Damon Mcknight
Australia and New Zealand have thriving supplement industries, with several world-class brands that cater to diverse consumer needs. Both countries have unique regulatory frameworks for dietary supplements, which are considered complementary medicines in Australia and fall under the Food Act, 2014 and Biosecurity Act, 1993 in New Zealand. The implementation of the Free Trade Agreement has made the markets more accessible to US exporters, and the pandemic has also contributed to the growth of the supplement industry in both countries. Australia's supplement industry includes brands like Max's, BSc Body Science, Onest, Faction Labs, Body Ripped, and BPM Labs, while New Zealand boasts sustainable practices and indigenous ingredients like manuka honey and green-lipped mussels in its supplements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Regulatory classification | In Australia, products marketed as 'Dietary Supplements' in other regions are regulated as Foods (under Food Standards Australia New Zealand/ FSANZ) or Medicines (regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration/ TGA). In New Zealand, dietary supplements are regulated by the 1985 Dietary Supplements Regulations, which fall under the 1981 Food Act. |
| Market attractiveness | The Australian and New Zealand markets have become more attractive for food products after the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which removed tariffs for US exporters. |
| Manufacturing standards | Australian supplement brands focus on effectiveness and quality, and prioritise using locally sourced ingredients. |
| Sustainability | Many New Zealand supplement manufacturers prioritise sustainability in their harvesting and production methods, which enhances the quality and potency of the supplements. |
| Indigenous ingredients | New Zealand has several indigenous ingredients with recognised health benefits, such as manuka honey and green-lipped mussels. |
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What You'll Learn
Regulatory differences
Australia and New Zealand have different regulatory frameworks for dietary supplements, which can impact the way products are formulated, labelled, and marketed in each country.
In Australia, dietary supplements are considered complementary medicines and are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). There are two main ways to register these products with the TGA: the L Process (Listing) and the R Process (Registration). The primary difference between the two processes is the complexity of the complementary medicines. Additionally, in Australia, there is no distinct 'Dietary Supplements' category. Products marketed as dietary supplements in other regions are regulated as Foods (under Food Standards Australia New Zealand/FSANZ) or Medicines (regulated by the TGA). This distinction between foods and medicines can be a grey area, and the regulatory environment in Australia is considered stricter than in some other regions.
On the other hand, New Zealand has a compliance-based market for dietary supplements, regulated by MEDSAFE (New Zealand Medicine and Medical Device Authority). Dietary supplements in New Zealand fall under the Food Act, 2014, and the Biosecurity Act, 1993. Historically, dietary supplements were regulated by the 1985 Dietary Supplements Regulations, which fell under the 1981 Food Act. However, the emergence of \"food-type dietary supplements\" or \"complementary foods\" that fell outside the scope of these regulations has prompted the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) to propose changes. These food-type supplements may be sold with little to no safety assessment if they are naturally derived from foods, creating potential safety concerns for consumers. The NZFSA has proposed that these food-type supplements be regulated under a new set of regulations, while therapeutic-type supplements continue to be regulated under the amended Dietary Supplements Regulations administered by MedSafe.
New Zealand's supplement manufacturers are also known for their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Their harvesting and production methods aim to preserve natural resources and enhance the quality and potency of the supplements. This includes sustainable practices for wild-sourced ingredients like green-lipped mussels and manuka honey, ensuring the regeneration of populations while providing a consistent supply for supplement production.
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Sustainability and ethics
The supplement industry in both Australia and New Zealand is highly regulated to ensure product safety and efficacy. However, the sustainability and ethical implications of the industry's practices are also important considerations for consumers and regulators alike.
In terms of sustainability, the sourcing of raw materials and the environmental impact of manufacturing processes are key concerns. Many supplement manufacturers in both countries are committed to using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. For example, New Zealand is known for its abundant natural resources, including a wide variety of plant and marine life, which are often utilized in supplement production. Similarly, Australia has a wealth of native botanicals and unique natural resources that are increasingly being utilized in the supplement industry. By using locally sourced ingredients, manufacturers can reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable farming practices.
Ethical considerations are also important in the supplement industry. Both countries have strict regulations in place to ensure product safety and prevent false or misleading claims. The regulatory bodies in each country oversee the safety and quality of therapeutic goods, including supplements, and help to ensure that consumers can trust the products they are purchasing. This includes strict guidelines on manufacturing practices, labelling, and advertising claims.
Additionally, animal welfare is a key ethical concern for the supplement industry. Many supplements utilize animal-derived ingredients, and manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that these products are sourced sustainably and ethically. This includes considerations of animal treatment, fishing practices, and the environmental impact of harvesting these resources.
The sustainability of packaging and waste reduction are also important areas of focus for the supplement industry in Australia and New Zealand. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting recyclable or compostable packaging options and minimizing unnecessary waste. This aligns with consumer demands for more sustainable practices and helps to reduce the environmental footprint of the industry.
Overall, the supplement industries in Australia and New Zealand are committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Through regulatory compliance, responsible sourcing of raw materials, and a focus on reducing environmental impact, manufacturers are able to produce safe and effective products that meet the needs of consumers and protect the natural resources of their countries.
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Marine-based supplements
In New Zealand, marine-based supplements are regulated by Medsafe (New Zealand Medicine and Medical Device Authority) under the Food Act, 2014, and the Biosecurity Act, 1993. New Zealand companies such as Bio-Mer and Deep Blue Health offer marine-based supplements. Bio-Mer sustainably sources its ingredients from aquaculture facilities in New Zealand's waters, while Deep Blue Health sources its ingredients from New Zealand seas, farms, and hives. Deep Blue Health offers a range of marine-based products, including Sea Cucumber and Green Lipped Mussel supplements.
In Australia, marine-based supplements are considered complementary medicines and are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). A study in 2016 found that Australian and New Zealand fish oil products met label omega-3 claims and were not oxidised. However, another study in the same year showed that fish oil supplements in New Zealand were highly oxidised and did not meet the labelled content of n-3 PUFA. This study found that only 3 out of 32 fish oil supplements contained equal or higher quantities of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) than labelled, with most products containing less than 67%.
Overall, the market for marine-based supplements in Australia and New Zealand is growing, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. With the implementation of the FTA and the increasing demand for health and wellness products, the market is expected to continue to expand and innovate.
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Sports nutrition
Sports foods and supplements can play a small but important role in the sports nutrition plans of high-performance athletes. Sporting organisations, sports science and medicine practitioners, coaches, and athletes all contribute to a transparent approach that balances the pros and cons of supplement/sports food use. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) supports Australian athletes and teams in achieving success.
Sports supplements in Australia cover a range of products, including vitamins, minerals, and sports nutrition products such as protein powders. Supplements may be regulated as either a food or a medicine in Australia, depending on whether they meet the requirements outlined in the Food Standards Code or the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. Determining whether a sports supplement is a food or a medicine can be complex.
In Australia, sports supplements that are declared therapeutic goods cannot be imported from New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement. However, Vitaco, a health and wellness brand in Australia and New Zealand, manufactures a full spectrum of sports nutrition solutions in Auckland, sourcing ingredients from around the world.
Sports foods are formulated to help people achieve specific nutritional or sporting performance goals. They are intended to supplement the diet of sports people and not be the only source of nutrition. To meet specific dietary requirements, sports foods may contain substances that are restricted or not permitted in other foods, such as higher levels of vitamins and minerals. As such, sports foods are not suitable for children or pregnant women.
Sports drinks, gels, and confectionery are examples of sports foods that provide carbohydrates in easily consumable forms. Other sports foods include electrolyte replacement supplements and mixed macronutrient supplements, which provide variable amounts of protein and carbohydrates.
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Market growth
The market for herbal supplements in Australia and New Zealand is expected to witness significant growth between 2025 and 2031. The market has been expanding significantly in recent years due to increased demand, an expanding customer base, and technological advancements. The market growth is also influenced by manufacturing capabilities, production volumes, and technological innovations.
The Australia Dietary Supplements Market is projected to reach USD 6.95 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.62% during 2025-2033. This growth is attributed to various factors, including the increasing popularity of seaweed supplements, which reached a market size of USD 252.3 Million in 2024.
The hair growth supplements market in Australia is also experiencing notable growth, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 17% from 2025 to 2030. The market generated a revenue of USD 60.4 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 152.7 million by 2030.
The Australia and New Zealand herbal supplements market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.57% in terms of revenue over the forecast period of 2025-2032. This growth is likely driven by key market players such as Integria Healthcare, Blackmores Limited, Vitaco Holdings Limited, and Bioglan. These companies are studied to understand the competitive landscape and their strategic manoeuvres in the market.
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Frequently asked questions
Popular supplement brands in Australia include Balance Sports Nutrition, Max's, BSc Body Science, Onest, Faction Labs, Body Ripped, and BPM Labs.
Popular supplement brands in New Zealand include Comvita, Manuka Health, Watson & Son, Blackmores, Good Health, Swisse, Alpine Deer, Silberhorn, NZ Pure Health, GO Healthy, Ethical Nutrients, and Nordic Naturals.
New Zealand supplements often feature indigenous ingredients such as green-lipped mussels and manuka honey, which are renowned for their health benefits.
Products marketed as 'dietary supplements' in other regions are regulated in Australia as either Foods (under Food Standards Australia New Zealand/ FSANZ) or Medicines (regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration/ TGA).
Dietary supplements in New Zealand are regulated by the 1985 Dietary Supplements Regulations, which fall under the 1981 Food Act. However, there are discussions to implement new regulations for food-type supplements.
