Food Acidulants Global Market Report 2024

Food acidulants serve as acidic additives that play a vital role in diminishing the presence of air, bacteria, fungi, and yeast in food products. By doing so, they effectively prolong the shelf life of various food items. These additives also contribute to stabilizing, preserving, regulating pH levels, and enhancing the overall properties of food. Moreover, they can serve as gelling agents, aiding in the preservation of food products.

The primary types of acids utilized as food acidulants encompass citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, phosphoric acid, malic acid, and other similar variants. Citric acid, an organic acid, naturally occurs in numerous fruits and is commercially produced through the microbial fermentation of carbohydrate substrates. Known for its solubility, low toxicity, chelating capabilities, and pleasantly sour taste, citric acid is available in various forms such as solid and liquid. It finds widespread application across diverse sectors including dairy and frozen products, bakery items, the meat industry, beverages, confectionery, and other food-related segments.

The food acidulants market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides food acidulants market statistics, including food acidulants industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a food acidulants market share, detailed food acidulants market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the food acidulants industry. This food acidulants 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 food acidulants market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $5.92 billion in 2023 to $6.42 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%. The growth witnessed in the historical period can be linked to rising consumer preferences for processed and convenient food options, heightened awareness regarding food preservation and extending shelf life, global expansion of the food and beverage industry, the necessity for enhancing flavors and modifying taste in food products, regulatory approvals ensuring the safe use of acidulants in food applications, and the growing demand for acidulants within the bakery, confectionery, and beverage sectors.

The food acidulants market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.87 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The anticipated growth in the upcoming period is linked to the increased adoption of acidulants in the formulation of clean label and natural foods, a heightened focus on pH regulation and acidification during food processing, ongoing research and development efforts aimed at creating specific acidulant blends for various applications, the necessity for acidulants in low-sugar and reduced-calorie food products, the expanding use of acidulants in dairy and dairy alternative products, and the rising demand for acidulants in meat and seafood processing. Key trends expected in the forecast period include the dominant role of citric acid and its derivatives, the innovation surrounding acidulant blends, the emerging utilization of lactic acid, the emphasis on natural and clean label acidulants, and the increased production of acidulants through microbial processes.

The food acidulants market is poised for growth, driven by the increasing consumption of processed meat. Processed meat, which undergoes alterations to enhance flavor or extend shelf life, benefits from food acidulants to achieve these objectives. These acidulants are employed in processed meat, poultry, and fish products to improve shelf life, inhibit the growth of disease-causing bacteria, enhance flavor, and boost binding and retention capacity. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development - Food and Agriculture Organization (OECD-FAO) Agriculture, global meat consumption is projected to increase by 12% from 2020 to 2029. Furthermore, global meat consumption is anticipated to reach 570 million tons by 2050. The escalating demand for processed meat is a key factor propelling the growth of the food acidulants market.

The food acidulants market is also expected to experience growth due to the rising demand in the beverages industry. Food acidulants, such as citric acid and malic acid, play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of beverages. These acidulants contribute a tart or sour taste that complements fruit juices, elevating the overall taste profile of beverages. The UK food and beverage output, as per Atradius in January 2022, is projected to increase by more than 3% in 2022 after a 5.3% contraction in 2020 and a 4.1% increase in 2021. The increasing demand in the beverages industry is a significant driver for the growth of the food acidulants market.

Major companies in the food acidulants market are actively innovating with technologies like Sugar Reduction Technology to enhance their market position. Sugar Reduction Technology enables the use of less sugar in recipes while preserving the same taste. In July 2023, Nestle S.A., a Switzerland-based food company, launched Sugar Reduction Technology in food acidulants. This technology empowers food acidulant producers to meet customer demands for healthier, lower-sugar products without compromising on flavor or quality. The incorporation of sugar reduction technologies into production processes aligns with the market's evolving preferences for healthier food options, presenting opportunities for growth and profitability.

Major players in the food acidulants market are actively introducing innovative products such as Evera to enhance their profitability. In November 2022, Citrosuco, a Brazil-based company specializing in orange juice concentrate, launched a dedicated business unit named Evera. The natural components from Evera find versatile applications, including in plant-based dishes, sauces, toppings, and beverages. Notably, Evera's pure FTNF (From The Named Fruit) orange essence can enhance the flavor of various foods, ranging from orange juice to ketchup and mayonnaise. This product innovation aligns with the evolving preferences for natural and versatile ingredients in the food acidulants market.

In a significant strategic move in July 2021, KPS Capital Partners, a US-based investment company, acquired a controlling stake in Tate & Lyle for $1.7 billion. This acquisition provides KPS Capital Partners with operational control over Tate & Lyle's primary business operations in North America and Latin America, including Almidones Mexicanos, as well as Dupont, Tate & Lyle’s joint venture bio-products company. Tate & Lyle, a UK-based company, is a key player in the food industry, offering a diverse range of products such as nutritional sweeteners, soy protein, industrial starches, acidulants, and other corn-based products. This strategic acquisition strengthens KPS Capital Partners' position in the food acidulants market and broadens its capabilities in the sector.

Major companies operating in the food acidulants market include ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company), Bartek Ingredients Inc., Caremoli Group, Cargill Incorporated, Hawkins Watts Limited, Corbion, FBC Industries, Dairy Chem, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Parry Enterprises India Limited, Purac biochem BV, Suntran Industrial Group Ltd., Weifang Ensign Industry Co.Ltd., Jones-Hamilton, Aditya Birla Chemicals, Celrich Products, Fuerst Day Lawson, Parry Enterprises India Limited, Atlas Filtri, Merko, Jones-Hamilton Co., Prinova Group LLC, FBC Industries, KIC Chemicals Inc., Galactic S.A., Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co. Ltd., Foodchem International Corporation, Gulshan Polyols Limited, Musashino Chemical Laboratory Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the food acidulants market in 2023. North America was the second-largest market in the food acidulants market. The regions covered in the food acidulants market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

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

The food acidulants market consists of sales of citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, and other food acidulants. 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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