Demand
for food safety products in the US is forecast to increase 7.3% annually to
$4.5 billion in 2016, according to a new study byThe Freedonia Group,
(www.freedoniagroup.com )
a Cleveland-based
industry research firm.
The report says that solid gains will be the
result of increased public awareness following recent highly publicized
multistate outbreaks of food borne illnesses; the need to comply with
provisions of the landmark Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA); and industry
initiatives that will provide a strong impetus for companies to improve their
food safety practices. Additionally, growth will be driven by challenges
arising from the increasingly global nature of the food supply, which adds
complexity and the potential for the introduction of new pathogens from
different regions.
Among major food safety product segments,
smart labels and tags, and software and tracking systems are expected to
experience the fastest gains, reflecting a heightened emphasis on traceability
in the food supply chain. Smart label and tag demand will be boosted by
traceability advantages along with expanded usage in food packaging to reduce
losses in perishable foods. Opportunities will also exist in the livestock
market as a result of the need for improved traceability of animals to their
point of origin. Gains for software and tracking systems will be supported by
increased US Food and Drug Administration recordkeeping requirements.
Food processing plants encompass the largest
market by far, accounting for 60% of total food safety product demand in the US
in 2011. Meat applications account for the largest share of demand in this
segment. Robust growth is anticipated for diagnostic products in meat
applications based on microbiological testing necessitated by Hazard Analysis
and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations and implementation of a new US Department
of Agriculture policy that will expand routine sampling of beef to include six
additional E. coli strains. The smaller fresh prepared food market will log
rapid advances, supported by increases in production and consumer demand for
convenient meal options. Among other food safety markets, the farm market will
present the strongest opportunities, the result of expanded disinfection and
pathogen testing activities among produce growers following several multistate
outbreaks of food borne illnesses in the past several years.
