Rare Sugar Global Market Report 2024

The rare sugar market has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $1.83 billion in 2023 to $1.93 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to several factors, including initiatives aimed at reducing sugar consumption, the expansion of functional confectionery products, a supportive regulatory environment, the increased utilization of these products in pharmaceuticals, and the rising prevalence of diabetes.

The rare sugar market is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.28 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. Anticipated growth in the forecast period can be ascribed to several factors, including consumer demand for natural sweeteners, the expansion of personalized nutrition, ongoing research on health benefits, the adoption of alternative sweeteners in foodservice, and the diversification of rare sugar product portfolios. Key trends expected in the forecast period encompass innovations in rare sugar production, ongoing research and development in food technology, a focus on natural and clean label products, increased collaborations and partnerships, and a growing emphasis on health and wellness trends.

The anticipated growth in the rare sugars market is expected to be driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes. Diabetes, a chronic condition resulting from the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin or insulin insensitivity, has become widespread globally. Rare sugars present a viable alternative to table sugar for diabetic patients, as they do not cause a significant rise in blood glucose levels. Regular consumption of rare sugars is also believed to contribute to the reduction of obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes. In 2021, the International Diabetes Federation reported a global diabetic population of 537 million individuals (20-79 years old), with projections indicating an increase to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. This surge in diabetes prevalence is a key driver for the growth of the rare sugars market.

The anticipated surge in awareness surrounding a healthy diet is poised to drive the growth of the rare sugars market in the foreseeable future. A healthy diet, characterized by a well-balanced eating regimen that delivers essential nutrients, fosters overall health, and mitigates the risk of chronic diseases, is being actively promoted by health authorities and organizations. There is a pronounced emphasis on reducing sugar intake in dietary guidelines, prompting both consumers and food manufacturers to explore and embrace alternative sweeteners such as rare sugars to align with these recommendations. For example, in 2023, a food survey conducted by the International Food Information Council, a US-based non-profit organization, revealed a significant increase in individuals (52%) adhering to specific diets or eating patterns, compared to 39% in 2021. The most favored choices included clean eating (16%), mindful eating (14%), and calorie counting (13%). Consequently, the growing consciousness of a healthy diet is a key driver for the rare sugars market.

Technological advancements play a pivotal role in driving the rare sugars market's popularity, with major industry players actively embracing innovation to maintain their market standing. One notable example is Bonumose Inc., a US-based food ingredient manufacturer, which, in March 2023, unveiled a state-of-the-art manufacturing and research and development facility. The facility employs a novel and cost-effective proprietary enzymatic process for producing tagatose, involving the conversion of fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) to tagatose 6-phosphate (T6P) catalyzed by an epimerase, and subsequent conversion of T6P to tagatose catalyzed by phosphatase, all within a single reaction vessel. This ATP-free process results in tagatose, a sweetener that is 90% as sweet as table sugar but with 62% fewer calories and no harsh aftertaste.

Major companies within the rare sugars market are channeling investments into the innovation of new rare and natural sugars to bolster their revenue streams. These investments fund research and development initiatives focused on discovering novel applications or enhancing production methods, potentially leading to the acquisition of patents or proprietary technologies. For example, Bonumose Inc. made a substantial investment in 2021, amounting to $27.7 million, for the construction of a 36,000-square-foot plant. This facility plays a crucial role in making rare sugars more affordable and accessible, specifically dedicated to the production of tagatose for various food and beverage products. Additionally, the plant has the capability to produce other ingredients within Bonumose's development pipeline, utilizing the extendable enzymatic technology platform applicable to additional rare sugars such as allulose, allose, and others.

In November 2023, Hovione, a Portugal-based company specializing in assisting pharmaceutical customers with new and off-patent drugs, made an undisclosed acquisition of ExtremoChem Lda. This strategic move provides Hovione with access to high-performance functional materials from ExtremoChem, demonstrating potential in stabilizing biopharmaceuticals throughout manufacturing, purification, formulation, and distribution. ExtremoChem Lda, based in Portugal, is recognized for producing rare sugars, including bioinspired synthetic sugar.

Major companies operating in the rare sugar market report are ASTRAEA Allulose LLC, Douglas Laboratories Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Hebei Huaxu Pharmace, Cosun Beet Company,, Bunge Limited, Cargill Incorporated,, ED&F Man Commodities Sp Z.O.O., Louis Dreyfus Company,, Mitr Phol Sugar Corporation, Nordzucker AG,, Südzucker AG,, Tereos SAS, Wilmar International Limited utical Co. Ltd., Matsutani Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Nature Supplies Co. Ltd., Sanwa Starch Co. Ltd., Specom Biochemical Co. Ltd., Sweet Cures Limited, Tate & Lyle plc, Bonumose Inc., CJ CheilJedang Corp., Ingredion Inc., International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Jinan Shangbo Biotech Co. Ltd., Samyang Corporation, Illovo Sugar Limited, Associated British Foods plc, Archer Daniels Midland Company, ASR Group,

North America was the largest region in the rare sugar market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global rare sugar market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the rare sugar market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the rare sugar market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary types of rare sugars include D-mannose, allulose, tagatose, D-xylose, L-arabinose, L-fucose, D-psicose, and others. D-mannose, a sugar related to glucose, is naturally present in fruits and the human body. These rare sugars are accessible through various distribution channels such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, and online platforms. They find applications in diverse industries including dietary supplements, cosmetic and personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and the food and beverage sector.

The rare sugar market research report provides rare sugar market statistics, including rare sugar industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a rare sugar market share, detailed rare sugar market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the rare sugar industry. This rare sugar market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The rare sugars market consists of sales of L-rhamnose, L-glucose, D-mannoheptulose, D-lyxose, and D-galactose. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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