Health and Wellness in Austria

Dallas, TX -- (SBWire) -- 01/11/2012 --Economic recovery boost sales
Austria’s economy has recovered from the recession in 2008 and 2009. The country’s real GDP increased by 2% in 2010. The improved economic situation has relieved consumers from the prevailing uncertainty in the country. The economic development has had a positive effect on health and wellness food and beverages sales. Overall, health and wellness products are seeing good sales and a substantial increase was recorded within many product areas in 2010.

Organic products show dynamic performance
There is a strong trend towards organic products in Austria as organic products are extremely popular with Austrian consumers. As a result organic food and beverages saw a dynamic performance in 2010 - organic packaged food performing better than organic beverages. The high sales increase of organic products is attributed to the good economic climate enabling consumers to opt for the higher priced organic variants, as well as good distribution and the wide range of organic products available, including a good selection of private label organic products. In addition, a number of organic supermarkets opening in Austria have boosted sales.

Modest growth for naturally healthy products
Naturally healthy products account for a third of health and wellness sales, this being the largest category within health and wellness.

However, sales of naturally healthy products saw the weakest growth rate across health and wellness packaged food and beverages in 2010.

Although naturally healthy products are popular with Austrian consumers, naturally healthy products encounter strong competition from other health and wellness categories. The muted growth was also due to maturity and a higher sales base than other product areas. In addition, sales of naturally healthy beverages were constrained due to tap water in Austria’s excellent quality resulting in a decrease of bottled water and natural mineral water sales.

Supermarkets/hypermarkets leading distribution channel
Supermarkets/hypermarkets retained its leading position as the main distribution channel for health and wellness products at the end of the review period. In fact, it increased its share towards the end of the review period. A substantial part of health and wellness sales are generated through supermarkets/hypermarkets. Austrian supermarkets/hypermarkets offer an extremely wide range of health and wellness products. However, discounters are also gaining importance within health and wellness.

Strong growth expected
The health and wellness market is expected to see steady growth over the forecast period. One reason for this performance is the fact that the Austrian economy is forecast to show further good development with a GDP of 2% predicted for 2011 and 2012. In addition, the general trend towards a healthier diet is predicted to continue and likely drive sales. An ageing population, a growing number of consumers suffering from food intolerance and a large number of overweight people will also push sales. BFY products are very likely to lead sales with good growth rates over the forecast period. NH products are expected to see the weakest performance within health and wellness over the forecast period.

For more info, comprehensive Table of Contents or to Request A Sample visit http://www.reportsnreports.com/reports/144576-health-and-wellness-in-austria.html or contact sales@reportsandreports.com.