Juices for pregnant women: A market study

Abstract

Among other benefits, a healthy diet during pregnancy contributes to the reduction of mother and child mortality, prematurity rates and malformation of babies. Functional juices are an alternative in the composition of adequate diets for this segment of the population. As well as the natural nutrients of fruits and vegetables, they are enriched with vitamins and minerals. Facing the fact that a juice specifically conceived for pregnant women does not exist in the Brazilian market, one has tried with this study to develop an alternative proposal for this public. In order to do that, one has tried to know the tendencies and innovations in the market of juices through readings and verification of products sold in supermarkets. One has also searched about the demands, that is, preferences of pregnant women. Thus, besides a bibliographical research, a questionnaire formulated that was applied to this public. The obtained results point out to the iron deficiencies, aggravated during pregnancy, and the precariousness of alternatives currently offered in the market of ready to drink juices enriched with this mineral. The study concludes with a description of the characteristics of a new product that considers the needs and the gaps existing in the offer of juices for pregnant women.

Key words: juice, health, practicality, pregnant woman, market.