FSMP Industry Trends 2025: Insights from Arla Foods Ingredients

On November 5, 2025, at the Dairy Ingredients & Nutrition Science Seminar, Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) officially released the “All for the Patient” — 2025 China FSMP Industry and Consumer Insights White Paper. The report highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing China’s FSMP (Foods for Special Medical Purposes) sector as clinical demand rises and supportive policies continue to expand.

1. Huge Market Potential for FSMP in China

The white paper reviews the past decade of FSMP development in China. Compared with Europe and the US, China entered the FSMP market later, but rapid demand growth, an aging population, and rising health awareness have created favorable conditions.

(Source: Grand View Research)

2. Consumer Compliance Influenced by Taste, Texture, and Tolerance

AFI partnered with FMCG Gurus and Lindberg International to conduct quantitative and qualitative studies:

• 12,000 patients across 12 countries, including 1,000 in China

• 40 patients in 4 countries (Germany, UK, China, US), including 10 in China

Key insights:

• Global consumers recognize FSMP’s health value, but compliance remains low.

• Chinese patients are particularly affected by taste, texture, intolerance, and digestive issues.

• 25% of Chinese patients prefer smaller serving sizes (<70 ml).

• 70% of global and Chinese patients believe reducing single‑dose volume improves compliance.

3. Diversified Protein Ingredients for Targeted Clinical Applications

Facing challenges in R&D innovation, clinical nutrition support, access channels, and consumer education, the white paper proposes solutions:

• Localized practices

• Ingredient and formulation innovation

• Upgraded R&D and product iteration mechanisms

• Integration of digital and intelligent nutrition interventions

• Collaborative ecosystem building

Proteins are the core nutrients in FSMP, supporting amino acid supply, muscle function, immune regulation, gut repair, and metabolic interventions. Research into protein structure‑function relationships is driving ingredient design for specific patient groups.

AFI has introduced a range of medical nutrition proteins for diverse clinical needs:

These diversified protein solutions provide targeted options for clinicians.

4. Industry Perspective

Alexander Leufgen, AFI’s Asia‑Pacific Head, emphasized:

“FSMP is not only a science but also a social responsibility tied to quality of life. Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed China’s leap from regulatory establishment to innovation‑driven growth. 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of both the revised Food Safety Law and FSMP’s legal recognition. At this milestone, AFI shares industry insights to help partners understand market trends and clinical needs, driving high‑quality development. We will continue to collaborate with industry, clinical, and research institutions to build an open, win‑win innovation ecosystem, ensuring nutrition becomes a pillar of Healthy China.”

Conclusion

The 2025 FSMP White Paper underscores China’s vast market potential, highlights consumer compliance challenges, and points to protein innovation as a key driver of clinical nutrition. With AFI’s leadership, the industry is poised to evolve toward personalized, science‑backed, and patient‑centered solutions.

References:

1. Arla Foods Ingredients. Cracking the code: Exploring patient preferences and struggles with medical nutrition — Focus on Chinese respondents report. 2024.

2. Lindberg International. Qualitative study on medical nutrition: China. 2024.

3. FMCG Gurus. Medical nutrition insights database: China. 2023.

4. Shahnaz T, Fawole AO, Adeyanju AA, et al. Food Proteins as Functional Ingredients in the Management of Chronic Diseases: A Concise Review. Nutrients, 2024, 16(14): 2323. doi:10.3390/nu16142323.

5. Arla Foods Ingredients. Medical Nutrition. 2025. Link