Shortenings Market Report 2025

The shortenings market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $4.41 billion in 2024 to $4.58 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to traditional culinary practices, bakery and confectionery industry growth, demand for processed foods, rise in fast-food consumption, focus on shelf-life extension, consumer preferences for texture and mouthfeel.

The shortenings market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.42 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to health-conscious consumer choices, clean label preferences, plant-based and specialty fats, gluten-free and allergen-free products, globalization of culinary preferences. Major trends in the forecast period include innovation in texture-enhancing ingredients, clean frying solutions, packaging innovations for convenience, technological advancements in production, collaborations and partnerships.

The shortenings market is experiencing growth driven by the increasing demand for bakery products. The bakery industry, encompassing the sale of baked goods like bread and cakes, has witnessed a surge in demand for gourmet products, influenced by changing food habits. Shortenings play a crucial role in enhancing bakery products, contributing to a desirable texture by providing a rumbly and crisp quality while preventing dishes from becoming stretchy and elastic. Notably, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reported that global retail sales of baked goods reached $425.7 billion in 2022, marking an increase from $407.2 billion in 2021. This upward trend reflects the escalating demand for bakery products and, consequently, propels the shortenings market.

The growth of online food delivery is anticipated to be a significant driver for the shortenings market. The surge in demand for baked goods and fried foods, both of which commonly utilize shortenings, is attributed to the rise of online platforms facilitating food delivery. Collaborations between delivery services and local establishments, the appeal of ready-to-eat foods, and the globalization of culinary options contribute to an increased need for shortenings. Factors such as culinary innovation, the expansion of quick-service restaurants (QSRs) online, and alignment with consumer trends for indulgent foods further stimulate the demand for shortenings in the evolving landscape of online food delivery. For instance, Zomato Ltd., an India-based food delivery company, reported fulfilling 535 million orders in the fiscal year 2022, marking a substantial 124% increase compared to the previous fiscal year 2021. As such, the surge in online food delivery is a key driver propelling the growth of the shortenings market.

Major companies in the shortening market are concentrating on creating innovative technological solutions, such as Breeze AI, to improve operational efficiency, refine product formulations, and gain better customer insights through advanced data analytics. Breeze AI is HubSpot's embedded artificial intelligence platform aimed at optimizing customer interactions and boosting productivity for marketing, sales, and service teams. For example, in September 2024, HubSpot, a US-based software company, launched Breeze. This platform is designed to enhance customer interactions and streamline workflows for marketing, sales, and service teams through intelligent automation and data-driven insights.

Major players in the shortenings market are actively developing innovative solutions to cater to the instant noodles segment. One notable example is Kemin Industries, a biotechnology company based in the United States, which introduced VALTEQ AO in March 2023. This novel product is part of the VALTEQ line, designed as quality improvers for instant noodles with the goal of enhancing both palatability and production efficiency for ready-to-eat foods. VALTEQ AO, a liquid product, combines natural antioxidants and emulsifiers, effectively extending shelf life and improving overall quality. The VALTEQ line addresses various challenges faced by manufacturers in the production of instant noodles, providing solutions for optimization, waste reduction, and increased profitability. The specific offerings in the product line include VALTEQ T, which contributes to a smooth texture, bounce, and chewy mouthfeel, and VALTEQ AS, designed to prevent sticking during processing and cooking, thereby improving production efficiency.

In a strategic move, The J.M. Smucker Company, a prominent food company based in the United States, acquired Hostess Brands Inc. in November 2023. This acquisition, conducted for an undisclosed amount, positions The J.M. Smucker Co. strategically in the market by expanding its family of brands to include popular sweet baked snacks. The acquisition enhances distribution capabilities and leverages synergies to foster sustainable growth, particularly in the swiftly expanding sweet baked goods category. Hostess Brands, the acquired company, specializes in the production and distribution of sweet baked goods and snacks, aligning with The J.M. Smucker Co.'s broader strategic objectives in the food industry.

Major companies operating in the shortenings market are Cargill Incorporated, Bunge Limited, Wilmar International Limited, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Ventura Foods LLC, AAK AB, Manildra Group, International Foodstuff Company Holdings Limited, Conagra Brands Inc., Stratas Foods LLC, Premium Vegetable Oils Sdn Bhd, Namchow Chemical Industrial Co. Ltd., Fuji Oil Co. Ltd., Kerry Group PLC, Upfield Holdings BV, NMGK Group, BRF SA, Yildiz Holding AS, Mallet & Company Inc., Palsgaard A/S, Walter Rau Neusser Öl und Fett AG, Puratos Group NV, Princes Limited, Zeelandia International BV, Olenex Sàrl, HAS Group, VFI GmbH, COFCO Group Co. Ltd., Fine Organics Limited.

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

Shortening, a solid fat used in culinary applications, particularly in pastries, provides a crumbly and crisp texture to dishes. It prevents the flour from absorbing water, thereby hindering gluten production, resulting in a non-elastic texture.

The primary types of shortenings include solid, liquid, cake/icing, and all-purpose variants. Solid shortenings encompass hydrogenated solid oils, such as lard, margarine, and butter, which remain in solid form at room temperature. These products, derived from both vegetable and animal sources, are distributed through direct and indirect sales channels. They are widely utilized in the hospitality and catering industry (HoReCa), bakeries, confectioneries, processed food manufacturing, and household retail.

The shortenings market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides shortenings market statistics, including shortenings industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a shortenings market share, detailed shortenings market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the shortenings industry. This shortenings 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 shortenings market consists of sales of shortenings sourced from tallows, soybeans, cottonseed, kernel oil, and corn oil. 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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