Food Preservatives Global Market Report 2024

Food preservatives, whether chemical or naturally derived, play a crucial role in safeguarding food from spoilage and bacterial deterioration. The classification of food preservatives is based on their potential toxicity, with distinctions between toxic and non-toxic variants, and their application occurs at various stages of food processing.

The two primary categories of food preservatives are synthetic and natural. Synthetic preservatives encompass chemical compounds introduced during the food manufacturing process, serving to preserve the nutrients, taste, and visual appeal of food and beverages, including wine. These preservatives fall into functional types such as anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, chelating agents, and enzyme attackers. Their application extends across diverse food categories, encompassing beverages, oils and fats, bakery products, dairy and frozen items, snacks, meat, poultry, confectionery, and other food segments. The utilization of synthetic preservatives is pivotal in maintaining the quality and integrity of a wide range of food products.

The food preservatives market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides food preservatives market statistics, including food preservatives industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a food preservatives market share, detailed food preservatives market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the food preservatives industry. This food preservatives 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 preservatives market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $2.81 billion in 2023 to $2.94 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%. The growth observed in the historic period is attributable to several key factors. These include a heightened consumer demand for processed and convenient foods, a necessity for extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of food products, global expansion and growth within the food and beverage industry, growing concerns regarding food safety and the prevention of spoilage, the regulatory approval and safe utilization of food preservatives, and an increasing demand for natural and clean label solutions in food preservation.

The food preservatives market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.58 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0%. Anticipated growth in the forecast period is driven by several factors. These include the increased adoption of plant-based and naturally derived preservatives, a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable preservative ingredients, ongoing research and development efforts in next-generation preservative technologies, a rising demand for preservatives in organic and natural food products, the expansion of preservative applications in meat and poultry processing, and a heightened interest in combination preservative systems to enhance efficacy. Key trends expected during the forecast period encompass the utilization of natural antimicrobial extracts, the integration of antioxidant preservatives, the incorporation of plant-derived essential oils, the development of combination preservative systems, and the emergence of technologies such as pulsed electric fields (PEF) and nanotechnology in food preservation.

The surge in ready-to-eat food consumption, spurred by increasingly hectic lifestyles, is anticipated to be a driving force behind the ascent of the food preservatives market. These convenient food options rely on a spectrum of natural and artificial preservatives to thwart microbial reactions, ensuring prolonged shelf life and sustained food quality. The escalating preference for processed or ready-made meals stems from a burgeoning working population favoring convenience over home-cooked meals. A 2021 survey conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) revealed that approximately 79% of Indian households opt for instant food due to time constraints. This heightened demand for ready-to-eat meals significantly bolsters the trajectory of the food preservatives market.

The amplified inclination toward processed foods has been instrumental in driving the growth trajectory of the food preservatives market in previous years. Processed foods, modified or preserved through various mechanical or chemical treatments, frequently incorporate preservatives to maintain food quality and stave off microbial spoilage. Notably, research conducted by Northeastern University's Network Science Institute unveiled that 73% of the US food supply comprises ultra-processed items, with the data suggesting a cost advantage, as ultra-processed foods are 52% more affordable than their less processed counterparts. Additionally, in 2021, according to Bizom data, sales of packaged foods in India surged by 95% year-on-year, propelled by ready-to-eat products and heightened out-of-home consumption. This augmented demand for processed foods significantly propelled the food preservatives market.

A burgeoning trend in the food preservatives sector is the escalating utilization of natural preservatives. Consumer apprehensions regarding the adverse effects of conventional preservatives have fueled a preference for natural alternatives such as organic acids, salt, and sugar. Major industry players within the food preservatives domain are redirecting their focus toward natural preservation solutions, aiming to introduce an array of clean label preservatives that resonate with consumer preferences. Notably, in 2021, Kerry Group, an Ireland-based food company, expanded its repertoire of clean label preservative solutions, aiming to supplant traditional sodium nitrite salts and offer safer, consumer-friendly preservatives for beverages. The rising development of clean label preservatives assumes pivotal importance in determining the success of food and beverage solutions in the market moving forward.

Prominent enterprises within the food preservatives domain are actively engaged in pioneering advancements, particularly in the realm of clean-label preservatives. These innovations are geared towards preserving the natural flavors and textures of finished food products. An illustration of this pursuit unfolded in July 2023 when BioVeritas, a U.S.-based ingredients company, introduced a clean-label mould inhibitor. This novel inhibitor was specifically crafted to tackle the persistent challenge of balancing consumer preferences for effective non-petrochemical-based ingredients while ensuring that end-products maintain their intended flavor profiles and textures.

In a strategic move in June 2021, Kerry Group, an Ireland-based food industry player, completed the acquisition of Niacet for $1 billion. This strategic acquisition aligns with Kerry Group's emphasis on clean label solutions, thereby broadening its product portfolio to encompass conventional organic acids, preservation technologies based on vinegar, and advanced drying and granulation processes. This strategic move not only reinforces Kerry Group's commitment to clean label practices but also fortifies its leadership position within the competitive food preservation market. Niacet, the acquired U.S.-based company, specializes in the production of food preservatives, thereby complementing Kerry Group's strategic goals in this domain.

Major companies operating in the food preservatives market include Kerry Group, Dupont De Nemours Inc., Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik SE, Cargill Incorporated, Celanese Corporation, Corbion N.V, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Galactic SA, Kemin Industries Inc., Koninklijke DSM NV, Tate & Lyle PLC, Brenntag Solutions Group Inc., Albemarle Corporation, Akzo Nobel NV, Univar Inc., Danisco A/S, Hawkin Watts Ltd., ABF Ingredients Ltd., Ajinomoto Co Inc., Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Hansen Holding A/S, Royal DSM NV, Naturex SA, DuPont Company, Emanuel Merck Darmstadt, Brenntag Inc., MAYASAN Food Industries AS, BTSA Biotecnologías Aplicadas SL, Siveele BV, Kalsec Inc.

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

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

The food preservatives market consists of sales of salt, vinegar, sugar, sorbates, nitrites, and other food preservatives. 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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