Freeze-drying health supplements

Australia’s vitamin and supplement industry has been a prominent part of the country’s health and wellness sector. The industry was valued at $1.5 billion in 2022 but has faced challenges in recent years due to increasing competition and declining sales. Despite this, there are signs that the industry is stabilising and even growing, making it essential for every part of the supply chain to invest in technology to keep up this trajectory.

The health supplement industry is predicted to grow 3.4% in the next five years, which is significantly higher than the previous 1.8% five-year growth rate. This is fuelled by growing interest in health, fitness and wellbeing.

In the 2020–21 financial year, 73% of Australians purchased complementary medicines, with vitamins being the most widely purchased category. With stock shortages affecting several industries, new technology may assist in increasing supply to meet the demand for health supplements.

A technology that is growing in popularity is freeze-drying, which involves removing water from a substance by exposing it to a vacuum, allowing the product to retain nutritional value and quality. It is especially useful for producing powdered supplements as it preserves the active ingredients and makes them easier to absorb.

Daniel Xu, Chief Operating Officer at GMP Pharmaceuticals, said the company wants to focus on technology that is quick and efficient.

“The creation of our freeze-drying department at GMP is in line with growing market trends, with new markets interested in nutritious food products instead of pill supplements. The custom design ensures the highest quality product is made while maintaining efficiency and maximum output,” he said.

Freeze-dried products have begun to make their way into other industries, carrying benefits to help meet the needs of the market.

Companies have also started to turn to smart packaging technologies with increasing demand for sustainable products. Smart packaging can create optimal storage conditions for supplements, helping to extend their shelf life. This technology includes oxygen scavengers, moisture absorbers and temperature sensors, which help to protect the product’s potency and freshness.

According to Xu, GMP Pharmaceuticals has developed close relationships with packaging manufacturers and suppliers for increased flexibility with its products.

By adopting new technologies, companies can create high-quality, effective and convenient supplements and vitamins that meet evolving demand. Companies that invest in such technologies may have an advantage in remaining competitive and meeting the needs of the market.

Image credit: iStock.com/magnez2