Bei Ke Cai Jing·2025-07-25 01:30Core Insights - The increasing prevalence of electronic devices has heightened awareness of the potential visual hazards associated with prolonged screen exposure, leading to a surge in demand for lutein as a vital nutrient for eye health [1][3] - The children's market for lutein products has become a competitive battleground, driven by rising concerns among parents regarding children's vision health [1][15] Market Overview - The domestic market for lutein is estimated to reach nearly 6 billion yuan, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.8% from 2020 to 2024, significantly outpacing global market growth [4][3] - The eye care sector is the primary contributor to market growth, with annual sales of lutein soft capsules exceeding 200 million bottles [4] Competitive Landscape - The lutein market is characterized by intense competition across both health food and regular food sectors, with no dominant brand currently leading the market [2][20] - Major players in the extraction and processing segment include Chenguang Biotech, DSM, and Kemin, creating a "three-legged" competitive structure [4] Product Development - The market has seen a rapid increase in the registration of lutein health products, with over 150 products registered, primarily in capsule form [7][8] - Innovative product forms such as gummies and ready-to-drink beverages are gaining popularity, with the market for lutein gummies expected to exceed 1.5 billion yuan by 2024 [11] Consumer Trends - The demand for lutein products is driven by the rising incidence of myopia among children, with the overall myopia rate in Chinese children reaching 51.9% [18] - The average price of imported lutein products is significantly higher than that of domestic products, with imported items often exceeding 100 yuan per unit [17] Regulatory Environment - Lutein products are primarily classified as health foods and must undergo a registration process, as they are not included in the approved health food ingredient directory [9][14] - The lack of a clear definition for dietary supplements in China has led to many imported lutein products being marketed as regular foods, despite their health claims [13] Future Outlook - The lutein market is expected to continue evolving, with a focus on product differentiation and innovation to address the challenges of market saturation and consumer trust [20][22] - Companies are encouraged to invest in research and development to create unique products that can withstand competition and avoid the pitfalls of market homogenization [22]