Probiotics on a charge in Asia, but players must get organised

With predicted growth of 15 to 20% imminent, probiotics in China and South Asia are destined for big things. But, according to Russell Ward, research director of food analyst Giract, a number of other factors must come into play before the segment reaches its potential.

Last week, FoodNavigator-Asia reported on a study by Giract that suggested that China and India would soon emulate the growth of Asia's probiotics major, Japan. With fast growth and keen interest by international companies eager to enter the market here, the report highlighted the potential of probiotics in the continent.

But this rise is not destined to be easy. For a start, different countries are at different stages in development. Regulations need attention, there are a wealth of logistical and infrastructure problems and recognition of the appropriate standards is still on its way.

To find out more about what is happening in Asian probiotics, we spoke to ward Ward at his home in France.