Hydrocolloids Global Market Report 2024

Hydrocolloids, as a term, refer to substances that have the ability to form a gel in the presence of water. These are high-molecular-weight polysaccharides that can be derived from plants and algae or synthesized by bacteria. In essence, a hydrocolloid is a dispersion of particles in water, consisting of molecules that bind to both water and each other.

The primary types of hydrocolloid products include carrageenan, guar gum, gelatin, pectin, microcrystalline cellulose, and others. Carrageenan, for instance, is a natural hydrocolloid extracted from seaweeds. The processing involves the removal of undesirable natural fibers and mucilage from the seaweed, resulting in a powdered form. These hydrocolloids serve various functions such as thickening, gelling, stabilizing, and more, and can be extracted from diverse sources including botanical, microbial, animal, seaweed, and synthetic origins. They find applications in a range of industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and others.

The hydrocolloids market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides hydrocolloids market statistics, including hydrocolloids industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with market shares, detailed hydrocolloids market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the hydrocolloids industry. This hydrocolloids market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The hydrocolloids market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $12.02 billion in 2023 to $13.07 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to factors such as the increased demand for functional foods, growth in the pharmaceutical sector, a rise in the demand for personal care products, the surge in e-commerce activities, and the emergence of new markets.

The hydrocolloids market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $18.09 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%.
The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be linked to factors such as the increasing demand for processed foods, a rising preference for clean label and natural ingredients, the surge in online food delivery services, global population growth, and an increase in disposable income. Key trends expected in the forecast period encompass the enhancement of texture and mouthfeel, the integration of advanced processing technologies, the incorporation of smart packaging, and a focus on partnerships and collaborations within the industry.

The hydrocolloids market is anticipated to experience growth driven by an increase in nutritionally aware consumers. As consumers prioritize nutritional food for various health reasons, including psychological well-being, muscle strength, infection prevention, and wound healing, hydrocolloids emerge as functional food ingredients offering nutritional benefits. These ingredients allow for the customization of nutritional value and potential health benefits by influencing various mechanisms, such as gastric emptying, glycemic response, and carbohydrate fermentation in the large intestine. According to the 2022 Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council, 52% of Americans reported following a diet or eating pattern in the previous year, marking a significant increase from previous years. This rise in nutritionally aware consumers is a key driver for the growth of the hydrocolloids market.

The hydrocolloids market is also expected to grow due to the increasing consumption of functional food products. Functional foods, which provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, rely on hydrocolloids like xanthan gum and pectin for their ability to enhance texture, stability, and sensory experiences. According to a report from the Department for Business and Trade, the global market for functional foods was valued at $282.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 9.5% from 2021 to 2028. This growing consumption of functional food products is a significant driver for the hydrocolloids market.

A notable trend in the hydrocolloids market is the popularity of gellan gum. Gellan gum, a water-soluble polysaccharide with multifunctional hydrocolloid properties, is commonly used as a gelling agent in various applications, including food and beverages, home care, and personal care. In 2021, Jungbunzlauer introduced TayaGel, a high-acyl gellan gum with excellent flavor release, suspension, thickening, and gelling properties. TayaGel HA is designed for non-dairy products, while TayaGel HA-D is suitable for dairy products.

Major companies in the hydrocolloids market are focusing on introducing clean-label products to stay competitive. Clean-label hydrocolloids are natural additives that enhance texture and stability in food products while meeting consumer demands for ingredient transparency and simplicity. For example, International Flavors & Fragrances launched SEAFLOUR in May 2022, a nutrient-dense hydrocolloid sourced from non-GMO red seaweed, offering stability to plant-based beverages and catering to the clean-label trend.

In February 2021, DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences merged with International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) in a $26.2 billion deal. This collaboration combines IFF's expertise in food flavors and fragrances with DuPont's leadership in enzymes, food protection, and probiotics, further influencing the hydrocolloids market.

Major companies operating in the hydrocolloids market include Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Cargill Incorporated, CP Kelco US Inc., Darling Ingredients Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Hispanagar S.A., Ingredion Incorporated, Kerry Group PLC, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Aquarev Industries SAS, BASF SE, Fiberstar Inc., FMC Corporation, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Lotus Gums & Chemicals, Palsgaard A/S, Hawkins Watts Limited, J.F. Hydrocolloids Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Tate & Lyle PLC, Gelymar S.A., Gum Technology Corporation, Gums n Gums Limited, KIMICA Corporation, Lucid Colloids Ltd., Nexira, Penford Corporation, Silvateam S.p.A., Taiyo International

North America was the largest region in the hydrocolloids market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the hydrocolloids market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

The countries covered in the hydrocolloids market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, the UK, and the USA.

The hydrocolloids market consists of sales of hydrocolloids by type, including starch and xanthan. 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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