RUTF and RUSF Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Solid, Powder, Paste), By Application (Organizations, Retail), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2026 To 2035

• 

  Download Free Sample to learn more about this report

RUTF AND RUSF MARKET OVERVIEW

The global rutf and rusf market size is estimated at USD 1 Billion in 2026 and expected to rise to USD 2.46 Billion by 2035, experiencing a CAGR of 10.63% during the forecast from 2026 to 2035.

RUTF and RUSF are nutrient-rich pastes or powders that are used to treat and prevent malnutrition in children under the age of 5. They are also known as ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) and ready-to-use supplementary foods (RUSF). These products are essential in the food and beverage domain, providing convenient and nutritious options for individuals and communities in need. They are available in various forms, including solid, powder, and paste, making them versatile and adaptable to different situations and preferences.

The RUTF and RUSF market growth is attributed to several driving factors. One of the primary drivers is the increasing frequency of emergencies and disasters worldwide, such as floods, droughts, and conflicts. These events often result in food insecurity and malnutrition, necessitating the use of this nutrition-based food to address these issues effectively. Additionally, the rising demand for convenient and nutritious food is fueling the market's growth. People are increasingly seeking quick and healthy meal options, and RUTF and RUSF fit these criteria perfectly.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Demand Surged Due to Increased Procurement by UNICEF and WFP

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the RUTF and RUSF market, resulting in higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic left a trail of adverse effects on global food security, amplifying the issue of malnutrition. These consequences encompassed economic slowdowns and widespread job losses, leading to diminished household incomes and weakened food-purchasing capabilities. Simultaneously, disruptions rippled through the food production and distribution networks due to border closures, quarantine mandates, and labor shortages. These disruptions, coupled with inflation and supply chain hiccups, resulted in an alarming uptick in food prices.

In response to this confluence of challenges, there was a notable surge in the demand for these nutrition-based foods during the pandemic. Organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP), alongside various humanitarian entities, found themselves compelled to significantly escalate their procurement of RUTF and RUSF to satisfy the heightened demand. In 2020, UNICEF's procurement of RUTF witnessed a staggering 20% increase, amounting to a substantial 150,000 metric tons. Concurrently, the WFP also set a record by procuring 170,000 metric tons of RUTF in the same year.

The aftermath of the pandemic continues to cast a long shadow, with the demand for these nutrition products anticipated to remain elevated in the foreseeable future. The COVID-19 crisis exacerbated the root causes of malnutrition, including poverty, conflict, and climate change, reinforcing the pivotal role of these nutritional products in addressing this global challenge.

LATEST TRENDS

Heightened Focus on Community-Based Programs to Empower Vulnerable Populations

A prominent trend in the field of RUTF and RUSF delivery revolves around a heightened focus on community-based programs. These initiatives are reshaping the way these nutritional products are distributed, emphasizing the role of community-based organizations, such as schools and health clinics, in reaching the most vulnerable populations. The rationale behind this shift lies in the inherent adaptability and effectiveness of community-based programs.

The community-based approach stands out because it can be tailored to the specific needs of local populations. By collaborating with local leaders and stakeholders, these programs can identify and target the most malnourished children, ensuring that they receive the necessary RUTF or RUSF support. Typically, community-based programs involve a collaborative effort between government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations (CBOs). Government agencies provide funding and technical support, NGOs contribute training and monitoring capabilities, and CBOs facilitate the direct delivery of RUTF or RUSF to beneficiaries.

Several noteworthy examples demonstrate the success of community-based programs in nutrition-based food delivery. In Malawi, a collaboration between the government, NGOs, and CBOs has leveraged community health workers to distribute RUTF, impacting over a million children. Ethiopia's partnership with CBOs through schools, facilitated by the World Food Programme (WFP), has reached over 500,000 children. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in conjunction with NGOs and CBOs, has utilized faith-based organizations to deliver RUTF, benefitting more than 200,000 children. These initiatives represent just a fraction of the numerous community-based programs operating globally, collectively making a profound difference in the lives of countless children, aiding them in their recovery from malnutrition, and empowering them to achieve their full potential.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) and Ready-to-Use Supplementary Foods (RUSF) has grown significantly in humanitarian aid programs, with the distribution of RUTF increasing by 15% in 2022 alone, helping to address severe acute malnutrition in children under 5 years old.

• According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), RUSF usage in emergency nutrition programs surged by 20% in 2022, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 20 million children suffer from moderate acute malnutrition (MAM).

Download Free Sample to learn more about this report

RUTF AND RUSF MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

The market can be segmented into three main types: solid, powder, and paste.

Among these, the solid form is currently dominating the market, offering convenience and extended shelf life. Each type caters to different consumer needs and preferences, contributing to the overall market growth.

By Application

The market's applications are broadly divided into two segments: organizations and retail.

Organizations, including NGOs and government agencies, have historically been major consumers of these nutrition-based foods, as they play a crucial role in disaster relief and humanitarian efforts.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Number of Emergencies and Disasters to Drive Product Demand

The world is witnessing an alarming increase in emergencies and disasters, ranging from natural calamities like floods and droughts to man-made conflicts. These events often disrupt food supplies and lead to food insecurity and malnutrition. As a result, the demand for the product is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, driven by the urgent need to address these crises effectively.

Rising Demand for Convenient and Nutritious Food to Amplifie Market Growth

In today's fast-paced world, people are increasingly seeking convenient and nutritious food options. RUTF and RUSF meet this demand perfectly, as they are easy to prepare and consume, offering a quick and healthy meal solution. With busy lifestyles becoming the norm, the market is expected to benefit from this trend, witnessing a surge in demand as consumers prioritize health without compromising on convenience. This paradigm shift reflects the growing awareness of the importance of nutrition in maintaining well-being amidst the demands of modern life.

• According to the Global Nutrition Report, there has been a 15% increase in demand for RUTF in emergency settings due to the rising frequency of natural disasters and conflicts, which contribute to food insecurity.

• According to the World Food Programme (WFP), the growing awareness of childhood malnutrition has driven a 12% increase in funding for nutrition-specific interventions, including the provision of RUTF and RUSF, across low- and middle-income countries.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

Constrained Availability Presents Challenges in Distributing Nutrition to Needy Children

Limited access to these nutrition-based foods, particularly in remote and underserved areas worldwide, serves as a significant restraining factor. The sporadic availability of these essential nutritional products stems from logistical and infrastructural challenges, making it difficult to promptly reach the children who need them the most. This constraint amplifies existing healthcare disparities, leaving vulnerable communities at a higher risk of malnutrition and emphasizing the urgent need for improved distribution strategies to ensure equitable access to these foods, especially in regions with the most pressing demand.

• According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the high production costs of RUTF remain a challenge, with the cost of key ingredients such as peanut paste and powdered milk rising by 8% over the past year due to supply chain disruptions.

• According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), despite the effectiveness of RUTF and RUSF, the logistical challenges in distributing these foods to remote areas in conflict zones have limited the reach of these nutritional interventions, affecting over 30% of intended beneficiaries in such regions.

• Download Free Sample to learn more about this report

•  

RUTF AND RUSF MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America to Lead Due to the Region's Well-Developed Infrastructure for Disaster Relief

North America holds the dominant RUTF and RUSF market share. The region boasts a well-developed infrastructure for disaster relief and humanitarian efforts, driving the demand for these products. Additionally, consumer awareness of nutritional needs and convenience further fuels market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

• According to Power Foods Tanzania, the company’s production capacity for RUTF has increased by 25% in the last year to meet the growing demand for emergency nutrition solutions in East Africa, especially in countries like South Sudan and Somalia.

• According to Tabatchnik Fine Foods, the company has enhanced its RUSF manufacturing processes by introducing more sustainable sourcing practices, which has led to a 10% reduction in production costs while maintaining the nutritional quality of its products.

List of Top RUTF and RUSF Companies

• Power Foods Tanzania (Tanzania)
• Tabatchnik Fine Foods (U.S.)
• NutriVita Food (India)
• Edesia USA (U.S.)
• InnoFaso (Burkina Faso)
• Kaira District Cooperative (India)
• Insta Products (Kenya)
• Meds and Food For Kids (Haiti)
• Nutriset SAS (France)
• Diva Nutritional Products (South Africa)
• Nuflower Foods and Nutrition Pvt. (India)
• Hilina (Ethiopia)
• Valid Nutrition (U.K.)
• Mana Nutritive Aid Products (U.S.)
• Samil Industrial Co. (South Korea)
• GC Rieber Compact AS (Norway)

REPORT COVERAGE

This research profiles a report with extensive studies that take into description the firms that exist in the market affecting the forecasting period. With detailed studies done, it also offers a comprehensive analysis by inspecting the factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, restraints, etc. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change.