The ageing population: a challenge or an opportunity?

Does our ageing population present a challenge or an opportunity? Both, according to a new report from Leatherhead Food Research.

Official projections suggest that the 60-plus age category will increase from 11% of the world’s population in 2000 to 22% by 2050, during which time the 60-plus population is expected to grow from 605 million to 2 billion.

Leatherhead’s report, An Ageing Population - Trends & Opportunities for the Food Industry, says the growing affluent 60-plus age category will seek out products that promote health and longevity, as well as helping them to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle past middle age. According to Leatherhead, this trend has already been observed in sectors such as milk, yoghurt drinks, bottled water and ready meals, and looks set to shape new product development activity in the future.

Leaders in the functional foods markets are the key suppliers of products aimed at older age groups. Many companies now supply distinct functional food ranges that appeal to older age groups and are purchased for their alleged health benefits.

Leatherhead says its report covers the following topics:

• Overview of the global functional foods market for ageing consumers
• Extensive review of ageing population demographic trends
• Detailed discussion of key conditions affecting the health and wellness of an ageing population
• Analysis of the industry’s major players and recent new product activity
• Discussion of future strategic directions

To read the full report, click here.