Lecithin and Phospholipids Market Report 2025

The lecithin and phospholipids market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.8 billion in 2024 to $1.96 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to food and beverage industry growth, pharmaceutical applications, cosmetics and personal care products, animal feed additives, health supplements.

The lecithin and phospholipids market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.83 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to consumer preferences and awareness, environmental concerns and sustainability, biodiesel production, industrial applications expansion, animal nutrition demand. Major trends in the forecast period include regulatory compliance and quality assurance, customized industrial applications, expanded applications in cosmetics, green and sustainable practices, enhanced emulsification and stabilization.

The growing application of lecithin and phospholipids in bakery products, confectionery items, and the broader food industry is expected to drive the growth of the lecithin and phospholipids market in the future. These ingredients enhance the quality of biscuits, wafers, and other baked goods, as well as improve gluten extensibility. They contribute to the elasticity and consistency of dough, facilitating easier handling and allowing for the substitution of less nutritious fats without compromising the texture of the final products. For example, a report published in February 2024 by Délifrance UK, a supplier of bakery products, indicated that the UK's bread market, valued at £7.8 billion ($8.51 billion), is projected to grow by 15%, reaching £9 billion by 2026. A survey conducted by Délifrance with 1,000 UK adults who regularly consume bread found that one-third of respondents eat bread daily. Therefore, the increasing application of lecithin and phospholipids in the bakery, confectionery, and food sectors is driving market growth.

The anticipated rise in plant-based ingredients and foods is likely to drive the growth of the lecithin and phospholipids market in the coming years. Plant-based ingredients are substances obtained from plants that serve as components in various food, beverage, and product formulations. Lecithin and phospholipids derived from plant sources, such as soybeans, sunflower seeds, rapeseed, peanuts, and rice bran, provide a healthy and sustainable alternative to those sourced from animals. For instance, in May 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture reported that in 2023, the utilized production of the 21 estimated non-citrus fruit crops in the nation reached 16.2 million tons, reflecting a 5 percent increase from 2022. Thus, the growing demand for plant-based ingredients and foods is propelling the lecithin and phospholipids market.

A notable trend in the lecithin and phospholipids market involves the development of methods to produce these substances from renewable sources. Major industry players are directing efforts toward innovative processes using renewable sources to maintain market relevance. For instance, in April 2022, Louis Dreyfus Company inaugurated a soy liquid lecithin plant in the Netherlands, emphasizing soybean processing methods and lecithin refining operations, capable of processing 175,000 bushels of soybeans daily.

Strategic partnerships among major companies are becoming pivotal in consolidating market positions. These collaborations, structured through business agreements, serve to strengthen market presence. In January 2022, Singapore-based SEPPURE and Giiava partnered to advance chemical-resistant membrane technology in plant-based oil production. SEPPURE's extensive portfolio of lecithin and phospholipid products is expected to support Giiava's development of new solutions for food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. Giiava, a Singapore-based lecithin manufacturer and exporter, brings expertise in formulation and application to this partnership.

In July 2023, Croda International PLC, a specialized chemicals firm based in the UK, completed the acquisition of Solus Biotech for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition enables Croda to enhance its manufacturing capacities in Asia and establish a fresh biotechnology research and development center in the region. Solus Biotech, situated in Korea, specializes in manufacturing pharmaceutical components like lecithin and phospholipids.

Major companies operating in the lecithin and phospholipids market are Cargill Incorporated, The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, DuPont de Nemours Inc., IMCD Group B.V., Bunge Limited, Stern-Wywiol Gruppe GmbH & Co. KG, Wilmar International Limited, Sonic Biochem Extraction Pvt. Ltd., American Lecithin Co., VAV Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Kewpie Corporation, Lipoid GmbH, Lecital, Lasenor Emul S.L, Sun Nutrafoods, Lecilite Ingredients Pvt. Ltd., Avril Group, Sodrugestvo Group S.A., Fismer Lecithin, Global River Food Ingredients, Haneil Soyatech Pvt. Ltd., NOW Foods, Thew Arnott & Co. Ltd., GIIAVA Pvt. Ltd., AKK Soya Internationa, Imcopo Food Ingredients B.V., Sime Darby Oils, Sternchemie GmbH & Co. KG, Ruchi Soya Industries Limited, Solgar Inc.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the lecithin and phospholipids market share in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the lecithin and phospholipids market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the lecithin and phospholipids market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Lecithin and phospholipids constitute a complex blend of phospholipids utilized extensively as a versatile food additive, primarily functioning as an emulsifier and dispersant.

The principal varieties of lecithin and phospholipids encompass fluid, de-oiled, and modified forms. Fluid lecithin and phospholipids denote the naturally occurring amalgamation of phospholipids and other lipids, present at moderate levels. Sources include soy, sunflower, rapeseed, egg, among others. These variants are categorized into GMO and non-GMO and find applications across feed, food, baked goods, confectionery, convenience food, nutritional supplements, industrial, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors.

The lecithin and phospholipids market research report are one of a series of new reports that provides lecithin and phospholipids market statistics, including lecithin and phospholipids industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a lecithin and phospholipids market share, detailed lecithin and phospholipids market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the lecithin and phospholipids industry. This lecithin and phospholipids 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 lecithin and phospholipids market consists of sales of phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl glycerol, and other lecithin and phospholipids. 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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