Food Grade Alcohol Market Report 2025

The food grade alcohol market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.38 billion in 2024 to $6.71 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to beverage industry growth, food and flavor industry demand, pharmaceutical and healthcare uses, consumer preferences for natural ingredients, stringent quality standards, alcohol-based extracts in cosmetics.

The food grade alcohol market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.25 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, increased use in culinary arts, focus on traceability and transparency, functional and infused beverages, rising interest in local and artisanal products. Major trends in the forecast period include innovations in fermentation technologies, rise in clean label products, flavor infusions and extracts, research and development for new applications, technology advancements in production.

The increasing consumption of alcoholic beverages is anticipated to drive the growth of the food-grade alcohol market in the future. An alcoholic beverage contains a specific amount of alcohol by volume, and many of these beverages are produced using food-grade alcohol, also known as neutral alcohol, derived from cereals, grapes, molasses, potatoes, and other agricultural or horticultural products. For instance, gin can be made from neutral grain alcohol infused with various spices and herbs. In December 2023, data published by Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd., a Japanese company specializing in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as pharmaceuticals, indicated that global beer consumption increased by approximately 5.4 million kiloliters in 2022, equating to about 8.5 billion bottles (each 633 ml) compared to the previous year. Thus, the rising consumption of alcoholic beverages is fueling the growth of the food-grade alcohol market.

The escalating demand for natural and organic food products is expected to be a pivotal driver fueling growth within the food-grade alcohol market. Natural and organic food items are produced and processed without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, or artificial additives. Food-grade alcohol plays a crucial role as a key ingredient in the production of natural and organic food products, ensuring compliance with organic standards and the absence of synthetic elements. A report by the Organic Trade Association showcased a record surge in the U.S. organic food market, reaching $61.7 billion in sales in 2022, marking a 4.4% increase compared to $59.1 billion in 2021. Notably, organic beverages emerged as the second highest-selling category among organic products, accounting for $9 billion in sales, reflecting a 4% increase. This surge underscores the growing preference for natural and organic offerings, consequently propelling the food-grade alcohol market's growth.

Innovations in craft breweries have become a significant trend gaining traction in the food-grade alcohol market. Leading companies within this market are concentrating on creating innovative craft breweries to maintain their competitive edge. For example, in April 2022, Bira 91, a craft beer brand based in India, launched "Imagined in India," a limited-edition collection featuring four seasonal beers inspired by local ingredients and the country’s vibrant creative culture. This collection includes Bollywood IPA, Kokum Sour (made with kokum fruit from India’s Konkan coast), Brown Ale, and Mango Lassi (a fusion of Bira’s Wheat Ale and milkshake beer). Each beer is crafted using unique local and seasonal ingredients, providing a distinctive and flavorful experience.

Leading companies within the market are concentrating on strategic investments in production facilities to cater to burgeoning demand and widen their consumer reach. This involves allocating resources and capital toward the development, expansion, or enhancement of manufacturing or industrial facilities. For instance, in October 2022, Mishtann Foods Limited, an India-based agricultural-products company, unveiled plans to establish a cutting-edge grain-based ethanol manufacturing facility in Gujarat, boasting a daily capacity of 1,000 kiloliters (KLPD). The company foresees improved financial performance in the forthcoming quarters, attributing it to recent investments, product launches, and a robust order book. Through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat, Mishtann Foods is set to embark on India's largest grain-based ethanol project, valued at 1,000 KLPD. The projected investment for this endeavor stands at approximately Rs 2,250 crore ($30.82 million), with an expected annual revenue of around Rs 3,500 crore ($47.95 million) for the company.

In October 2022, CIE, a US-based provider specializing in high-quality, grain-based specialty alcohols, acquired the assets of Elkhorn Valley Ethanol from Louis Dreyfus Company, a Netherlands-based agricultural commodities firm, for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition bolsters CIE's capacity, broadens its market footprint, and expands its customer base by integrating Elkhorn Valley Ethanol's assets. Elkhorn Valley Ethanol, a US-based ethanol producer, joins forces with CIE to fortify the latter's position and offerings within the ethanol production domain.

Major companies operating in the food grade alcohol market include MGP Ingredients inc., Cargill Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Cristalco SAS, Grain Processing Corporation, Wilmar International Ltd., Malindra Group., MOLINDO Group, Extractohol, Pure Alcohol Solutions, Ethimex Ltd., Roquette Freres SA, Glacial Grain Spirits LLC, INGREDION Inc., Ethanolsa Pty Ltd., Bartow Ethanol of Florida L.C., Greenfield Global Inc., Bartlett Grain Company, United Ethanol LLC, Pacific Ethanol Inc., Valero Energy Corporation, Flint Hills Resources, Green Plains Inc., The Andersons Inc., White Energy, Big River Resources LLC, Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy LLC, Marquis Energy LLC, ICM Inc.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the food grade alcohol market share in 2024. The regions covered in the food grade alcohol market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the food grade alcohol market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Food-grade alcohol, specifically ethyl alcohol, is deemed safe for consumption due to its purity and absence of additives. This volatile natural solvent is considered safe for human use and finds application in various food-grade contexts that involve direct contact with people. Its versatility extends across the food and beverage industries, as well as pharmaceuticals, medical, cosmetic, and electronic sectors.

The primary products falling under the category of food-grade alcohol include ethanol and polyols. Polyols are a class of alcohols characterized by multiple hydroxyl groups, with notable examples such as maltitol, sorbitol, and isomalt. Sourced from sugarcane, molasses, fruits, and grains, food-grade alcohols serve diverse functions such as coatings, preservatives, flavoring agents, and more. These applications span a wide range, including the production of spirits, vinegar, extracts, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processes.

The food grade alcohol market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides food grade alcohol market statistics, including food grade alcohol industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a food grade alcohol market share, detailed food grade alcohol market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the food grade alcohol industry. This food grade alcohol 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-grade alcohol market consists of sales of food-grade alcohol opted from grapes, potatoes. 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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