The vitamin and supplement private labeling industry has proven to be ingeniously sustainable even in the midst of a great economic recession. Making the most of the opportunity, private labeling has found a comfortable niche by providing consumers with the best quality health supplements at cost effective, competitive prices. Private labeling has been so successful that the difference between branded supplements and those that are private labeled is hardly noticeable. Comparable quality and significant savings have established a loyal patronage for private label supplements.
As we approach 2010, we see consumer trends moving towards making purchases that have an ethical foundation behind them. Consumers have a broader worldview and anything that helps them feel they are doing their own little bit in building a better future is key in driving future sales. People are looking at where ingredients come from, methods used in manufacturing, greener solutions, environmental factors, eco-friendly packaging as well as social costs involved.
We’ll also see a rise in the sale of health supplements that offer products with claims like “Gluten free”, “Organic certified” or even “Kosher-certified”, as they are perceived to have more value in terms of quality and manufacturing practices. People are willing to pay extra for a little more value, especially if it is perceived to offer higher quality supplements.
What should private labelers focus on in the coming year? Here’s a look at what consumers are looking for:
Probiotics – As Americans continue to learn that friendly bacteria are good to eat, we’ve seen a prolific rise in the sale of probiotics. Known to help IBS and alleviate other gastrointestinal symptoms, probiotics is seen as a natural solution to promoting healthy digestion. Since many people may not like the idea of eating foods fortified with friendly bacteria, the preference for probiotic supplements is likely to see more popularity in 2010. A key sales driver is creating more public awareness about specific strains of probiotics and their relationship to health.
Glucosamine – Startling research on glucosamine sulfate and other joint health protective herbs will continue to boost the sale of joint supplements as consumers learn more about their benefits. Glucosamine combined with other herbal pain killers is likely to be more popular as consumers turn away from conventional NSAIDs to treat joint pain and adopt more natural means that not only alleviate pain but also have restorative properties to joint health with fewer side effects.
Prostate supplements – With nationwide statistics rising on prostate health issues, a greater awareness of proactive prostate health is also on the rise. Nutritional supplements containing well-researched ingredients, such as beta sitosterol are predicted to be more in demand as more doctors recommend this form of nutritional therapy for prostate health.
Immune Boosters – Immune health will continue to be a high health priority in 2010. Immune boosting supplements are giving consumers the opportunity to take a proactive stance on strengthening their immune system. Immunity cannot be achieved instantaneously, and as a result, most Americans are seeing the need to regularly supplement their diets with immune boosters.
Natural or Herbal supplements – There is a rising trend for purchasing natural or herbal supplements as more research supports the use of certain nutrients to target specific health concerns. Heart health, diabetes, obesity and cancer are some of the top national health concerns and supplements can act as a means of proactive healthcare while America continues to face these growing concerns.
Stress Relievers – The recession is not over. With the unemployment rate currently at 10%, Americans haven’t seen the end of their worries. Natural and herbal stress relievers are easily available over the counter, and are known to have fewer side effects. Statistics show that more Americans are turning to herbal stress relievers to cope with life and the trend is more than likely to continue.
Energy Boosters – More people are facing constant fatigue whether due to stress, low energy levels, or the fact that we live fast-paced lives that demand more out of us. Energy boosters are growing in popularity and not just with the younger generation. Housewives, students, and even the elderly are looking to energy drinks or powders formulated to their own specific needs for a good pick-me-up!
Pet Supplements – With more focused efforts on personal health and increased use of nutritional supplements to meet health needs, family pets are enjoying this attention too. Pet supplements for joint health, multi-vitamins and other nutritional supplements will continue to grow in popularity. Organic pet supplements are the preferred choice especially in light of several conventionally manufactured pet supplement recalls in 2009.
Fiber supplements or Herbal colon cleansers – Digestive health is a big topic and cleansing the colon is a necessary part of internal personal hygiene. The prolific rise of herbal colon cleansers is proof of this. Many of these are also associated with weight loss or enhancing weight loss. Prebiotics (fiber) is a common component of herbal colon cleansing programs.
Memory supplements – Substantial breakthrough research on the brain has revealed that nutrients can play an effective role in brain health and cognitive functioning. Positive scientific research has driven the baby boomer generation to turn to nutritional supplements to boost memory and support brain health. This trend will continue in 2010.
Scientific research has much to do with the quality of a supplement. Statistics show that supplements that are supported by valid research and data continue to be favored by consumers. This is unlikely to change, especially as consumers grow more educated and personally study scientific data available on ingredients and their true efficacy. When choosing a contract manufacturer, consider scientific formulation a high priority. High quality supplements that actually provide your consumers with benefits they are looking for will keep your customers loyal to your brand of private labeled supplements.
