Associate Editor Sean Moloughney offers his latest musings in the spirit of U.S. President Barack Obama’s recent State of the Union Speech…
 
Mr. Manufacturer, Madam Supplier, Distinguished Members of the Scientific Community, Gracious Advertisers:
 
Tradition stipulates, and our editorial guidelines dictate, that on occasion I address you in effort to communicate compelling information related to the nutraceuticals market. Our magazine has fulfilled this obligation for more than 12 years, in times of economic prosperity, and in times of recession.
 
At this moment in our beloved industry’s history, business plans are being executed all around the world, networking is taking place across a growing cast of social media outlets, and consumers are embarking on their own personal journey toward long-term health and wellness.
 
A panel from the American Heart Association teaches us that the cost to treat heart disease in the U.S. could triple by 2030, based on current rates of disease and if no new medical advancements are made. The panel pointed to the importance of preventative strategies in order to limit the growing burden of cardiovascular disease. The opportunity to get our message to consumers seems ripe. No longer can we afford to simply treat the leading cause of death in the U.S. Prevention cannot be discredited.
 
Meanwhile, a report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA) teaches us that the global herbal supplements market experienced robust growth over the past decade, with little impact from the global recession. GIA predicts the global market will reach $93 billion by 2015. This kind of growth indicates our products have gained traction in the marketplace. In no uncertain terms, the state of the supplement industry is strong.
 
Furthermore, the days of high-sugar soft drinks are numbered. Researchers like Innova Market Insights indicate that continued and rising consumer interest in health and natural products has translated to the beverage market. According to Innova, 60% of soft drink launches recorded globally in 2010 had some sort of health positioning. The most popular health-related claims recorded during 2010 were undoubtedly concerned with naturalness and freedom from artificial additives and preservatives. Yes, Freedom tastes wonderful.
 
While the recession has taken its toll on consumers and businesses alike, the overall state of the nutraceuticals industry is healthy. And public health is better for it. Our Nutraceuticals World team is hard at work completing its March issue, and gearing up for industry events that lie ahead. We remain dedicated to serving your interests and look forward to a bright future.
 
Thank you for your support. May your business be blessed with prosperity.