Citric Acid Market by Application, Type and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2023-2027

 Citric Acid Market Forecast 2023-2027

The citric acid market size is forecast to increase by USD 2.25 billion at a CAGR of 8.44% between 2022 and 2027. The market's expansion hinges on various factors, notably the increasing need for citric acids in detergents and cleaners, driven by rising hygiene standards. Additionally, the surging popularity of convenience foods and beverages fuels the demand for sour salt as a preservative and flavor enhancer, catering to busy lifestyles. Citric acid's versatility across multiple industries, from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, further propels market growth. Its ability to act as a chelating agent, pH adjuster, and antioxidant adds to its appeal. With consumers' inclination toward eco-friendly and natural products, citric acid's environmentally sustainable profile and biodegradability contribute significantly to its market expansion.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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Market Segmentation

This market report extensively covers market segmentation by application (food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, detergents and cleaners, and others), type (liquid and anhydrous), and geography (Europe, North America, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America). It also includes an in-depth analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges. Furthermore, the report includes historic market data from 2017 to 2021.

Market Dynamics and Customer Landscape

The market is driven by the extensive use of citrus fruits such as lemons and limes across various industries like the cosmetics and personal care products sectors. As an antioxidant and a key component in food additives, Citric Acid plays a pivotal role in carbonated beverages, soft drinks, and ready-to-drink beverages. However, challenges such as environmental effects, sourcing organic products, and meeting regulatory standards pose significant hurdles. Emerging trends include its utilization in anti-aging treatments, shampoo formulas, and hair color products, reflecting the market's dynamic evolution. Our researchers analyzed the data with 2022 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Key Market Driver

One of the key factors driving the market is the growing demand for citric acids from detergents and cleaners. Citric acid is used to reduce water hardness and aids in lathering. These properties of sour salt make it an integral part of soaps, detergents, and cleaning solutions. Furthermore, owing to its acidic nature, sour salt removes grime and dirt spots from fabrics and surfaces. Additionally, citric acid is preferred in detergents used for cleaning applications due to its non-corrosive, non-toxic, and biodegradable properties. These properties have increased the demand for citric acid in household and detergent applications. Additionally, citric acid-infused products are safe to use and do not pose such risks.

Moreover, it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that restrict the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, it works as a disinfectant in protective cleaning products used in bathrooms and kitchens. It also helps in removing stains from tables, countertops, floors, and stainless-steel equipment. Owing to its high chelating property, it is widely used for removing grease and oil spots. Sour salt also helps in the descaling of mineral deposits in household and industrial applications. For such reasons, the demand for sour salt in the detergents and cleaners’ sector is increasing and is expected to continue to rise during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trends

The growing popularity of organic food additives is another factor supporting the market growth in the forecast period. A recent trend observed is a shift in consumer demand from synthetic food additives to organic food additives such as herbal extracts. The organic preservatives market has been observed to register higher growth than the synthetic food additive market in developed countries. Consumers perceive organic food additives to be safer and healthier than synthetic food additives. The cost of manufacturing and purchasing organic food additives is much higher than that of synthetic food additives, but a growing health-conscious population is impacting their acceptance rate.  

Moreover, the demand for drinks with less or no sugar is high among people, so manufacturers must introduce healthier alternatives. Therefore, the increasing preference for organic food additives will have a positive influence on their production and consumption. Furthermore, changes in food regulations in the US are creating a significantly higher demand for food additives such as food preservatives and flavor enhancers. In addition, the increasing consumer demand for clean-label assertions has increased the need for versatile organic flavoring agents such as sour salt. Therefore, the growing acceptance of organic food additives is likely to impact the growth of the market positively during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge

Potential substitutes such as lactic acid will be a major challenge for the market during the forecast period. Lactic acid has emerged as a potential replacement for sour salt in various applications in the food and beverage industry, such as meat products, frozen foods, dairy products, confectionery, snacks, soft drinks, beer, fruit juices, pickles, cheese, and dry casein. In addition, the acidity of lactic acid leaves a long sour aftertaste in various products such as confectionery and snacks. It is commonly used in the production of beer and wine. It makes beer and wine taste better.  

Moreover, lactic acid is also used as an antibacterial agent in several food products, such as meat, frozen foods, and pickles. It decreases the pH of the product, which restricts the growth of the microorganisms. In addition, lactic acid is widely used in packaged vegetables and fruits such as pickled cucumber (gherkins), green olives, cucumbers, mushrooms, and baby carrots. It inhibits spoilage and fermentation and works as a preservative in these products. Due to these properties, which are like sour salt, lactic acid could be a potential substitute for the latter and may hinder the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Key Market Customer Landscape

The report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.

Market Customer Landscape

Who are the Major Market Players?

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Citribel NV: The company offers citric acid, which is used in food as a flavoring agent and preservative. Also, the company offers the production of citric acid, citrates, and other high value co-products, which are produced through the natural surface fermentation of sugar.

The report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 15 market companies, including:

• Anmol Chemicals Group
• Archer Daniels Midland Co.
• Cargill Inc.
• COFCO Corp.
• Dastech International Inc.
• Foodchem International Corp.
• Gadot Biochemical Industries Ltd.
• Hemadri Chemicals
• Huangshi Xinghua Biochemical Co. Ltd.
• Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG
• Kenko Corp.
• KIC Chemicals Inc.
• MP Biomedicals Inc.
• Niram Chemicals
• Paras Chemical Industries

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

What is the Fastest-Growing Segments in the Market?

The market encompasses a wide array of industries and applications, showcasing its versatility and importance in various sectors. Derived from citrus fruits like lemons and limes, Citric Acid finds extensive use in the cosmetics industry and personal care products industry. It is a key ingredient in shampoo formulas, anti-aging treatments, and hair color products due to its beneficial properties and effectiveness. In the pharmaceutical industry, Citric Acid is utilized as an antioxidant and plays a role in the formulation of medications and supplements. Additionally, it is employed in bioindustries for its role in environmental effects and as a component in metal complexes. Within the food and beverage sector, sour salt serves as one of the crucial food additives used in carbonated beverages, soft drinks, energy drinks, and sports drinks. It also enhances the flavor profile of ready-to-eat meals and frozen food products.

The market share growth by the food and beverage segment will be significant during the forecast period. In 2022, the food and beverages segment was the fastest-growing application segment for the global market. The segment is likely to observe significant growth during the forecast period owing to an increasing preference for packaged and convenience food products. 

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The food and beverage segment was valued at USD 1.12 billion in 2017 and continue to grow by 2021. A small amount of citric acid provides natural flavors of lemon, orange, raspberry, lime, and raw fruit. In beverage products, sour salt is used to balance sweetness and create a refreshing, mild acidity. sour salt is also used as a preservative due to its acidic pH. Citric acid inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, it is widely used in jellies, jams, preserves, sweets, and meat products. Therefore, these factors are expected to boost the demand for citric acid in the industry during the forecast period. In addition, the industry is expected to grow steadily worldwide. Such factors will increase the segment's growth during the forecast period.

Which are the Key Regions for the Market?

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Europe is estimated to contribute 30% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The European market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, owing to growing awareness of healthy lifestyles and the health benefits of organic additives. In Europe, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are the major markets for sour salt. The countries with the highest per capita spending on organic beverages in Europe were Switzerland, Denmark, and Luxembourg. Moreover, the high population density in these countries increases the sales of organic food, which translates into a high demand for citric acid in Europe. 

Segment Overview

The market report forecasts market growth by revenue at global, regional & country levels and provides a market growth analysis of the latest trends and growth opportunities from 2017 to 2027. 

• Application Outlook 
  • Food and beverage
  • Pharmaceuticals and personal care products
  • Detergents and cleaners
  • Others

• Type Outlook
  • Liquid
  • Anhydrous

• Region Outlook 
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • The U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • South America
    • Chile
    • Argentina
    • Brazil
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Market Analyst Overview

The market experiences robust demand due to its versatile applications across various industries. Derived primarily from citrus fruits like lemons and limes, citric acid finds extensive use in the cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceutical sectors. Its bioindustrial applications further contribute to market growth, with citric acid serving as a crucial ingredient in environmental-friendly buffers and metal complexes. In the food and beverage industry, citric acid acts as an acidulant and sequestrant, enhancing flavors and extending the shelf life in carbonated beverages, energy drinks, packaged goods, and processed food items.

In addition, the market plays a crucial role in various industries due to its diverse applications and benefits. In the food and beverage sector, Citric Acid serves as a key food ingredient used in a wide range of products such as sports drinks, ready-to-eat meals, canned goods, and frozen meals. It acts as a preservative, preventing the growth of fungus, bacteria, mold, and mildew in items like jarred goods and vegetable juices. Moreover, Citric Acid is extensively utilized in food processing industries for its acidic properties and as an additive in syrups and carbonated drinks. It is also present in frozen food products, contributing to their taste and preservation.

Furthermore, the market is a vital component in various industries due to its versatile applications and benefits. In the cosmetics industry, Citric Acid is used in skincare products, hair colorants, and anti-aging treatments. It also plays a significant role in the personal care products industry, contributing to the formulation of shampoos, conditioners, and bath products. In the pharmaceutical industry, Citric Acid serves as a critical ingredient in medicines and supplements thanks to its acidity and bioavailability. Moreover, in bioindustries, it aids in environmental processes as a component of eco-friendly cleaners and buffers, showcasing its environmental effects.

Moreover, the cosmetic industry utilizes citric acid in skincare products, anti-aging treatments, shampoo formulas, and hair colorants. Additionally, citric acid's presence in baby foods, breakfast cereals, snack foods, and dairy/meat substitutes as a sugar substitutes underscores its importance in the food processing sector. With increasing health consciousness, citric acid's role in cardiovascular health, immune system support, and energy level regulation gains prominence. As the market expands into developing countries and emerging markets, the demand for liquid citric acid, especially in alcoholic beverages, carbonated soft drinks, and ready-to-drink beverages, is expected to surge. Molson Coors and passionfruit and mango flavors are notable contributors to the market's growth, catering to consumer preferences for healthier alternatives with reduced.

Market Scope
Report Coverage	Details
Page number	165
Base year	2022
Historic period	2017-2021
Forecast period	2023-2027
Growth momentum & CAGR	Accelerate at a CAGR of 8.44%
Market growth 2023-2027	USD 2.25 billion
Market structure	Fragmented
YoY growth 2022-2023(%)	7.83
Regional analysis	Europe, North America, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America
Performing market contribution	Europe at 30%
Key countries	US, China, India, Germany, and UK
Competitive landscape	Leading companies, Market Positioning of companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks
Key companies profiled	Anmol Chemicals Group, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Cargill Inc., Citribel NV, COFCO Corp., Dastech International Inc., Foodchem International Corp., Gadot Biochemical Industries Ltd., Hemadri Chemicals, Huangshi Xinghua Biochemical Co. Ltd., Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Kenko Corp., KIC Chemicals Inc., MP Biomedicals Inc., Niram Chemicals, Paras Chemical Industries, RZBC Group Co. Ltd., Shandong Lemon Biochemical Co. Ltd., Tate and Lyle Plc, and Weifang Ensign Industry Co. Ltd.
Market dynamics	Parent market analysis, Market forecasting, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period.
Customization purview	If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2023 and 2027
• Precise estimation of the market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market across Europe, North America, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South America
• Thorough market growth and forecasting analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive market research and growth analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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