices, and benefits. As Mintel puts it “Spotlighting genuine flowers, offer a number of benefits in functional beverages. immunity-boosting nutrients has never been As well as their natural, authentic positioning, and the appeal that comes from hundreds or thousands of years of more timely, and will continue to be relevant in traditional use, they can provide sophisticated flavours and the long term.” 18 functional benefits. Many botanical ingredients combine a halo of naturality with scientifically substantiated benefits On-trend immune health ingredient categories include: for immune health. Vitamins & Minerals Acerola Vitamins and minerals play a key role in immunity. For A source of vitamin C, for which approved health claims example, fat-soluble vitamin D helps modulate the immune can be made, and also contains beneficial carotenoids and bioflavonoids. system by inhibiting the production of cytokines IL-2 and INF-y19, and vitamin C supports various functions of both the Elderberry & Rosehip (Rosa Canina) innate and adaptive immune systems.20 Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Reflecting this, a wide range of vitamins Echinacea and minerals – including vitamins C, A, Reduces the risk of recurrent respiratory tract B12, B6, D and zinc – have EFSA-approved infections.25 claims for immune system function. Spirulina

It is unsurprising, therefore, that 14% of new product Inhibits viral replication and strengthens the immune system.26 launches with an immune health claim also have a “vitamin and mineral-fortified” claim.21 Although vitamins Other common botanical ingredients in functional beverages and minerals are already common in functional beverages, include ginger, curcumin, cinnamon and lemongrass.27 Mintel has argued that there is still scope for brands to put a stronger focus on their immune-boosting benefits.22

Vitamins and minerals with EFSA- approved claims for immunity

Prinova: A range of solutions for immune health and more

Whether you offer functional waters, RTDs for sports, or other beverage products, Prinova offers a wide range of solutions.

Our ingredients target immune health, but also other needs, including digestive health, bone health, energy and focus. Our portfolio includes custom blends as well as single-ingredient products, and we also offer value-added capabilities such as full product development support.

We can provide premixes for: Capsules, tablets and gummies; flavoured blends; and finished dry powder products in multiple formats, including tubs and stick packs.

Tablets & Flavoured Finished Dry Capsules Gummies Blends Powder Products

And if you need expert advice on the right format, you can draw on our extensive market data and years of experience.

Vitamins & Minerals

Prinova is your ideal partner for vitamins and Our branded ingredients include: minerals for immune health. We are the world’s Aquamin, a unique multimineral complex largest distributor of vitamin C, and our diverse sustainably produced from calcareous portfolio also includes many other vitamins and marine red algae (Lithoamnion sp.) from the minerals that are perfect for immune health North Atlantic. Rich in natural calcium, it is beverages, including European-produced 100% plant-based and can be used in food, vitamin D3 and D2. beverage and supplement applications.

® Furthermore, our products offer a number of additional We also offer Selenium SeLECT®, a formulation benefits. We are experts in water-dispersibility, bioavailable and safe form of selenium a particular benefit in RTDs and stick pack immunity blends, supplements. and temperature-stability. Our D2 and D3 are free from nanoparticles, and our D2 is vegan. All our vitamin and mineral products meet the highest regulatory standards worldwide.

Botanicals

We offer a range of products that combine proven benefits for immune system support with the natural and traditional appeal of botanicals. Our portfolio includes:

Saberry®, a powerful antioxidant from the fruit of emblica officinalis (phyllanthus emblica), popularly known as amla. It is processed using a novel technique that retains the natural goodness of the fruit. bMultifacetedAntioxidant

Curcumin C3® Complex, an extract from the roots of Curcuma longa, better known as turmeric. It is a powerful antioxidant which supports healthy immune, cardiovascular and metabolic systems, and also offers benefits for memory and cognition. When consumed with Black Pepper (Bioperine®) its absorption is enhanced by at least 30%. Because it can work in synergy with proteins and amino acids, Curcumin C3® is ideal for functional waters and sports nutrition applications, as is Saberry®.

A powerful Ayurvedic botanical is Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), one of the best-known Indian botanicals with recent studies showing that some of the bioactive molecules it contains may help modulate the immune system. Shagandha™ is an Ashwagandha Root Extract 2.5% designed to meet the US Pharmacopoeia-National Formulary (USP-NF) monograph.

Nigella Sativa – popularly known as ‘black seed’ or ‘black cumin’ – which is a medicinal seed believed to have offered healing powers for over 3000 years. It has been reported to have anti-histamic, anti-eosinophilic and anti-immunoglobin properties Nigellin and to reduce proinflammatory cytokine activity, with benefits for immune system support. Nigellin® is a Nigella sativa extract standardised to contain thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and hederagenin.

We also offer a range of other on-trend botanical ingredients, including green tea, ginseng, acerola cherry, rosehip (Rosa Canina), spirulina, and elderberry.

When working with some botanicals – echinacea and rosehip for example – herbal off notes and bitter aftertastes are common. We have years of experience in overcoming these challenges, helping you create great-tasting, market-ready products.

Probiotics Perfect Premixes

Probiotics are the ideal way to meet the growing demand for products that combine benefits In addition to single ingredients, we for digestive health with a boost to the body’s offer a range of bespoke premixes defences. that can help you create your next In addition to their proven benefits for immune health30, immune health beverage product. these “friendly” live micro-organisms can improve digestive They include: symptoms31 and may also be beneficial for weight

32 33 management , the cardiovascular system , and even Premix #1 – Powder Power 34 the brain . A nutritional blend in powder form as a stick pad or small tub In partnership with expert formulators, Prinova Europe offers to be added to water. Ingredients a broad portfolio of high-quality probiotic ingredients. It include vitamins A, C, D3 and A, includes a wide range of strains and concentrations that are and zinc. ideal for dairy-based beverages.

All our probiotic products come with a guarantee of the quality Premix #2 – Liquid Asset and integrity you expect from Prinova Europe. We also offer A powder ideal for RTD expertise in overcoming the challenges commonly associated applications as a water or juice with probiotics, such as ensuring stability, and can support you water. 35mg delivers 15% of the with project guidance from concept to completion. EU Requested Nutrient Levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as zinc, copper and selenium. Cognition

Mood, mental, emotional & wellbeing Premix #3 – Juice Boost Neuro- behavioural A premix optimised for smoothies Traits or juices with immunity benefits. 100mg delivers 30% of the EU Requested Nutrient Levels of

Cardiovascular vitamins A, B6, B12, C and D3, as Health well as zinc and selenium.

Respiratory

Metabolic Function

Immune Support

Prinova Europe: Your ideal immune health partner

With access to a global network of world-leading suppliers, Prinova can give you access to a world of high-quality immune health ingredients. But creating successful immune health beverages is about more than high-quality ingredients and premixes. We also offer NPD expertise and technical know- how, and work collaboratively with our customers to help them overcome processing and sensory challenges and create products that meet consumer needs.

Furthermore we can help you navigate the complex regulatory challenges that characterise immune health markets, as well as supporting your R&D and marketing strategies to maximise the value of your offering and reach a wider audience.

References

1 Wise Guy Reports ‘Global Functional Beverages Market 19 Aranow C. ‘Vitamin D and the immune system’ J Investig Research Report, Forecast to 2025’, 2021 Med 59(6):881-6, 2011

2 Maggini S, Pierre A,and Calder P ‘Immune Function and 20 Carr AC and Maggini S ‘Vitamin C and Immune Function’ Micronutrient Requirements Change over the Life Course’ Nutrients 9 (11):1211, 2017 Nutrients, 1531, October 2018 21 Innova Market Insights ‘Immunity boosters: trends 3 Cassa Macedo A, Oliveira Vilela de Faria A, Ghezzi P. ‘Boosting overview’, 2020 the Immune System, From Science to Myth: Analysis the 22 Mintel ‘COVID-19: implications for immunity-boosting Infosphere With Google’ Frontiers in Medicine, 2019 drinks’, April 2020 4 Mintel ‘COVID-19: implications for immunity-boosting 23 ‘OK, Boomer –Survey highlights gulf between youngest drinks’, April 2020 and oldest consumers’, Ingredient Communications, 7 5 Innova Market Insights ‘COVID-19 Drives Prioritization of December 2020 Immune Health’ 9th December 2020 24 Mintel ‘COVID-19: implications for immunity-boosting 6 Morton, A ‘PepsiCo taps into COVID trends with Propel drinks’, April 2020 Immune Support launch’, 20th October 2020 25 Schapowal A, Klein P, Johnston SL. “Echinacea reduces 7 Mintel ‘Startups with a focus on immunity and health get a the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections and boost’, 29th April 2020 complications: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Adv Ther. 32(3):187-200.2015 8 Reuters ‘Impact of coronavirus will be felt for decades to come, WHO says’ 31 July 2020 26 Chen, YH., Chang, GK., Kuo, SM. et al. ‘Well-tolerated Spirulina extract inhibits influenza virus replication and 9 Mintel ‘COVID-19: implications for immunity-boosting reduces virus-induced mortality’ Sci Rep 6, 24253, 2016 drinks’, April 2020 27 Mintel ‘COVID-19: implications for immunity-boosting 10 Mintel Global New Products Database drinks’, April 2020 11 Mintel Global New Products Database 28 Sabinsa ‘Nutrition and Immunity‘ White Paper 2Q3, 2020 12 Mintel ‘COVID-19: implications for immunity-boosting 29 Kulyar MF, Li R, Mehmood K, Waqas M, Li K, Li J. Potential drinks’, April 2020 influence of Nagella sativa (Black cumin) in reinforcing 13 Mintel Global New Products Database immune system: A hope to decelerate the COVID-19 pandemic. Phytomedicine. 2021 May;85:153277. doi: 14 Mintel Global New Products Database 10.1016/j.phymed.2020.153277. Epub 2020 Jul 10. PMID:

15 Mintel Global New Products Database 32773257; PMCID: PMC7347483.

30 16 Shoup M ‘Propel taps into booming immune health Zhang H, et al 'Prospective study of probiotic trend, heads into 2021 with full innovation pipeline’ Food supplementation results in immune stimulation and Navigator USA, 6-Nov-2020 improvement of upper respiratory infection rate’ Synth Syst Biotechnol. 2018 Mar 12;3(2):113-120 17 Mintel Global New Products Database 31 International Scientific Association for Probiotics and 18 Mintel ‘COVID-19: implications for immunity-boosting Prebiotics ‘What are probiotics?’ drinks’, April 2020

32 Michael, D.R., Jack, A.A., Masetti, G. et al. A randomised controlled study shows supplementation of overweight and obese adults with lactobacilli and bifidobacteria reduces bodyweight and improves well-being. Sci Rep 10, 4183 (2020)

33 American Heart Association News ‘Eating probiotics regularly may improve your blood pressure’, July 21, 2014

34 Buffington SA et al. ‘Dissecting the contribution of host genetics and the microbiome in complex behaviors’Cell, 10 March 2021