Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food and Supplementary Food Market | 2031

Report Description

The global ready-to-use therapeutic food and supplementary food (RUTF & RUSF) market size was valued at USD 413.15 million in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 858.1 million by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 10.7% during 2023 – 2031. The growth of the market is attributed to the rising number of people suffering from nutrition-related issues and diseases.

Increasing number of malnourished children is driving the demand for ready-to-use RUTF and RUSF, which further boosts the therapeutic food (RUTF) and supplementary food market. RUTF and supplementary food are tailored to meet the specific needs of malnourished children, offering a convenient and effective way to address this critical issue.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO) published a report on June 09, 2021, there were approximately 462 million underweight children globally. In 2020, it was estimated that over 45 million children under five years old were too thin for their height, and 149 million children were stunted, meaning they were too short for their age. Moreover, undernutrition is linked to about 45% of deaths among children under five years old.

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Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and supplementary food are specialized products combating malnutrition, particularly in children and vulnerable groups. They offer high nutrition and require no cooking or preparation. RUTF addresses severe acute malnutrition, a life-threatening condition in children. It is rich in calories, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, aiding swift recovery. Typically, it is a nutrient-dense paste, often peanut-based.

Supplementary food prevents and aids moderately malnourished individuals. Its nutrient-packed complement regular meals and varieties, including fortified cereals and milk. These foods offer convenience in areas with limited cooking facilities or clean water. They act as a concentrated nutrient source, promoting quick recovery. Additionally, their extended shelf life renders them suitable for storage and distribution in humanitarian or food-scarce regions.

The COVID-19 pandemic moderately affected the market. The pandemic's economic impact, including job losses and reduced incomes, increased poverty, heightening malnutrition risk, especially in vulnerable groups. Supplementary food demand rose bridging nutritional gaps for the food-insecure. On the other hand, the pandemic disrupted the global supply chains, causing delays in RUTF and supplementary food distribution especially in remote or conflict-affected areas due to lockdowns and workforce shortages.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact on Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food and Supplementary Food (RUTF & RUSF) Market

AI-driven data analysis and predictive modeling helps comprehend and foresee malnutrition trends. This enhances precise distribution to high-need areas. Moreover, AI streamlines production and optimizing supply chains and ensuring quality while cutting costs.

Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food and Supplementary Food (RUTF & RUSF) Market Dynamics

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Major Drivers

Growing efforts from government and non-governmental organizations to combat malnutrition are expected to propel the RUTF & RUSF market. These organizations actively address malnutrition, driving demand for specialized nutritional supplements food. These ready-to-use food products are essential in battling malnutrition by providing vital nutrients to those affected. Additionally, increase in budgets and resources for nutrition programs are further fueling the market.

• The Government of Canada announced on May 26, 2023, that they will be providing funding of USD 84.6 million to combat worldwide malnutrition and prevent malnutrition. This contributed funding is a part of the government's commitment of USD 520 million for programming specific to nutrition over five years and their 10-year investment in global health and rights.

Existing Restraints

Storage and shelf-life challenges with RUTF and supplementary food are expected to hinder the market. These products often demand specific storage conditions to preserve their nutritional value. This proves problematic in regions with limited access to electricity or refrigeration, common in many developing areas. Furthermore, maintaining a reliable supply chain for these products, especially in remote regions diminishes their demand.

Emerging Opportunities

Ongoing research and development are expected to create favorable opportunities for the players competing in the market. Manufacturers are innovating RUTF and supplementary food crafting formulations to suit diverse dietary supplement preferences, needs, and cultural backgrounds. Improvements in taste, packaging, and ingredients enhance the appeal and accessibility of these products to a wide consumer base. Furthermore, international organizations and global health initiatives providing funding and support for RUTF and supplementary food programs are propelling the market.

Scope of the Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food and Supplementary Food (RUTF & RUSF) Market Report

The report on the market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food and Supplementary Food (RUTF & RUSF) Market Segment Insights

Product Analysis

Based on product, the RUTF & RUSF market is divided into drinkable therapeutic food, solid, semi solid paste, and others. The semi solid paste segment is expected to hold a major market revenue share during the forecast period due to its design to be nutritious and packed with essential nutrients in a concentrated form. This efficiency is important for addressing malnutrition, as it guarantees that even small quantities deliver a significant nutrient intake. This aspect holds particular importance for children and individuals with reduced appetite or limited food consumption capacity. Additionally, the extended shelf life of semi-solid paste as compared to liquid products further drives the market.

The drinkable therapeutic food segment is anticipated to register robust growth in the market owing to the convenience and ease of consumption, particularly for individuals facing swallowing difficulties or requiring swift nutrition offers notable benefits. This proves especially valuable in addressing malnutrition in young children, the elderly, and patients with medical conditions affecting their ability to consume solid foods. Moreover, liquids are absorbed more rapidly by the body than solid foods, further driving their demand.

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End-user Analysis

In terms of end-user, the RUTF & RUSF market is fragmented into government agencies, UNICEF, non-governmental agencies, WFP, charities, dispensaries, hospitals, and others. The UNICEF segment is expected to hold a key market share during the projected period, as UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories worldwide needing a vast quantity of RUTF and supplementary foods for vulnerable populations, particularly children suffering from malnutrition.

This extensive demand boosts the ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and supplementary food. Moreover, rising investments and funding from various governments and philanthropies to support UNICEF’s malnutrition programs are propelling this segment.

• As per the report released by UNICEF on September 21, 2022, governments, private donors, and philanthropies worldwide have pledged to donate approximately USD 577 million to combat the child malnutrition crisis. Out of this amount, 60% is committed to directly supporting UNICEF's work.

Regional Outlook

In terms of region, the global ready-to-use therapeutic food and supplementary food (RUTF & RUSF) market is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Europe is expected to dominate the market due to the well-established European companies that specialize in producing these products, renowned for their exceptional quality. They manufacture substantial quantities of RUTF & RUSF, distributing them to regions such as the Middle East & Africa.

The market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace in the coming years due to the substantial burden of malnutrition, particularly among children. This pressing issue creates massive demand for the RUTF and supplementary foods. For instance, UNICEF's report on July 12, 2021, states that about 418 million undernourished individuals reside in Asia, which is half of the world's total.

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