Liquid Thickeners Market Analysis APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, South America - China, US, Germany, India, UK, Japan, France, Spain, Canada, Brazil - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Liquid Thickeners Market Size 2024-2028 

The liquid thickeners market size is forecast to increase by USD 1.71 billion at a CAGR of 5.7% between 2023 and 2028.

• The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. The aging population and increasing healthcare needs are driving market demand, as liquid thickeners are extensively used in various healthcare applications to improve the consistency and texture of food and pharmaceutical products. Market trends include the introduction of innovative synthetic thickeners, such as carboxymethyl cellulose and xanthan gum, which offer superior performance and longer shelf life compared to traditional starches and gums.
• Furthermore, innovative product introductions by market players are adding to the market's growth momentum. This demographic shift is leading to a higher demand for food and pharmaceutical products that cater to the specific requirements of the elderly population, thereby driving market growth. However, the market is also facing challenges such as the fluctuating prices of raw materials used In the production of liquid thickeners, which can impact the profitability of manufacturers. In order to mitigate these challenges, market players are focusing on research and development efforts to create cost-effective and high-performance liquid thickeners. Overall, the market is expected to witness steady growth In the coming years due to its increasing applications in various end-use industries.

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

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• The market encompasses a wide range of industrial and consumer applications, including cosmetics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paints, and coatings. These products play a crucial role in enhancing consistency and texture, providing stability and improving the overall quality of various industrial goods and consumer items.
• Furthermore, the market for liquid thickeners is driven by urbanization and the increasing demand for convenient, ready-to-consume food and beverage products. Formulation technology advances have led to the development of natural and sustainable thickeners, addressing growing consumer concerns regarding health and the environment. The market is expected to grow steadily, with key trends including the increasing use of liquid thickeners in packaged foods and processed items to enhance texture and shelf life. Manufacturers continue to focus on improving the manufacturing process to ensure consistency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

How is this Liquid Thickeners Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The liquid thickeners industry 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.

• Application
  • Food and beverages
  • Petrochemical industry
  • Paint industry
  • Printing Industry
  • Others
• Type
  • Starch
  • Hydrocolloids
  • Protein
• Geography
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
  • North America
    • US
  • Middle East and Africa
  • South America

By Application Insights

• The food and beverages segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market experiences significant growth, particularly In the food and beverages sector. Companies like Cargill lead the industry, providing a range of liquid thickeners such as carrageenans derived from red seaweeds. These carrageenans are processed using advanced techniques to create customized solutions, enhancing product texture, stability, and consistency. Extensively used in dairy products, fruit preparations, and meat processing, carrageenans interact with proteins and synergize with other hydrocolloids like locust bean gum and guar gum, improving food product quality. In the construction industry, liquid thickeners are utilized in cement and paint applications for enhanced viscosity and smoothness. Compliance with regulatory standards is crucial, with organizations such as the FDA and EU setting guidelines. Infrastructure investment and the demand for clean label products further fuel market growth. Key players include Cargill, DuPont, and Ashland Global Holdings.

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The food and beverages segment was valued at USD 1.56 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

• APAC is estimated to contribute 49% 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.

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The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is a major and expanding market for liquid thickeners, driven by strong demand in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food processing, and cosmetics. India, in particular, is a significant player In the global pharmaceuticals sector, valued at USD42 billion and growing at nearly 5% year-on-year, reaching USD49.78 billion in FY23. As the world's largest supplier of generic medications, India contributes 20% of the global supply by volume and meets approximately 60% of the world's vaccination demand. The increasing demand for affordable and accessible medications positions India as a key market for liquid thickeners used in pharmaceutical formulations.

In the food processing industry, liquid thickeners are used to enhance consistency and texture, while in cosmetics, they improve product performance and appearance. Industrial applications of liquid thickeners include oil drilling, mining, and construction industries, where they serve to increase the viscosity of fluids and improve their flow properties. The market is expected to grow at a steady pace due to the increasing demand for industrial goods and consumer products that require improved consistency and texture.

Market Dynamics

Our liquid thickeners market 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.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise In the adoption of Liquid Thickeners Industry?

The growing aging population and healthcare needs are the key drivers of the market.

• The market is experiencing significant growth due to various factors, particularly In the sectors of Industrial goods, Cosmetics, Food, and Pharmaceuticals. In the Food industry, the increasing urbanization and the trend towards convenience meals and processed food have led to a higher demand for liquid thickeners in soups, sauces, and packaged juices. In the Personal care and Drug formulations sectors, liquid thickeners are essential for achieving the desired consistency and texture. Natural thickeners, such as starches, gums, and hydrocolloids, are gaining popularity due to the increasing demand for sustainable and clean label products. Synthetic thickeners, on the other hand, offer advantages in terms of stability and quality in various applications, including paints, coatings, and textiles.
• Furthermore, the Food industry's shift towards healthy lifestyles and plant-based diets has led to an increase In the demand for plant-source thickeners, such as plant-based starches and gums. In the Bakery and Confectionery sectors, liquid thickeners are used for various applications, including improving the texture of cakes and puddings. Regulatory standards and infrastructure investment are crucial factors influencing the market dynamics of liquid thickeners. The need for compliance with regulatory standards and the availability of advanced formulation technology are driving manufacturers to invest in research and development to produce high-quality liquid thickeners.
• In the Paints and Coatings sector, liquid thickeners are used to enhance the viscosity and stability of paints and coatings, making them suitable for various applications, including Construction. The market for liquid thickeners is expected to continue growing due to the increasing demand for natural alternatives and the need for high-performance products in various industries.

What are the market trends shaping the Liquid Thickeners Industry?

The introduction of innovative products by key market players is the upcoming market trend.

• The market is experiencing growth due to increasing demand for industrial goods, cosmetics, food, and beverages with improved consistency and texture. In the Food and Beverage sector, the market is witnessing a shift towards sustainable and natural thickeners, such as starches, gums, and hydrocolloids, in response to consumer preferences for clean label products and regulatory standards. In August 2024, Roquette, a leading player, introduced four new tapioca-based cook-up starches, CLEARAM TR 2010, CLEARAM TR 510, CLEARAM TR 3010, and CLEARAM TR 4010, to address this trend.
• Furthermore, these starches enhance viscosity, consistency, and elasticity in various food applications, including soups, sauces, processed foods, packaged juices, energy drinks, bakery, and confectionery. Urbanization and the rise of convenience meals and healthy lifestyles have further fueled market growth. In addition, the Paints and Coatings industry relies on liquid thickeners for stability and quality in manufacturing processes. Overall, the market is expected to continue expanding, driven by innovation in formulation technology and infrastructure investment.

What challenges does the Liquid Thickeners Industry face during its growth?

Fluctuating prices of raw materials used in the production of liquid thickeners is a key challenge affecting the industry growth.

• The market encompasses a wide range of industrial and consumer applications, including cosmetics, food, soups, sauces, personal care, drug formulations, textiles, paints, coatings, and more. Natural and sustainable thickeners, such as starches, gums, and hydrocolloids, are increasingly popular due to consumer demand for clean label products and regulatory standards. However, the market faces challenges from fluctuating raw material prices, which can impact profitability and stability. For example, the price of guar gum, a commonly used thickener, dropped by approximately USD1.42 per five quintals in January and February 2024. This price decline was due to market trends and dealer positions. Formulation technology and infrastructure investment are key factors driving innovation and growth In the market. The market caters to various industries, including food and beverages, where they enhance texture and consistency in packaged foods, processed food, and culinary applications.
• In the personal care sector, they contribute to the viscosity and stability of drug formulations, cosmetics, and toiletries. In the construction industry, they are used in paints and coatings to improve their performance and durability. As urbanization continues to grow and consumers prioritize healthy lifestyles, the demand for liquid thickeners in food and beverages, such as soups, sauces, bakery, confectionery, convenience meals, packaged juices, energy drinks, and animal or plant source-based thickeners, is expected to increase. Overall, the market is a dynamic and evolving industry that requires continuous innovation and adaptation to meet the changing needs of consumers and industries.

Exclusive Customer Landscape

The liquid thickeners 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 liquid thickeners market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.

 Customer Landscape

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, liquid thickeners market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence In the industry. The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Acuro Organics Ltd.
• Archer Daniels Midland Co.
• Ashland Inc.
• BASF SE
• Cargill Inc.
• Clariant AG
• Croda International Plc
• Dow Inc.
• DuPont de Nemours Inc.
• Elementis Plc
• Evonik Industries AG
• Ingredion Inc.
• J M Huber Corp.
• Kao Corp.
• Kerry Group Plc
• Lonza Group Ltd.
• Solvay SA
• Stepan Co.
• The Lubrizol Corp.
• Wacker Chemie AG

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 industry 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.

Research Analyst Overview

The market is a significant and dynamic sector within the industrial goods industry. This market caters to various end-use industries, including cosmetics, food, soups, sauces, personal care, drug formulations, textiles, paints, coatings, and more. Liquid thickeners play a crucial role in enhancing the consistency and texture of these products, thereby contributing to their overall quality and stability. Industrial applications of liquid thickeners are vast and diverse. In the food industry, they are extensively used in packaged foods, processed foods, and culinary applications. Thickeners help improve the viscosity of these products, ensuring a desirable consistency and enhancing the eating experience.

In the cosmetics and personal care sector, liquid thickeners are used to create a smooth, even texture for various formulations, making them an essential component of these products. The demand for liquid thickeners is driven by several factors, including growing urbanization and changing consumer preferences. The increasing popularity of clean label products and sustainable alternatives is fueling the growth of the natural thickeners segment. Starches, gums, and hydrocolloids are popular natural thickeners used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and personal care. The paints and coatings industry is another significant end-use sector for liquid thickeners. These thickeners help improve the flow and leveling properties of paints and coatings, ensuring a uniform finish and enhancing their overall performance.

In the construction industry, liquid thickeners are used in various applications, including the production of cement and concrete. The market for liquid thickeners is highly competitive, with several players offering synthetic and natural alternatives. Synthetic thickeners, such as carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate, have been widely used due to their excellent performance characteristics. However, the growing demand for natural and sustainable alternatives is driving the growth of the natural thickeners segment. Formulation technology plays a crucial role In the development and production of liquid thickeners. Manufacturers are continually investing in research and development to create innovative and high-performance thickeners that cater to the evolving needs of various industries.

Furthermore, regulatory standards and infrastructure investment are also essential factors influencing the market dynamics. In the food industry, liquid thickeners are used in a wide range of applications, including soups, sauces, bakery, confectionery, convenience meals, and healthy lifestyles products. Thickeners help improve the texture and stability of these products, ensuring a desirable consistency and enhancing their overall quality. In the cosmetics and personal care sector, liquid thickeners are used to create a smooth, even texture for various formulations, making them an essential component of these products. The market for liquid thickeners is expected to grow significantly In the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality and sustainable products across various industries.

Overall, the growing popularity of clean label products and the rising awareness of the health benefits of natural and plant-based ingredients are also expected to fuel the growth of the market. In conclusion, The market is a dynamic and growing sector, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality and sustainable products across various industries. The market is highly competitive, with several players offering synthetic and natural alternatives. Manufacturers are continually investing in research and development to create innovative and high-performance thickeners that cater to the evolving needs of various industries. The market is expected to grow significantly In the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for natural and sustainable alternatives and the growing popularity of clean label products.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Liquid Thickeners Market Research and Growth Report?

• CAGR of the Liquid Thickeners industry during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the Liquid Thickeners growth and forecasting between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market and its contribution of the industry in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming growth and trends and changes in consumer behaviour
• Growth of the market across APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America
• Thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the liquid thickeners market growth of industry companies

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