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

Natural Thickeners Market Size 2024-2028

The natural thickeners market size is forecast to increase by USD 2.23 billion at a CAGR of 5.63% between 2023 and 2028.

• The market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer preference for nutritional and natural food products. This trend is driving the demand for natural thickeners as they offer health benefits and improve the texture of various food applications. In the construction industry, natural thickeners are used in insulating glass windows and energy-efficient buildings to improve heat transfer and reduce energy costs, contributing to a smaller carbon footprint and mitigating climate change. Additionally, the launch of plant-based thickeners is gaining traction as they align with the vegan and vegetarian dietary trends. However, fluctuating raw material prices pose a challenge to market growth. Producers must manage these price fluctuations to maintain profitability and competitiveness Ii the market. Overall, the market is expected to witness steady growth In the coming years due to these market trends and challenges.

What will be the Natural Thickeners Market Size During the Forecast Period?

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• The market encompasses a range of organic and plant-based alternatives used in various industries to enhance the texture and consistency of products. This market is driven by the growing demand for healthier, clean label options in food and beverage applications, including organic food products, gluten-free foods, vegan foods, and beverages. Natural thickeners derived from polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids are gaining popularity due to their health benefits and sustainable production.
• These thickeners are also used in sealant types, such as silicone sealant and hot melt sealant, to ensure airtight seals in various applications. Food thickeners, such as gelatin, starches, vegetable gums, and agar-agar, play a crucial role in puddings, sauces, and beverages by providing the desired viscosity and texture. The market is expected to continue growing as consumers increasingly seek out healthier, more sustainable options and industries strive to reduce their environmental impact.

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

The 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
  • Cosmetics and personal care
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Paints and coatings
  • Others
• Type
  • Plant based thickeners
  • Animal based thickeners
• 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 is witnessing significant growth In the food and beverages sector due to increasing consumer demand for processed and convenience foods. Natural thickeners enhance the texture, stability, and mouthfeel of these products, making them an essential ingredient. Consumers prefer foods with improved sensory attributes, leading manufacturers to incorporate natural thickeners into their formulations. These additives contribute to the overall quality of food and beverages, providing a smoother, more appealing texture and preventing separation or settling. Natural thickeners are derived from various sources, including plant-based alternatives, such as hydrocolloids like pectin, agar-agar, locust bean gum, and vegetable gums.

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The food and beverages segment was valued at USD 2.39 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 market In the APAC region is experiencing notable growth due to increasing demand from end-use industries, particularly cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. With a large population, particularly in China and India, the growing middle class is driving consumer spending on personal care products. Natural thickeners, which include polysaccharides, proteins, and lipid-based alternatives, are widely used in cosmetic formulations due to their thickening, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties. The region has seen a consistent trend toward natural and organic cosmetics, as consumers become more conscious of the potential health risks associated with synthetic ingredients. Natural thickeners, such as agar-agar, locust bean gum, and pectin, offer a sustainable and organic alternative.

Market Dynamics

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.

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

Increasing adoption of nutritional dietary natural thickeners is the key driver of the market.

• The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing consumer preference for organic food products and clean label alternatives. Health benefits, such as the ability to improve viscosity in food and beverages without adding calories or unhealthy additives, are driving demand for natural thickeners. Plant-based alternatives, including polysaccharides, proteins, and lipid-based thickeners, are gaining popularity In the food industry for their sustainability and compatibility with various dietary needs. In the food and beverage sector, natural thickeners are used in a wide range of applications, including puddings, sauces, and baked goods. The baking industry, non-alcoholic beverages, and convenience foods are major consumers of natural thickeners.
• In the personal care industry, these thickeners are used as stabilizing, gelling, and emulsifying agents. The demand for gluten-free and vegan foods is also fueling the market for natural thickeners, as plant-based alternatives like agar-agar, pectin, locust bean gum, and gums offer suitable options for these consumers. Hydrocolloids, which are derived from natural sources, are increasingly used In the food and beverage industry due to their ability to provide a desirable texture and mouthfeel. Innovative thickeners are being developed to address the evolving needs of various industries. For instance, advanced technology is being used to create natural thickeners that offer improved temperature stability, energy savings, and reduced carbon footprint in insulating glass windows and energy-efficient buildings.

What are the market trends shaping the Natural Thickeners Industry?

Increasing launches of plant based thickeners is the upcoming market trend.

• The market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing consumer preference for organic food products and clean label ingredients. Companies are responding to this trend by introducing sustainable and plant-based alternatives. For instance, Ingredion Inc. Launched HOMECRAFT pulse flours and starches, derived from lentils, chickpeas, and yellow peas, in February 2024. These clean-label thickeners offer both thickening and texturizing benefits, catering to the growing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients. Similarly, Tate and Lyle introduced PROMITA F200, a plant-based thickener, In the same month. This product is specifically designed for dairy alternatives, enhancing the texture and mouthfeel of plant-based yogurts, beverages, and desserts.
• These developments reflect the market's focus on health benefits, gluten-free foods, vegan foods, and sustainability. Natural thickeners are used in various industries, including food and beverages, personal care, and construction. In food and beverages, they are used in puddings, sauces, bakery, confectionery, and non-alcoholic beverages. In personal care, they serve as thickening agents, stabilizing agents, gelling agents, and emulsifying agents. In construction, they are used in insulating glass windows, energy-efficient buildings, and construction activities for heat transfer and temperature loss reduction. Natural thickeners come in various forms, including powder, liquid, and gel, and are used as thickening agents, stabilizing agents, gelling agents, and emulsifying agents.

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

Fluctuating raw material prices of natural thickeners is a key challenge affecting the industry growth.

• The market faces price fluctuations due to the sensitivity of raw materials derived from plant or microbial sources. Natural thickeners, including guar gum, xanthan gum, pectin, and agar, are used in various industries such as food and beverages, personal care, and construction. These thickeners offer health benefits, with many being organic, gluten-free, vegan, and sustainable. However, their production relies on agricultural conditions, climate change, and geopolitical issues, which can impact availability and cost. For instance, guar gum, extracted from guar beans primarily grown in India and Pakistan, experiences price volatility due to weather conditions affecting crop yields. In the food industry, natural thickeners are used in organically produced food products, convenience foods, baking industry, non-alcoholic beverages, and dietary products.
• In personal care, they serve as thickening, stabilizing, gelling, and emulsifying agents. In construction, they are used as insulating agents in energy-efficient buildings, reducing energy costs and carbon footprint through insulating glass windows, double glazing, and triple glazing. Silicone sealants and hot melt sealants also utilize natural thickeners for improved performance and aesthetic finish.

Exclusive Customer Landscape

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 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, 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:

• Archer Daniels Midland Co.
• Ashland Inc.
• Avlast Hydrocolloids
• Cargill Inc.
• Compania Espanola de Algas Marinas S.A.
• CP Kelco US Inc.
• Fiberstar Inc.
• Glanbia plc
• Ingredion Inc.
• Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG
• Lamberti SpA
• Lonza Group Ltd.
• NEXIRA
• Roquette Freres SA
• Scott Bader Co. Ltd.
• SEPPIC SA
• Silvateam Spa
• Tate and Lyle PLC
• The Lubrizol Corp.

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 encompasses a wide range of substances used to enhance the texture and consistency of various food and beverage products, as well as personal care applications. These thickeners play a crucial role in improving the sensory experience of consumers, while also contributing to the functionality and stability of the final product. Plant-based alternatives have gained significant traction in recent years due to the growing demand for clean label products and healthier food options. Polysaccharides, proteins, and lipid-based thickeners are among the most commonly used natural thickeners In the food industry. Polysaccharides, derived from plants, include starches, vegetable gums, agar-agar, pectin, lignin, and gums.

In addition, proteins, such as gelatin, are often derived from animal sources but plant-based alternatives, like soy and pea proteins, are also available. Lipid-based thickeners, which include monoglycerides and diglycerides, are derived from vegetable oils. The personal care industry also utilizes natural thickeners to create a variety of products, including cosmetics, lotions, and creams. Hydrocolloids, a type of thickener, are widely used in this sector due to their ability to provide a smooth and stable texture. The food and beverage sector is the largest consumer of natural thickeners, with applications ranging from puddings and sauces to non-alcoholic beverages and baked goods.

Moreover, thickeners play a vital role in improving the viscosity and texture of these products, as well as acting as stabilizing, gelling, and emulsifying agents. The market for natural thickeners is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for organic and clean label products, the growing popularity of plant-based diets, and the need for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Additionally, the increasing focus on energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint In the construction industry has led to the use of natural thickeners in insulating materials, such as silicone sealants and hot melt adhesives. Innovative thickeners continue to be developed to meet the evolving needs of various industries.

For instance, advanced technology is being used to create thickeners with improved functionality, such as enhanced stability, temperature resistance, and improved texture. The market is expected to grow at a steady pace In the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for natural and sustainable solutions in various industries. Despite this, raw material prices and energy costs remain key challenges for manufacturers, as they can significantly impact the overall cost of production. The market for natural thickeners is expected to continue growing, driven by the increasing demand for clean label, plant-based, and sustainable solutions. However, raw material prices and energy costs remain key challenges that manufacturers must address to remain competitive In the market.

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

• CAGR of the Natural Thickeners industry during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the 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 market growth of industry companies

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