US soy demand to grow 5.1% yearly through 2009
US demand for soy prod- ucts is expected to in- crease 5.1 percent per year to $8.7 billion in 2009. In the dominant food sector, soy demand will be stimu- lated by consumer prefer- ences for natural ingredi- ents, an interest in alterna- tive protein sources, weight management concerns, and a continued desire for quick and healthy meals and meal replacements. Beverages and nutraceuticals will experi- ence the most rapid gains in the food market.
Industrial uses to outpace food applications
Industrial applications for soy products are poised for rapid growth, albeit from a small base. Gains will be stimulated by an expanding array of price-competitive soy-derived chemicals and a growing desire by government and business to reduce dependence on imports of petroleum. Utilization of a renewable resource, as well as a favorable environmental profile, will further promote gains for soy-derived industrial products. Biodiesel and plastics and rubber end uses will be the fastest growing markets.
Isoflavones, methyl soyates to pace chemical segment
Soy-derived chemicals are expected to record the fastest growth among soy products, led by isofla- vones and methyl soyates. Isoflavones will be stimu- lated by increasing require- ments in nutraceuticals to alleviate menopausal symptoms and maintain bone density. Methyl soyate will be promoted as envi- ronmental and petroleum- dependence concerns favor biodiesel fuel.
Demand for soy protein products will be bolstered by Food and Drug Adminis- tration (FDA) approval of health claims relating soy protein to a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. Dietary trends featuring a wider range of protein sources will provide opportunities for soy, particularly in beverages and nutraceuticals.
Opportunities exist in both food, industrial soy oils
Although soybean oil demand will lag the aggre- gate, a shift in the food oil product mix from hydroge-nated oil to non-hydroge-nated types (thus exhibiting a lower trans fat content) will provide opportunities. New and expanding applications in the indus-trial segment, where soy oil is valued for its environ-mental acceptability, biodegradability, low toxicity and plentiful supply, will also promote growth. Demand for other soy products will be led by soy milk, which continues to benefit from an established presence in such main-stream channels as grocery stores and mass merchandisers, and from a spate of product introduc-tions featuring new flavors and improved sensory qualities. Soy fiber will also experience favorable gains, finding greater use in various food items, such as meal replacements and processed foods.
Study coverage
Soy Products & Markets, a new Freedonia industry study, which provides histori- cal US demand data (1994, 1999, 2004) plus forecasts to 2009 and 2014 by pro- duct and market. The study also considers US market environment trends and indicators, assesses indus- try composition, presents company market share data and profiles 35 leading industry competitors. | 
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