Food Preservatives Market Outlook, 2028

Food preservatives are products incorporated during food processing to increase stability and avoid spoilage. They are added in small quantities to various types of food depending on the need. Traditionally, salt, sugar, and spices were used to preserve meat and other food types. Food preservatives prevent the growth of microorganisms and thus inhibit or delay food spoilage. With changing lifestyles and dynamic routines, consumers prefer convenience food and like ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook food items, which have extended shelf life. Food preservatives are utilized in food items that are prepared commercially, to elongate their shelf life. As a result, the increasing purchases of convenience food are inviting innumerable growth prospects for food preservatives manufacturers. Preservatives are not only used in food products, but also in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Preservatives are one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products. There are a variety of different types of preservatives that can be used, including parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. The strong correlation between the food preservatives market and the processed food market is driving the growth of the market, as there is a rise in the demand for processed food globally. The demand for food preservatives has gone up because they are used in more food industries. The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of these food preservatives make them necessary for the food industry to make products last longer and stop bacteria from doing things they shouldn't. Sorbate, for example, is thought to be a good food preservative when it is used in a clean environment and in products that are made using good manufacturing practices. Sorbates are used a lot to make processed foods and drinks last longer. They are also used to make sausages, yogurt, cheese, cakes, and a lot of other things. Sorbates also stop different types, species, strains, substrate properties, and environmental factors from making microorganisms grow. Moreover, different regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the European Food Safety Authority have put forward guidelines that say potassium sorbate is generally regarded as safe , which is abbreviated as GRAS. The preservative doesn't accumulate in the body and passes through it.

According to the research report, Global Food Preservatives Market Outlook, 2028 the market is expected to cross USD 4 Billion market size, increasing from USD 3.21 Billion in 2022. The global market is forecasted to grow with 4.57% CAGR by 2023-28. Increased work hours have significantly altered consumer lifestyles and, as a result, their eating habits. These developments necessitate food products that are easy to consume and have a longer shelf life. As a result, the role of food preservatives in the food and beverage industry has become increasingly significant. The surge in demand for goods with a longer shelf life has had a significant impact on the food processing industry. Overall, preservatives' well-proven storage efficacy has improved food delivery methods, competitive pricing, and provided value to food goods. Also, organic products are in high demand among health-conscious consumers; as a result, producers are increasingly turning to natural preservatives in food production. As a result, manufacturers have developed natural preservatives such as rosemary extracts, which are effective in keeping food shelf stable and adding flavour to it. The growing focus on maintaining health and hygiene standards is shifting consumer preferences toward hygienically packaged and fortified food products. This acts as a major factor escalating the demand for food preservatives in processed items like crackers, cereals, bread, snacks, cheese, yogurt, deli meats, sauces, and soups around the world. Moreover, rapid urbanization, busy lifestyles, rising per capita incomes, and the increasing trend of nuclear families are promoting the consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) food items that require minimal preparation and cooking time. Apart from this, the rising health consciousness among individuals is driving the demand for organic preservatives and clean label ingredients. They are non-toxic, soluble, and economical and help retain the natural color, flavor and texture of the food. They also delay rancidity, improve appearance, and maintain the nutritional quality and freshness of products. Additionally, their demand is anticipated to rise as gelling agents and flavour enhancers in beverages and confectionary items across the globe.

Based on the region, Asia Pacific is estimated to emerge as the fastest-growing region and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.95% during the forecast period.
Asia Pacific to be a significantly-growing Market for Food Preservatives during the predicted period, Asia Pacific is projected to be one of the significantly-growing markets for food preservatives. Consumer preference for natural and organic foods for a healthy diet, and rising demand for convenient food products, all have a positive impact on the Asia Pacific food preservatives market. Ingredient suppliers are growing more hopeful about the food preservatives industry's future as a result of emerging countries, great industrialization, rising consumption of processed foods, and growing preference for high-quality products. Despite growing awareness of the health risks connected with synthetic food additives, emerging tastes, and trends have produced a necessity for additional chemicals in foods. The increasing working population and consumer preference for ready-to-eat products are expected to benefit the market expansion over the next few years.

The North America food preservatives market is dominating he market, being driven by factors like the increasing demand for convenient food, the growing population, and the rising demand for ethnic and authentic tasting food products. The proliferating increase in the usage of food products in the North American Region is fuelling the growth of the food preservatives market. The United States & Canada are the major contributors to the North American food preservatives market. In addition, North America is a significant exporter of fruits, which increases the demand for preservatives. Awareness of several dangers associated with chemical preservatives has propelled the natural preservatives market. North America has stringent policies regarding the commercialization of food products and ingredients. These regulations have provided manufacturers with lucrative growth opportunities to introduce novel preservatives with minimal or no adverse effects on human health. As part of their strategy, the companies invest substantial resources in developing techniques to produce preservatives with more natural constituents than synthetic ones. In 2021, for instance, Corbion NV was granted a European patent for its fruit ferment, which contains natural organic acid and other flavor components and has a wide range of applications in the food industry, such as in the bakery industry.

Based on the type, synthetic food preservatives are occupying higher market share of more than 70% in 2022 in global food preservatives market.
Synthetic food preservatives prevent spoilage, extend shelf life & inhibit microbial growth more effectively than natural alternatives. They are cheaper to produce and procure due to mass-produced industrial processes, making them more attractive to food manufacturers. Synthetic preservatives are more stable, having a longer shelf life and consistent preservation effects. Synthetic preservatives are of three categories, viz. Benzoates, Propionates & Sulphites. The food preservatives market is anticipated to be dominated by the natural preservatives category during the forecasted period due to consumer demand for products with clear labels. Synthetic segment is deliberated as economical and can be easily formulated provisional upon the constraint of submission. Meat, poultry and dairy products are widely used applications in this segment. Nitrites, propionates, and benzoates are additional frequently used synthetic categories. To increase effectiveness, sorbets, benzoates, and propionates are commonly used together. Propionates are flattering more prevalent as a result of their advanced allowable limit and applications, which comprises baked products, snacks, and other sweetmeats. However, the natural segment includes salt, sugar, alcohol, vinegar, and other extracts. Sugar and salt are the most normal and natural food preservatives that efficiently constrain bacterial growth. It also decreases the growth of spoilage in baked food items. Apart from that, they can also be used to change the flavour of the foods.

Based on the function, Antioxidants are growing with higher CAGR of more than 6% by 2023-28.

Antioxidants are among the essential factors in food labeling as consumers are now aware of the health benefits associated with additives, and they opt for products rich in antioxidants. Green tea extracts, acerola, rosemary extract, and ascorbic acid possess antioxidant properties and are majorly used for preventing food oxidation. An increase in demand for antioxidants due to their health properties and expanding reach of application can boost the preservative market. Antioxidants are used as vitamin supplements in the pharmaceutical sector and assist in the preservation of food goods. By focusing on natural antioxidants like rosemary extract, industrialized economies have identified new growth potential. Antioxidants are largely utilized as preservatives in the food and beverage sector. However, as the world's population grows exponentially, other businesses, such as pharmaceuticals and animal feed, are projected to see increased demand. Due to many cases of under-nutrition in Asia Pacific, antioxidant supplements are in great demand. Farmers are also encouraged to provide antioxidant-rich hay to their cattle to increase milk yield. Companies have changed their focus to rosemary extract since it contains more antioxidants than other extracts, fights premature aging, has a long shelf life, and consequently increases the demand.

Based on the application, Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Products are expected to lead the market by crossing USD 1200 Million market size by 2028.
The processed meat, poultry, and seafood industry are expanding at a significant rate globally, which is expected to drive the demand during the forecast period. Food preservatives are used in a wide variety of applications, including bakery, meat and poultry, seafood, beverages, confectionery, oils and fats, and dairy and frozen products. Meat and meat products are essential for human nutrition and promote microbial growth. Synthetic preservatives, like nitrites, nitrates & sorbates, are widely used in the food industry to avoid contamination. However, concerns about health issues have led to a growing demand for natural substances as food preservatives. These natural preservatives inhibit spoilage microorganisms and food-borne pathogens by increasing microbial cell membrane permeability and disrupting protein synthesis and metabolism. As a result, natural/clean-label preservatives emanated from plants (such as rosemary, sage, chestnut, GSE & turmeric), animals (such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, lactoferoxidase & others) & microorganisms (such as organic acids, bacteriocins & BLIS) have been studied as possible replacements for synthetic food preservatives. Furthermore, food preservatives are used in various items, such as dairy, frozen goods, meat and poultry, seafood, drinks, candies, and petroleum-based products. Global demand for these products is rising due to several causes, including shifting consumer lifestyles, increased imports and exports, a preference for fresher foods, and a growth in consumer capacity to pay more for goods.

Market Drivers

Growing demand for food products with an extended shelf life: Consumer lives and eating habits have seen a significant transformation as a result of the increase in urbanisation and employment worldwide. Therefore, consumers are seeking out food items that are quick to prepare, tasty, and have a lengthy shelf life. In addition to keeping food fresh, food preservatives play a significant role in increasing the shelf life of food. Thus, the need for food preservatives has increased in the food and beverage industry along with the rise in demand for foods with longer shelf lives. This is due to the benefits preservatives provide to food manufacturers in terms of effective storage and affordable price. Additionally, following the COVID-19 epidemic, health concern has increased, favourably influencing the development of natural preservatives such citric acid and rosemary extracts and propelling the market as a whole.

Rising Incidence of Food-borne Diseases to Expand the Market Growth: The market for food and beverages is seriously threatened by foodborne illness. Globally, food-borne illnesses affect 600 million consumers and result in 420,000 fatalities. The use of ineffective preservation methods and ingredients leads to the occurrence of food-borne illnesses brought on by bacteria, viruses, and microbes. Customers seek food goods that are effectively maintained due to the rise in food-borne illnesses and growing awareness of healthy lifestyles. There are numerous chemical preservatives that work well for preservation. With the expansion of technology, research, and development, businesses are turning to natural preservative ingredients to appeal to customers who want organic and natural food items.

Market Challenges

High Price of Natural Food Preservatives: Preservatives are present in 75% of food worldwide, and the body is negatively impacted by this exponential increase in preservative use. The demand for natural preservatives has increased as a result of health-conscious consumers. Due to their scarcity and high production costs, natural preservatives are still in their infancy as a preservative alternative. Careful cultivation, extraction, and processing methods are necessary for natural preservatives made from plant extracts or organic sources. The natural food preservatives market is monopolised by high demand and limited supply brought on by fewer market players, making them an expensive substitute.

Stringent regulations and safety concerns: The application of strict laws can be challenging for preservative makers, despite the value of restrictions in maintaining the safety of food. Complying with complex regulatory frameworks and safety standards may result in cost increases and a reduction in the supply of some preservatives. Additionally, there are constant discussions and worries about the security and possible negative effects on health of specific preservatives, which might affect consumer preferences and legislative decisions.

Market Trends

Increasing Adoption Of Plant Based Preservatives: The increasing usage of plant-based preservatives is one of the industry's emerging trends. Plant-based preservatives are sustainable, healthy, and eco-friendly because they come from natural sources. Preservatives can be extracted from vegetation using a variety of methods, including as fermentation, extraction, and distillation. Plant-based preservatives not only increase the food's shelf life but also its flavour and nutritional content. Plant-based preservatives include essential oils, rosemary extracts, grape seed extracts, and tocopherols, to name a few.

Rising Demand for Multiple Functionalities: The increasing demand for preservatives with diverse functionalities is another development that is having an impact on the market for food preservatives. Food products with several features, such as excellent nutritional content, prolonged shelf life, and resistance to microbial contamination, are in great demand. Manufacturers of preservatives are developing natural and organic additives with numerous uses for use in food products in order to meet these needs. Multifunctional food preservatives like kombucha tea, lactoperoxidase, and bee propolis are becoming more and more popular.

Covid-19 Impacts

Worldwide sales of retail and off-the-shelf items relating to travel restrictions have surged as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. As a result, a significant section of the world's population started storing food and other food items for their homes. In the medium term, this eventually had a positive impact on industrial demand for food preservatives. During the epidemic, demand for bakery products, frozen meals, snacks, and other application areas increased. Additionally, there has been a rise in the market for Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meals, which has recently presented opportunities for producers of food preservatives. The baking industry experienced fast growth during the pandemic, and the shift in customer preferences towards ready-to-eat meals in supermarkets significantly increased the demand for food preservatives. In order to satisfy the innate needs and more recent demands of the baking business, manufacturers are currently concentrating on a number of releases of Food Preservatives preservatives.

Key Players

There are numerous international competitors in the extremely competitive and fragmented market for food preservatives. The most active businesses on a global scale are Kerry Group plc,Cargill, Incorporated, Kemin Industries , Celanese Corporation, Royal DSM N.V., The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Corbion N.V., Eastman Chemical Company, Givaudan S.A., BASF SE, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), Brenntag SE, Camlin Fine Sciences, DöhlerGroup, Tate & Lyle, Lycored Ltd., Lallemand Inc. Albemarle Corporation and Chr. Hansen A/S. These firms have concentrated on product improvements, expansions, and collaborations to strengthen their market positions. These firms profit from increased consumption of these preservatives in foods and beverages generally and hold a strong position in the quickly expanding natural preservatives and clean label areas. The strategy of creating new products and forming partnerships with regional businesses aids in expanding the company's presence abroad and enabling the launching of new items in response to shifting consumer tastes.

Recent Developments

• In March 2022, Kerry Group plc (Ireland) expanded its food manufacturing facilities with the newly upgraded facility in Rome, Georgia. A total of USD 141 million has been invested in creating the largest food manufacturing facility in the US. This facility aims to provide integrated taste and nutrition solutions to meet the growing consumer demand in the poultry, seafood, and alternative protein markets across the US and Canada.
• In September 2022, the BASF SE, for the first time, released propionic acid (PA) and neopentyl glycol (NPG) with a CPF of zero. Application areas of PA comprise ecological and economic benefits over preservation via drying or storing in airtight silos.
• In June 2022, Cargill, Incorporated, and Delacon came together to develop an extensive business for plant-based phytogenic feed additives for improved animal nutrition.
• In July 2022, Kemin Industries Inc. launched a new food preservative, RUBINITE GC Dry, as a substitute for sodium nitrite. As per the company, RUBINITE is a natural alternative that can be used as a curing agent in foods, offering the best microbiological protection and maintaining product stability. Furthermore, Kemin Industries intends to employ it in processed meat products like sausages and hot dogs.
• In March 2022, DSM launched DelvoGuardcultures, targeting producers looking for clean-label solutions while also providing them with a solution to extend the shelf life of their dairy products such as yogurt, fresh cheese, and sour cream.
• In 2022, to replace nitrite in processed meat, Givaudan unveiled NaNino+. This blend of chemicals derived from plants and natural flavorings is still under patent protection. Its creation, which incorporated natural ingredients, provides a gratifying, all-encompassing gourmet experience with great taste, color, and freshness.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Global
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Global Food Preservatives with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region-wise Food Preservatives market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions & Countries covered in the report:

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)
• Middle-East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa)

By Type

• Synthetic
• Natural

By Function

• Antimicrobials
• Antioxidants
• Other Functions

By Application

• Meat, Poultry, and Seafood Products
• Beverages
• Confectionery
• Bakery Products
• Snacks
• Dairy and Frozen Products
• Other Applications

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organisations related to the Food Preservatives industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.