Probiotic Shots Gaining Popularity

Probiotic Shots Gaining Popularity

NEW YORKProbiotic shotsare becoming increasingly popular, according to a new report issued by marketresearch firm Packaged Facts (www.packagedfacts.com).

According to the new report, entitled The U.S. Market forCultured Dairy Products, probiotic shots (single-serving packages) have experiencedtriple-digit growth in recent years. Sales of probiotic shots in 2004 rose to $8 million, a105-percent increase over sales in 2003, and the compound annual growth rate forthese beverages in the United States was 114.6 percent for 2000 through 2004,the report also stated.

Cultured dairy products, particularly yogurt, are enjoyinga renaissance in the American marketplace, said Don Montuori, acquisitionseditor for Packaged Facts. There is a tremendous amount of product varietyand the category has been bolstered by a growing awareness of the need forcalcium and growing evidence that dairy products can assist in weight loss andmaintenance.