Plus-Sized Furniture, a Growing Trend in the Global Market, Fueled by Increasing Obesity Rates
The global furniture market is set to experience significant growth in the coming years, with estimates suggesting it will reach a size of US$872.5 billion by 2030. This projection, made by Research and Markets, indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2022 to 2030. Economic observers attribute this growth to the rising obesity rates witnessed worldwide.
Several key markets are expected to contribute to this upward trend. The US furniture market, valued at US$199.7 billion in 2022, is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6%. China, which is estimated to be worth S$159.3 billion by 2030, is predicted to achieve an even higher growth rate of 8.2% CAGR. Japan and Canada are also anticipated to experience growth, with projected CAGRs of 3.7% and 4.8% respectively from 2022 to 2030.
These optimistic forecasts align with the improving global economic outlook. Despite a slowing GDP, the United States has managed to overcome recession threats. China's GDP is expected to rebound once pandemic-related challenges subside and the country eases its zero-COVID policy. Additionally, India is poised to become a US$6 trillion economy by 2030, surpassing both Japan and Germany.
The surge in obesity rates is a major driving force behind the growing demand for plus-sized furniture. According to the World Obesity Federation, it is projected that by 2035, nearly half of the global population—over 4 billion people—will be classified as obese. This trend is particularly concerning among children in lower-income countries. Experts attribute this rise in obesity to the nutrition transition, where traditional whole-food diets are replaced by highly processed and animal-based foods.
In response to this increasing demand, furniture manufacturers are adapting by offering a wider range of plus-sized furniture options. These products aim to provide comfortable and functional solutions for individuals with larger body sizes. From sofas and chairs with reinforced frames to wider dining tables and sturdier bed frames, the market is embracing this growing trend.
In conclusion, the global furniture market is set to experience substantial growth in the coming years, driven by increasing obesity rates worldwide. Markets such as the US, China, Japan, and Canada are predicted to be key contributors to this growth. As the number of obese individuals continues to rise, the demand for plus-sized furniture