International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 299-311 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 305 safety and standardization of FMH functional foods involve a multi-faceted approach that includes rigorous safety evaluations, standardized production processes, and stringent regulatory compliance. By adhering to these guidelines, FMH products can achieve market success while ensuring consumer safety and trust. Figure 1 Insight into the integrated approach to the key technological steps, i.e., design and evaluation, of the Functional Food Development Cycle (Adopted from Alongi and Anese, 2021) 7 Market Status and Consumer Perception Analysis 7.1 Market overview of food-medicine homology functional foods The market for food-medicine homology (FMH) functional foods has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with these products. Functional foods, which include FMH products, are designed to provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This market segment has expanded rapidly, particularly in regions such as the USA, Japan, and Europe, where consumers are increasingly seeking foods that promote well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases (Siró et al., 2008). The development and commercialization of FMH functional foods are complex and require addressing technological, legislative, and consumer demand challenges. Despite these challenges, the market potential for FMH functional foods remains high, with ongoing innovations and product developments aimed at meeting consumer needs and preferences (Siró et al., 2008; Hou and Jiang, 2013). In Europe, for instance, the functional foods market has been growing steadily, with consumers showing a preference for products that are perceived as naturally healthy, such as yogurt, cereals, and juices. These products are often seen as credible carriers of functional ingredients, which enhances their market acceptance (Annunziata and Vecchio, 2011). The concept of FMH aligns well with the current consumer trend towards natural and green healthy living, further driving the market growth. However, the market is still in its early stages, and there is a need for more knowledge dissemination and technological innovations to fully realize the potential of FMH functional foods (Hou and Jiang, 2013). 7.2 Consumer perception and acceptance of food-medicine homology Consumer perception and acceptance of FMH functional foods are influenced by a variety of factors, including socio-demographic characteristics, cognitive and attitudinal factors, and the perceived health benefits of the
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==