Liquorice Shellac Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2019-2029F

The Liquorice Shellac Market was valued at USD 418.5 Million in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 552.2 Million by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 4.80%. During the forecast period, the global liquorice shellac market is expected to experience growth driven by the increasing demand for processed foods and confectionery items. Additionally, the market is likely to expand further due to the growing preference of children for candies and other confections. In the medical sector, the usage of liquorice in medications for its antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and blood pressure-raising properties contributes to market growth.

However, challenges such as the rising cost of liquorice and raw material scarcity may hinder market expansion. This trend is expected to continue, with the industry projected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Following closely behind is the medical industry, which utilizes liquorice shellac for its healing and curing properties. Additionally, the tobacco sector plays a significant role in driving market demand due to the widespread use of liquorice shellac in tobacco products. Research and development initiatives are anticipated to further boost the global liquorice shellac market and create new investment opportunities over the forecast period.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for Natural and Sustainable Ingredients

One of the primary drivers fueling the growth of the global liquorice shellac market is the escalating demand for natural and sustainable ingredients across various industries. As consumers become increasingly health-conscious and environmentally aware, there is a growing preference for products that are derived from natural sources and produced using sustainable methods. Liquorice shellac, obtained from the resinous exudate of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra), perfectly aligns with this trend. Consumers are scrutinizing product labels more than ever, seeking transparency and authenticity in the ingredients used.

Liquorice shellac fits the criteria as a natural and eco-friendly ingredient, appealing to those who prioritize clean label products. Its extraction process involves collecting the resinous exudate from the licorice plant, a method that is less intrusive and disruptive to the environment compared to some synthetic alternatives. The rising awareness about the impact of synthetic chemicals on health and the environment has prompted consumers to seek products that are free from harmful additives. Liquorice shellac, with its natural origin, is gaining traction in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care. This demand is a driving force behind the expansion of the global liquorice shellac market.

Versatile Applications in the Food Industry

The food industry stands as a major driver for the global liquorice shellac market due to the versatile applications of this natural resin. Liquorice shellac is employed as a glazing agent, coating, or surface finish in various food products, contributing to both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Its ability to form a protective and glossy coating makes it an ideal choice for confectionery items, chocolates, and candies. Food manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the value of liquorice shellac in enhancing the visual appeal of their products. The glossy finish imparted by liquorice shellac not only attracts consumers but also serves as a protective barrier against moisture, preserving the freshness and quality of the food. As the demand for visually appealing and natural food products rises, the utilization of liquorice shellac in the food industry is expected to grow, further driving market expansion.

Growing Pharmaceutical Sector and Innovative Drug Delivery Systems

The pharmaceutical industry is a significant driver for the liquorice shellac market, driven by the growing need for natural polymers in pharmaceutical formulations. Liquorice shellac possesses unique properties that make it suitable for film-forming and enteric coating applications in drug manufacturing. The film-forming capabilities of liquorice shellac protect active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from environmental factors, ensuring their stability and efficacy over time.

With the pharmaceutical sector continuously evolving, there is an increasing emphasis on patient compliance and the development of innovative drug delivery systems. Liquorice shellac, with its ability to create protective coatings for tablets and capsules, is finding applications in the production of pharmaceutical formulations that require controlled release or enteric coating. As the demand for novel drug delivery systems rises, the pharmaceutical industry is likely to contribute significantly to the growth of the global liquorice shellac market.

Expanding Applications in the Cosmetic and Personal Care Industry

The cosmetic and personal care industry is emerging as a substantial driver for the liquorice shellac market, primarily due to the unique properties of this natural resin. Liquorice shellac exhibits film-forming and water-resistant characteristics, making it an attractive ingredient for cosmetic formulations such as lipsticks, mascaras, and hair styling products.

The film-forming quality contributes to the longevity of cosmetic products, enhancing their overall performance and consumer satisfaction. As consumers become more discerning about the ingredients in beauty and personal care products, there is a growing demand for natural and plant-derived components. Liquorice shellac, being a natural resin, aligns well with this consumer preference for clean and green beauty. Cosmetic manufacturers are increasingly incorporating liquorice shellac into their formulations to meet the demand for natural, sustainable, and effective products.

Geographical Factors - Asia-Pacific Region as a Key Contributor

Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region plays a pivotal role in driving the global liquorice shellac market. Countries like India and China are significant producers of licorice, the primary raw material for liquorice shellac extraction. The traditional use of licorice in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine further contributes to the abundance of licorice resources in the region.

This availability of raw materials positions the Asia-Pacific region as a key player in the liquorice shellac market. Additionally, the economic development and industrialization in Asia-Pacific have led to an increase in disposable income and consumer spending. This rise in purchasing power, coupled with a growing awareness of natural products, is boosting the demand for liquorice shellac in various applications. The Asia-Pacific region's influence on the global liquorice shellac market is expected to remain significant, driven by both the supply of raw materials and the increasing consumer market.

Key Market Challenges

Limited Availability of Licorice Raw Material

One of the major challenges faced by the global liquorice shellac market is the limited availability of licorice as the primary raw material. Licorice, derived from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, is the source of the resinous exudate used to produce liquorice shellac. The demand for licorice is not only driven by the liquorice shellac market but also by various industries, including the pharmaceutical, food, and herbal medicine sectors. Several factors contribute to the constrained supply of licorice. Firstly, licorice cultivation is sensitive to environmental conditions, and the plant requires specific soil types and climates for optimal growth.

Inconsistent weather patterns, natural disasters, and climate change can significantly impact licorice crops, leading to fluctuations in the availability of raw material for liquorice shellac production. Secondly, licorice is not cultivated on a large scale globally, and its production is concentrated in specific regions, such as India, China, Iran, and parts of the Middle East. This regional concentration makes the supply chain vulnerable to geopolitical and economic factors, including trade restrictions, political instability, and economic fluctuations that can disrupt the steady supply of licorice.

Volatility in Licorice Prices

The liquorice shellac market faces a significant challenge due to the volatility in licorice prices. The pricing of licorice is influenced by a myriad of factors, including weather conditions, crop yields, geopolitical events, and market demand. This volatility can create uncertainty for manufacturers and disrupt supply chains, impacting the overall stability of the liquorice shellac market.

Unpredictable weather patterns, such as droughts or floods, can adversely affect licorice crops, leading to reduced yields and subsequently driving up prices. Additionally, geopolitical tensions or trade disputes in licorice-producing regions can result in export restrictions or fluctuations in currency exchange rates, further contributing to price instability. The impact of licorice price volatility extends beyond raw material costs, affecting the entire value chain. Manufacturers may struggle with pricing strategies, and end-users, such as food and pharmaceutical companies, may face challenges in managing production costs and maintaining product affordability.

Limited Awareness and Understanding of Liquorice Shellac

The global liquorice shellac market encounters a challenge related to limited awareness and understanding of the properties, benefits, and applications of liquorice shellac across various industries. Despite its versatile nature and unique characteristics, liquorice shellac is not as well-known as some synthetic alternatives in the market. This lack of awareness can impede the widespread adoption of liquorice shellac, as manufacturers and consumers may be unfamiliar with its advantages and applications. Education and communication about the benefits of liquorice shellac, such as its natural origin, film-forming capabilities, and suitability for various industries, are essential to overcome this challenge.

Industry associations, research institutions, and liquorice shellac manufacturers should collaborate on awareness campaigns, providing information about the sustainable and natural attributes of liquorice shellac. Highlighting its uses in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other applications can help create a market demand driven by informed choices. Additionally, research and development efforts should focus on showcasing the innovative properties of liquorice shellac, demonstrating how it can contribute to product quality, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction. By addressing the knowledge gap, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of liquorice shellac and foster its acceptance in diverse industries.

Key Market Trends

Growing Demand for Natural and Sustainable Products

A major trend influencing the global liquorice shellac market is the increasing demand for natural and sustainable products across various industries. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their purchasing choices, seeking products that align with environmental values and promote sustainability. Liquorice shellac, derived from the resinous exudate of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra), is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend as a natural and eco-friendly ingredient. Manufacturers in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care industries are responding to consumer preferences by incorporating natural ingredients like liquorice shellac into their formulations.

The resin's natural origin, coupled with its versatility and sustainable extraction process, positions it as a desirable choice for companies aiming to meet the increasing demand for clean label and environmentally friendly products. This trend is not limited to a specific region but has a global impact as consumers worldwide are becoming more environmentally conscious. As the demand for natural and sustainable products continues to rise, the liquorice shellac market is expected to experience sustained growth, with manufacturers exploring new applications and formulations to cater to this evolving consumer landscape.

Expanding Applications in the Food Industry

A notable trend in the global liquorice shellac market is the expanding range of applications in the food industry. Liquorice shellac, known for its film-forming properties and moisture resistance, is gaining popularity as a glazing agent, coating, and surface finish in various food products. Confectionery items, chocolates, candies, and baked goods are increasingly utilizing liquorice shellac to enhance visual appeal, provide a glossy finish, and extend the shelf life of products. Food manufacturers are recognizing the value of liquorice shellac as a natural alternative to synthetic glazing agents.

The resin's ability to create a protective coating against moisture, thereby preserving the freshness and quality of food products, is driving its adoption in the food industry. As consumer preferences shift towards natural and minimally processed ingredients, liquorice shellac is becoming a go-to choice for manufacturers seeking to meet these demands. The trend of incorporating liquorice shellac into food formulations is expected to continue, with innovations in product development and marketing strategies aimed at highlighting the natural and sustainable attributes of this resin. As the food industry evolves to meet changing consumer expectations, liquorice shellac is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of natural food ingredients.

Rising Popularity in the Cosmetic and Personal Care Industry

Another significant trend in the global liquorice shellac market is its rising popularity in the cosmetic and personal care industry. Liquorice shellac's film-forming and water-resistant properties make it a valuable ingredient in cosmetic formulations, including lipsticks, mascaras, and hair styling products. The resin's ability to enhance the longevity and performance of cosmetic products while being derived from a natural source aligns with the increasing consumer demand for clean and green beauty. Cosmetic manufacturers are leveraging the unique properties of liquorice shellac to create products that offer both functional benefits and a natural appeal.

As consumers seek beauty and personal care items with minimal environmental impact and sustainable sourcing, liquorice shellac emerges as a sought-after ingredient. The trend of incorporating liquorice shellac in cosmetic and personal care formulations is expected to grow, with the industry witnessing a shift towards plant-based and natural ingredients. The resin's versatility in providing water resistance and film-forming capabilities positions it as a key player in the formulation of long-lasting and high-performance cosmetic products.

Advancements in Pharmaceutical Formulations

In the pharmaceutical sector, there is a noticeable trend of advancements in drug formulations leveraging the properties of liquorice shellac. As a natural polymer with film-forming capabilities, liquorice shellac is used in pharmaceutical formulations for coating tablets and capsules, providing enteric coatings, and protecting active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from environmental factors. The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly exploring innovative drug delivery systems, and liquorice shellac is finding applications in the development of controlled-release formulations.

The resin's ability to create protective coatings ensures the stability and controlled release of medications, addressing challenges related to drug solubility, bioavailability, and patient compliance. With a focus on patient-centric approaches and novel drug delivery systems, pharmaceutical companies are incorporating liquorice shellac into their formulations. This trend is expected to drive research and development efforts in the pharmaceutical sector, leading to further advancements in drug delivery technologies and expanded applications for liquorice shellac in the healthcare industry.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Refined shellac was the dominant segment in the market due to its versatility and superior quality. This processed form of raw shellac undergoes purification and filtration processes to eliminate impurities, waxes, and color, resulting in enhanced quality and consistency. These characteristics make refined shellac suitable for various applications across different industries. Dewaxed shellac is another notable type that holds significance in niche markets.

Through an additional processing step to remove wax content, dewaxed shellac exhibits specific properties preferred in certain applications where the presence of wax could affect the final product's desired characteristics. Although not as prevalent as refined shellac, bleached shellac plays a vital role in specific applications requiring a lighter color or where the natural color of shellac may be undesirable. The bleaching process helps achieve a more neutral or transparent appearance, making it suitable for applications where color consistency is essential.

Regional Insights

In 2023, Asia-Pacific holds a dominant position in the global liquorice shellac market, primarily due to the region's substantial production capabilities, vast availability of raw materials, and expanding demand across various industries. India is the largest producer of lac, the key raw material used to produce liquorice shellac, followed by countries like Thailand and Myanmar. The region benefits from favorable climatic conditions that support the cultivation of lac-producing trees, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials. This makes Asia-Pacific the cost-effective hub for liquorice shellac production.

In addition to raw material availability, the growing demand for liquorice shellac in industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics further strengthens the region's market dominance. Liquorice shellac is used as a natural glazing agent, preservative, and coating for various products, aligning with the increasing consumer preference for natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic chemicals. The food industry, in particular, has seen significant use of liquorice shellac in candies and confectioneries, while the pharmaceutical sector uses it in tablet coatings. The expanding industrial base in emerging economies, along with the rising awareness of the benefits of natural ingredients, positions the Asia-Pacific region as a key player in the growth of the global liquorice shellac market.

Key Market Players

• M/S. D. Manoharlal Pvt Ltd
• Mantrose UK Ltd
• Temus Pte Ltd.
• Sunresin New Materials Co.Ltd.
• A.F. Suter & Company Ltd.
• F&C Licorice Group
• Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co.
• Mafco Worldwide LLC
• Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
• Nutra Green Biotechnology Co.,Ltd

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Liquorice Shellac Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Liquorice Shellac Market, By Type:

• Bleached Shellac
• Dewaxed Shellac
• Refined Shellac

Liquorice Shellac Market, By Application:

• Food
• Pharmaceuticals
• Industrial
• Others

Liquorice Shellac Market, By Region:

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

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Liquorice Shellac Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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