Guosheng: Probiotic industry maintains high growth, AKK strain category embraces opportunities.

Guosheng released a research report stating that according to data from the functional food industry, the compound growth rate of the probiotics industry from 2023 to 2025 is 14.2%, with the industry maintaining high growth. The average price compound growth rate is 11.3%, while the sales volume compound growth rate is 2.4%. Price-driven growth is the main driver, and it is expected to be driven by high-growth segments such as strong functional and compound products. On the market side, according to data from Maoyan Insights & the functional food industry, the sales volume of AKK bacteria products on platforms such as Taobao, Tmall, JD, and Douyin has increased significantly from 13,700 units in January 2025 to 47,200 units in October 2025. In the future, with the increase in new entrants, the category may see explosive growth opportunities. Guosheng's main points are as follows: Probiotics industry: double-digit high growth, driven by strong efficacy, compound products, and price increases According to data from the functional food industry, the compound growth rate of the probiotics industry from 2023 to 2025 is 14.2%, with the industry maintaining high growth. The average price compound growth rate is 11.3%, while the sales volume compound growth rate is 2.4%. Price-driven growth is the main driver, and it is expected to be driven by high-growth segments such as strong functional and compound products. In terms of brands, domestic brands such as Wonderlab and Wu Ka Laboratory, which accurately target consumer pain points, have significantly increased their market share. On the product side, products in the areas of sleep/emotions and immune enhancement are surging, enhancing product efficacy. Probiotic efficacy segmentation, AKK fermenting explosive growth opportunities The efficacy of probiotics continues to be segmented to precisely address consumer pain points. AKK probiotics are symbiotic bacteria that colonize the mucosal layer of the intestines. Their metabolites interact with the intestinal barrier during colonization, with benefits including metabolic health, immune health, blood lipid and glucose health, sleep health, and anti-aging. According to data from Maoyan Insights & the functional food industry, the sales volume of AKK bacteria products on platforms such as Taobao, Tmall, JD, and Douyin has increased significantly from 13,700 units in January 2025 to 47,200 units in October 2025. In the future, with the increase in new entrants, the category may see explosive growth opportunities. Sirio Pharma: Self-developed strain AKK ONE obtains GRAS certification, higher protein content and beneficial bacteria count In May 2025, the company's first self-developed probiotic AKK ONE received GRAS certification in the United States, accelerating its entry into high-growth markets such as weight management, metabolic health, and anti-aging. The core ingredient Amuc_1100 in AKK ONE has 50% higher protein content than conventional AKK strains, and the P9 protein content is 32% higher. By balancing the intestinal flora through fermentation, the number of beneficial bacteria is increased by about 1.5 times, enhancing the effectiveness of weight management. In addition, in June, the company launched the EverBio probiotic technology platform to ensure the stability of strains from raw materials to consumer end points, addressing issues such as strains being of poor quality, high in additives but low in survival rate, and delivering a subpar consumer experience, enriching the matrix of probiotic products with multiple effects and forms. Juneyao Grand Healthy Drinks: Ruying introduces two high-quality and cost-effective AKK strains, optimizing raw material costs and efficiency Ruying Biology, a subsidiary of the company, has more than 50,000 proprietary strains of bacteria with intellectual property rights and more than 70 global patents to meet various functional demands. In terms of AKK strains, Juneyao Ruying has launched the AKK BG-001 and AKK WST01 strains, positioning them as high-quality and cost-effective. Among them, AKK WST01 is the first AKK live strain in China to be verified by RCT clinical trials. Ruying uses specific ratios of complex amino acid nitrogen sources instead of animal sources in the raw material production end of AKK strains to ensure the controllability of raw material costs. By upgrading the process, Ruying has achieved significant results, such as a 50% reduction in fermentation cycle, a 30% increase in OD value, a 20% increase in powder yield, and a 70% increase in cell count, improving production efficiency and product quality. Perfect Group Corp., Ltd: Invests in Shannenkang to gain first-mover advantage in AKK strains In 2023, the company invested 210 million yuan in Shannenkang, holding a 52.0% stake. Shannenkang, established in 2016, focuses on the research, production, and sales of probiotics throughout the entire industry chain. It has built a global library of more than 500 strains of AKK, and its self-developed AKK PROBIO strain has excellent acid and bile tolerance, with a survival rate of over 80% even after hours in gastric and intestinal fluid. By June 2025, Shannenkang's AKK PROBIO strain had obtained 15+ domestic and foreign invention patents, and four safety and efficacy research results were included in SCI journals, giving it a first-mover advantage in the field of AKK strains. Targets It is recommended to pay attention to Sirio Pharma (300791.SZ), Juneyao Grand Healthy Drinks (605388.SH), Perfect Group Corp., Ltd (603059.SH), etc. Risk Warning Single-product growth may not meet expectations, industry competition may intensify, and food safety issues may arise.