USA – More research has shown this week that sales of functional foods are rising.

In its What’s In Store 2002 research, the International Dairy, Deli and Bakery Association (IDDBA) claims that sales of functional foods have grown 54% from its report for 1995 – 1999.

The report also states that people aged 12-19 are spending more money on functional foods such as yogurt. However, it also says that as few as half of children aged under five get all of the calcium they need.

Although the average calcium intake from dairy products has not changed from 77% since 1909, people are consuming different dairy products. In 1909, 44% of calcium intake came from whole milk. That figure is now just 11%. 21% of calcium is now gained from low fat or skimmed milk, compared with 13% in 1909. Calcium intake from cheese has risen from 4% to 24% in the same period.

The report carries good news for the dairy industry. It says that supermarkets are increasingly stocking dairy products with probiotics added and that sales are up.

The Wisconsin-based IDDBA promotes development in the dairy, deli and bakery industries. For more information visit www.iddba.org.