Supplementary Product Forms: Analysis of Polish Market Trends

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to present the results of research on the identification of supplementary product forms and analysis of the variability in all submissions of dietary supplements depending on the forms of supplementary products. Methodology: Quantitative analyses of supplementary products submitted for registration in Poland at the State Sanitary Inspectorate (SSI) in 2007-2019*. Supplementary products subject to registration include, dietary supplements, fortified foods and special-purpose foods for infants, people requiring special medical care and food supplements for daily diet. In the studied period, the SSI received 86,849 submissions of products for registration that underwent statistical analysis, i.e., comparative analysis in groups, variability in the number of all submissions depending on the form in which the supplementary products were marketed. Findings: The research allowed for the identification of the form in which supplementary products were principally marketed. Then, the products were divided into three main categories, solid (S), liquid (L) and semi-solid (SS). Research determined that 83.67% of all submissions include solid supplementary products. Practical Implications: The conducted research can be useful to both decision-makers and to consumers. The study results specify the form in which supplementary products are most often marketed and can certify the consumers’ acceptance of such a form or point to new trends. Originality/value: The paper’s original value is its scope and subject, especially the analysis of the supplementary products introduced into the Polish market depending on the product’s form. New knowledge can determine innovative supplementary product production market development trends. It can especially determine new supplementary product form development trends and/or scope of in-depth research on new technologies, production processes, maintenance or safe disposal of supplementary products and the related wastes.