• Global markets for botanicals are set to double in value between 2020 and 2028, to reach over $55 billion. APAC markets are forecast to see the highest growth (10%+) over this period.
• Anxiety, depression, low mood, and poor sleep are among key areas where botanicals have a growing role to play. Gut health could be an interesting area to watch.
• Ashwagandha, holy basil, and bacopa are popular botanicals that are being leveraged in dietary supplements as well as functional food and drink.
• Sustainability and authenticity concerns are spurring controlled cultivation of ingredients that were previously wild-harvested – but it is unclear whether this impacts phytochemical properties.
• European regulators have raised safety concerns for some botanicals, especially those with high bioavailability.