The plant-based wellness industry is experiencing rapid growth, fuelled not only by increasing consumer demand for health conscious, eco-friendly and natural products, but also by the integration of cutting edge technology.
AI is a key driver of this trend, powering personalisation, innovation and scalability. This evolution is pushing plant based wellness from niche interest to a mainstream market presence, making it more accessible, tailored and appealing than ever before.
The surge in demand for plant-based wellness products
The demand for plant-based products has skyrocketed in recent years. According to market data, global sales of plant-based supplements, skincare and nutrition products have been growing steadily as consumers shift towards healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.
The global nutritional supplements market, for example, reached USD $390.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $569.83 billion by 2028, with plant based and clean label supplements driving a significant part of this growth.
Plant based skincare alone is set to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% over the next decade, reflecting the trend towards increasing health awareness and demand for clean, sustainable products.
This rise is closely linked to consumer shifts towards healthier lifestyles and eco-conscious purchasing decisions, presenting lucrative investment opportunities.
AI is sweetening the market for investors
AI is playing an important role in this market surge by analysing vast consumer data to predict emerging trends and customise product offerings based on individual health needs and environmental preferences.
For example, AI systems can assess customer purchasing patterns, preferences and even health conditions to deliver personalised product recommendations. This real time analysis ensures companies stay ahead of consumer demands and market changes.
Shifting consumer preferences towards health awareness, natural products and sustainability
As consumers become more aware of the impact their choices have on their health and the environment, there’s an increasing demand for products made with natural ingredients sourced sustainably.
For many, wellness is no longer just about fitness or diet, it’s a holistic approach to health that involves reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals and embracing plant-based, eco-friendly solutions.
AI is enhancing the accessibility and customisation of these products, making it easier for consumers to find exactly what they need.
AI-powered platforms can track real time shifts in consumer sentiment based on transactional and interaction history, as well as more advanced deep learning mechanics, allowing businesses to pivot their offerings and serve up tailored content to meet changing demands.
And with AI’s ability to process massive amounts of health data, consumers can now receive personalised recommendations that are both health conscious and environmentally friendly, further driving demand for plant-based wellness.
For example, Ava, Edible Beauty’s AI-powered skincare consultant, leverages AI to provide customers with personalised skincare advice. Ava asks users specific questions about their skin type, lifestyle and skincare goals, using AI to generate a tailored skincare regimen that fits their unique needs. This type of personalisation is designed to enhance consumer trust and satisfaction, making plant-based wellness products even more appealing.
AI as a catalyst for growth
AI is not only enhancing individual experiences but is also driving industry-wide growth.
By replicating the expertise of Edible Beauty founder and naturopath Anna Mitsios, AI-powered digital consultants like Ava are scaling expert level knowledge and making it accessible to a wider audience.
This seamless blend of personalisation and scalability is pushing plant-based wellness into the mainstream, as brands leverage AI to deliver tailored solutions at scale.
AI also enables companies to streamline their operations, automating routine processes and freeing up resources for innovation. By automating tasks such as product recommendations, inventory management and customer service, AI ensures that businesses can scale their ops to meet growing demand without compromising on quality or customer satisfaction.
Investment opportunities in the plant-based wellness industry
Investors looking to tap into the wellness industry should pay close attention to key high growth areas such as plant-based supplements, personal care products and functional foods.
These sectors are experiencing significant interest from consumers, and AI-powered personalisation is driving even more demand.
AI is also revolutionising research and development (R&D) within this space, allowing companies to track consumer preferences, rapidly identify gaps in the market and develop new products that meet the evolving needs of their customers.
By offering consumers tailored, data-driven wellness solutions, companies that embrace AI are positioning themselves for long term success.
In recent years, large companies have begun acquiring or investing in plant-based wellness brands, showcasing the sector’s maturity and its appeal to institutional investors. These acquisitions reflect the growing confidence in the longevity and profitability of the plant-based wellness market.
In Australia, Marico Limited acquired a majority stake in Plix, a plant-based nutrition brand, to expand its wellness and nutrition segments, while Sustainable Nutrition Group acquired The Australian Superfood Company to scale its offerings in the growing wellness market.
Another notable move in the space is v2food’s acquisition of Soulara, a plant-based ready meal brand. This acquisition allows v2food to enter direct-to-consumer sales while expanding its portfolio beyond retail.
These acquisitions underscore the increasing confidence in the longevity and profitability of plant-based wellness brands.
In addition to this, mergers like vEEF and LOVE BUDS to form The Aussie Plant Based Co show how strategic partnerships can create new opportunities to scale, particularly through innovative product offerings and expanded distribution networks.
The future of plant-based wellness with AI
The plant-based wellness industry is poised for continued growth, driven by rising consumer demand for natural, sustainable products. AI is accelerating this growth by making wellness more personalised, innovative and efficient.
Investors should take note of the companies like Decidr via Live Verdure, leveraging AI to not only meet consumer demands but to create scalable, long term business models that can evolve with market trends.
As AI continues to unlock new possibilities in personalisation, product development and sustainable sourcing, the plant-based wellness market will remain a compelling opportunity for investors seeking to capitalise on the future of wellness.