Food Acidulants Market Report 2025

The food acidulants market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.42 billion in 2024 to $6.97 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increases consumer demand for processed and convenience foods, growth in awareness of food preservation and shelf-life extension, expansion of the food and beverage industry globally, need for flavor enhancement and taste modification in foods, regulatory approval and safe usage of acidulants in food applications, demand for acidulants in bakery, confectionery, and beverage industries.

The food acidulants market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.61 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to adoption of acidulants in clean label and natural food formulationsemphasis on ph regulation and acidification in food processing, research and development in acidulant blends for specific applications need for acidulants in low-sugar and reduced-calorie food products, expansion of acidulant applications in dairy and dairy alternative products, growing demand for acidulants in meat and seafood processing. Major trends in the forecast period include citric acid and its derivatives dominance, innovative acidulant blends, emerging use of lactic acid, natural and clean label acidulants, microbial production of acidulants.

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 growing demand for the beverage industry is anticipated to drive the expansion of the food acidulants market in the coming years. The beverage industry, also referred to as the drink industry, encompasses a sector of the economy that produces and markets a diverse array of liquid refreshments intended for consumption. Food acidulants, such as citric acid and malic acid, are utilized to enhance the flavor of beverages. They impart a tart or sour taste that complements fruit juices and improves the overall taste profile. For example, lemon-flavored drinks commonly contain citric acid to provide a refreshing tartness. In January 2022, Atradius, a UK-based trade credit insurance and debt collection services company, reported that after a 4.1% increase in 2021 and a 5.3% decline in 2020, the UK's food and beverage output is projected to grow by more than 3% in 2022. Consequently, the rising demand in the beverage industry is driving 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 March 2023, Apollo Funds, a US-based investment firm, completed the acquisition of Univar Solutions for $8.1 billion. The purpose of this acquisition is to deliver immediate and assured cash value to Univar Solutions' shareholders while aiding the company's long-term growth strategy under Apollo's management. Univar Solutions Inc. is a US-based chemicals distribution company that specializes in offering a broad array of industrial chemicals, ingredients, and specialty services.

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., Aditya Birla Chemicals, Celrich Products, Fuerst Day Lawson, Atlas Filtri, Merko, Jones-Hamilton Co., Prinova Group LLC, KIC Chemicals Inc., Galactic S.A., Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co. Ltd., Foodchem International Corporation, Gulshan Polyols Limited, Musashino Chemical Laboratory Ltd.

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.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the food acidulants market in 2024. 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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