“India’s Nutraceutical sector can grow 10 times over pharmaceuticals”

With India’s nutraceutical sector projected to grow from $8 to $9 billion to $20 to $30 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 15 to18%, the sector has potential to grow 10 times than the pharmaceutical industry, said Pritee Chaudhary, IRS, Regional Director, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), West Region, Mumbai while speaking at Vitafoods India show in Mumbai on Wednesday.

“India’s nutraceutical industry represents a strategic pillar for nation-building. Currently representing nearly 2% of the global market, the sector’s long-term potential could surpass pharmaceuticals by at least tenfold, given nutraceuticals’ role in daily preventive healthcare through health supplements, probiotics, and prebiotics,” she said.

“India leverages its strong pharmaceutical expertise, a consultative FSSAI regulatory framework, and a growing manufacturing base in hubs like Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. With over 6 to 7 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in place with key markets such as the UK, EU, USA, Mauritius, UAE, and Australia, coupled with rising emphasis on research, molecule development, and scientific validation, the industry is poised to scale responsibly and lead globally over the next five years,” she emphasized.

Industry officials said India’s nutraceutical growth stems from demographic and lifestyle shifts, with science-backed nutrition powering preventive healthcare. By 2050, the elderly population will reach 347 million, spurring demand for clean-label functional foods supporting energy, cognition, and metabolic health.

Also as the middle class is investing in daily wellness and obesity driving weight management solutions, supplements have been blended into routines. These converging trends are shaping the growth and future of the sector, they added.

Kaushik Desai, Secretary General, Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA), while speaking at Vitafoods India said, “The global nutraceutical industry is projected to reach $919 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7% across functional foods, dietary supplements and personalised nutrition. As the market expands, stronger collaboration between FSSAI and industry is vital to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, alongside greater emphasis on clinically validated, evidence-based products to reinforce consumer trust.”

“Rising demand for sustainable, plant-based and clean-label solutions, coupled with the growth of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels, is accelerating innovation. India’s biodiversity and traditional medicine heritage provide a strong foundation for globally competitive offerings, and with focused investment in research, innovation and compliance, the sector can significantly advance preventive healthcare access,” he added.

Highlighting the transformation of Indian botanical ingredients sector, Hitesh Patel, Joint Managing Director, K. Patel Phyto Extracts, said, “The botanical ingredients sector in India is growing through structured cultivation, farmer partnerships, sustainable and organic practices, and strict compliance with Japanese, European, and American regulatory standards.”

“Although an earlier 50% American tariff created temporary pressure, the revised 18% rate is expected to stabilise volumes in the coming months, while supplies to Europe remain steady. The industry has evolved from traditional ratio-based Ayurveda formulations to standardised extracts validated one, and it is now advancing toward clinically researched, scientifically validated ingredients,” he added.

Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, the organisers of Vitafoods India said, “India is entering a decisive decade where nutrition will define the country’s health and productivity outcomes. As per capita disposable income is projected to approach Rs 2.5 lakh by 2030, consumers are consciously investing in preventive health, personalised nutrition, and everyday wellness.”

“This shift is being reinforced by national initiatives such as the National Nutrition Strategy and a steadily evolving regulatory ecosystem under FSSAI, creating a strong foundation for responsible industry growth. In this context, Vitafoods India 2025–2026 emerges as more than an exhibition. It is a vision platform where science, policy, and innovation align to enable the nutraceutical sector to move from intent to impact and from domestic growth to global leadership,” he added.

Sandeep Gupta, Founder & Director of Expert Nutraceutical Advocacy Council (ENAC) said, “India’s nutraceutical sector is at a defining stage of growth. While our share in the global market remains modest, the country possesses strong manufacturing capabilities, rich biodiversity and deep expertise in natural ingredients and phyto extracts that position us for far greater global relevance.”

“The priority now is deeper collaboration across industry, academia and government to strengthen quality, innovation and domestic value creation. By bringing together industry leaders and policymakers to address opportunities and regulatory pathways, we can chart a structured roadmap for sustainable and credible growth,” he said.

Published – February 11, 2026 10:23 pm IST