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The food acidulants market size is forecast to increase by USD 2.37 billion at a CAGR of 6.7% between 2023 and 2028. The market is witnessing significant growth due to the rising demand for processed food and increasing penetration of online food retailing. Processed food, frozen food, and packaged food products are gaining popularity among consumers due to their convenience and longer shelf life, leading to a surge in demand for food acidulants as preservatives. Furthermore, the growing trend of online food retailing is driving market growth, as consumers can easily access a wide range of processed food products from various retailers. However, the market faces challenges due to the adverse effects of acidulants on human health. Consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious and prefer natural alternatives to synthetic food additives. As a result, manufacturers are focusing on developing and marketing natural food acidulants to cater to this growing demand. Overall, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by these trends and challenges.
Food acidulants are organic acids used in the food industry for various applications, including flavor enhancement, acid level control, and preservation. Lactic, fumaric, malic, citric acids are commonly used acidulants in food products. The animal feed industry also utilizes food acidulants for nutritional value and immunity-boosting properties. The market for food acidulants is driven by the increasing demand for processed food, beverages, and convenience foods. Beverage producers and processed meat manufacturers are significant consumers of food acidulants due to their role in enhancing taste, extending shelf life, and improving product formulations. Furthermore, the clean label movement and consumer preference for natural food options have led to the growth of organic acidulants such as citric acid, malic acid, and lactic acid. Natural food options, healthier food, and healthier food choices are gaining popularity, leading to product diversification in the food industry. Acidulants are also used as flavoring agents and in the production of artificial sweeteners. In the foodservice industry, acidulants are used to maintain the desired acidity levels in various dishes. Organized food retail and the growing demand for longer shelf life in processed foods are also driving the growth of the food acidulants market. Raw materials used in the production of food acidulants include fruits, sugarcane, corn, and beets. The increasing demand for acidulants in various applications and the availability of raw materials are expected to drive the growth of the food acidulants market in the forecast period.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.
The bakery and confectionery segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Food Acidulants are organic and inorganic compounds widely used in the food industry for various purposes, including flavor enhancement, pH level control, and acid level control in food products. Organic acids such as Lactic, Fumaric, Acetic, Citric, Malic, Phosphoric, and Tartaric acids are commonly used as food acidulants. These acids contribute to the taste, texture, and color of food products, particularly in beverages, processed meats, and convenience foods. Artificial acidulants, such as phosphoric acid and acetic acid, have been under scrutiny due to health problems associated with their consumption. In response, the market for organic acidulants derived from natural sources has gained traction.
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The bakery and confectionery segment accounted for USD 2.04 billion in 2018. Natural food options, including plant-based ingredients and sustainable ingredients, are increasingly preferred in the clean label movements. Product formulations are being revised to accommodate consumer demand for chemical-free food products. Food acidulants play a crucial role in maintaining the desired pH levels and extending the shelf life of various food products. They are used in a powdered form for easy application and are available in various grades to cater to diverse industry requirements. Organic acidulants, such as citric acid and malic acid, are gaining popularity due to their health benefits and consumer preference for clean label products. The market for food acidulants is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing demand for healthier food options and product diversification in the food industry.
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APAC 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.
Food Acidulants are organic and inorganic compounds used in the food industry for various applications such as flavor enhancement, acid level control, and preservation. Organic acids like Lactic, Fumaric, Malic, Acetic, Citric, Phosphoric, and Tartaric acids are commonly used as food acidulants. These acids play a crucial role in enhancing the taste and flavor of food products, including beverages, processed meats, and convenience foods. Artificial acidulants, such as phosphoric and citric acids, have been widely used due to their effectiveness in controlling pH levels and extending shelf life. However, health concerns and the clean label movement have led to a growing demand for natural food options and chemical-free food products. As a result, there is a significant focus on product diversification using plant-based ingredients and sustainable ingredients like natural food options, such as organic acids. Organic acidulants, including citric, malic, and lactic acids, are gaining popularity as they offer healthier alternatives to artificial acidulants. These acids are derived from natural sources and are free from synthetic additives. Moreover, the increasing preference for clean label movements and product formulations has led to the use of natural flavoring agents and artificial sweeteners instead of artificial acidulants. Powdered food acidulants, such as acetic, citric, and fumaric acids, are widely used due to their convenience and ease of use in various food applications. These acidulants are available in different grades and forms, catering to the diverse requirements of the food industry. Overall, the food acidulants market is expected to witness significant growth due to the increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options.
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 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.
The rising demand for processed food is notably driving market growth. The global market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for packaged and processed food products. With urbanization and improved economic conditions in both developed and developing countries, there has been a surge in the consumption of canned products, bakery items, and ready-to-eat meals. Inorganic acidulants, such as tartaric acid and citric acid, are widely used as raw materials in the production of these food items for pH control and preservation. The foodservice industry and beverage producers also rely heavily on food acidulants for the production of immunity-boosting and innovative beverages, as well as exotic flavors in ready-to-drink beverages.
In addition, the demand for clean label products and nutritional value-added food items has led to an increased focus on the use of non-toxic components, such as organic acids, in food processing. Furthermore, the meat processing industry uses acidulants for fermented meat production and preservation. Additionally, the use of food acidulants extends to animal feed production for nutritional value enhancement. Thus, such factors are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The growing penetration of online food retailing is the key trend in the market. The global food industry is witnessing a significant shift towards the use of acidulants in various applications, including bakery products, canned goods, packaged foods, red meat such as pork, and beverages. Tartaric acid and citric acid are among the most commonly used organic acidulants, while inorganic acidulants, such as phosphoric and sulfuric acids, are widely used in meat processing and fermented meat. The bakery industry and foodservice industry are major consumers of acidulants for pH control and preservation. In the beverage sector, innovative producers are focusing on creating immunity-boosting, exotic flavor, and ready-to-drink beverages using acidulants as preservatives and non-toxic components.
Additionally, the use of acidulants in nutritional products and animal feed is gaining popularity due to their nutritional value. Citric acid manufacturers are investing in research and development to produce high-quality acidulants to cater to the increasing demand. Aspartame, a popular sweetener, is also used in conjunction with acidulants in beverages and processed food. Overall, the market for food acidulants is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for clean label products, preservation, and innovative beverage production. Thus, such trends will shape the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The adverse effects of acidulants is the major challenge that affects the growth of the market. Lactic acid, a widely used organic acidulant, plays a significant role in various food applications, including the bakery industry, canned products, packaged foods, meat processing, and fermented meat. Inorganic acidulants, such as phosphoric and sulfuric acids, are also commonly used for pH control and preservation in processed food, beverages, and foodservice industry. Tartaric acid, another organic acidulant, is popularly used in the bakery industry for dough conditioning and in immunity-boosting nutritional products. Carboxylic acids, including lactic and citric acids, donate hydrogen ions and react with bases, both organic and inorganic, to form salts.
However, lactic acid's high flammability poses a risk in food processing, as it might react with active metals to generate hydrogen gas and metal salts, leading to fire hazards. Inorganic acids, such as phosphoric and sulfuric acids, are non-toxic components when used in food applications but require careful handling due to their strong corrosive properties. Beverage producers innovate with exotic flavors and create ready-to-drink beverages using acidulants for preservation and taste enhancement. Citric acid manufacturers produce large quantities of this acid to cater to the growing demand for clean label products and organic acids in the food industry. Aspartame, a popular sweetener, is often used in combination with acidulants to improve the taste and shelf life of processed food and beverages. Hence, the above factors will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The market forecasting 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 market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
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.
Archer Daniels Midland Co. - The company offers food acidulants that includes citric acid and citrates which provide important functional benefits across a range of applications, such as flavor, tartness, high solubility, buffering capacity, chelation of metals, and antioxidant benefits.
The market research and growth report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
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.
Food acidulants are organic and inorganic compounds widely used in the food industry for various applications, including flavor enhancement, acid level control, and preservation. The market for food acidulants is driven by the increasing demand for processed foods, beverages, and convenience items. Lactic acid, fumaric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, phosphoric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid are among the commonly used food acidulants. Health concerns related to artificial additives have led to a growing demand for natural food options and chemical-free food products. As a result, there is a trend towards using organic acidulants such as citric acid and malic acid in product formulations. The clean label movements have further fueled the demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in food products. Food acidulants are used in a wide range of food products, including beverages, processed meats, and convenience foods, to control ph levels, enhance flavors, and improve shelf life. The organized food retail and specialty stores sectors are significant consumers of food acidulants. The market for food acidulants is expected to witness significant product diversification, with a focus on developing powdered food acidulants and exploring the use of plant-based ingredients to cater to the growing demand for healthier food options. The use of sustainable ingredients is also gaining popularity in the food acidulants market.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
145 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018-2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.7% |
Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 2.37 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
6.2 |
Regional analysis |
North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 30% |
Key countries |
US, China, Germany, UK, and France |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Archer Daniels Midland Co., Arshine Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Bartek Ingredients Inc., Batory Foods, BRENNTAG SE, Cargill Inc., Citribel NV, Corbion nv, DairyChem, FBC Industries Inc., FDL Ltd., Fuso Chemical Co. Ltd., Grasim Industries Ltd, Hawkins Watts Ltd., Isegan South Africa Pty Ltd., Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, MegaChem UK Ltd., Suntran Industrial Group Ltd., Tate and Lyle PLC, and Weifang Ensign Industry Co. Ltd. |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, Market growth and Forecasting, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for 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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1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by Application
7 Customer Landscape
8 Geographic Landscape
9 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
10 Competitive Landscape
11 Competitive Analysis
12 Appendix
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