Food Acidulants Market Size - By Product, By Application, Forecast, 2024-2032

Food Acidulants Market Size

The global food acidulants market size was valued at USD 6.39 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at 6.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Rising demand for acid regulators in beverages industry mainly in flavored water, energy and sparkling drinks. Acidulants offers beverage manufacturers a wide range of beneficial characteristics including palatability, sensory appeal and nutritive value which would enhance consumer captivity towards their product that should support product demand.
 

Additionally, rising consumer demand for natural and healthier food options, trends include increased use of organic and natural acidulants like citric acid and malic acid, spurred by clean label movements and regulatory support. Innovations in product formulations and sustainable sourcing are also shaping the market. Moreover, the expanding food and beverage industry, particularly in emerging economies, is fueling demand. Companies are focusing on strategic partnerships and technological advancements to enhance product offerings and capture market share.
 

Increased consumption of beverages is fueling demand for acidulants, as these ingredients enhance flavor and preserve freshness. Additionally, the rising popularity of processed meats is contributing to food acidulants market expansion, with acidulants playing a crucial role in extending shelf life and improving taste. The growing trend toward convenience foods also supports the market, as acidulants are essential in maintaining product quality and stability in ready-to-eat items.
 

Furthermore, the expansion of organized food retail, including supermarkets and specialty stores, is creating greater distribution opportunities for acidulants, further driving market growth. These factors collectively contribute to a robust and dynamic market globally.
 

Food Acidulants Market Trends

Acidulants, such as citric acid, malic acid, and phosphoric acid, are integral in enhancing taste, extending shelf life, and optimizing pH levels in various food products. Rising health consciousness and preference for natural and organic ingredients are driving the shift towards plant-based and naturally derived acidulants. Furthermore, the expansion of the food and beverage industry, particularly in emerging markets, is fueling demand.
 

Innovations in food processing and a growing trend towards convenience foods are also contributing to market expansion. As food manufacturers seek to improve product quality and meet consumer preferences, the market is projected to grow significantly, with a focus on sustainable and functional ingredients.
 

Food Acidulants Market Analysis

The acetic acid product segment will capture USD 4.32 billion and demonstrate a 5.9% CAGR by 2032. Citric acid remains the leading product due to its versatile applications in flavor enhancement and preservation. Lactic acid is gaining traction for its use in dairy products and as a natural preservative. Fumaric and malic acids are also rising in popularity for their roles in acidity regulation and flavor improvement. Acetic acid, widely used in condiments, and phosphoric acid, prevalent in carbonated drinks, continue to hold significant food acidulants market shares.
 

Tartaric acid's niche use in baking agents supports its steady demand. Lactic acids are widely used in processed meat products owing to its key properties including shelf-life extension, pathogenic bacteria control, enhancing & protecting meat flavour, improving water binding capacity and reducing sodium levels. The global processed meat market is expected to surpass USD 3.6 trillion by 2032. Growing consumer preference shift towards protein rich meat consumables along with rapid development of processed meat value chain will favour meat products demand, thus propelling industry growth.
 

The beverages application segment held a 50.1% of the food acidulants market share in 2023, amounting to USD 3.18 billion, and is projected to grow at a 6.6% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Acidulants are commonly used in bakery industry to enhance product lifespan and impart soft texture. Rising consumer inclination for fresh & quality bakery products have propelled utilization of acidulants owing to functional benefits including leavening, enhancing flavour, heat resistance, low hygroscopicity, mold inhibition, dough conditioning and dairy compatibility.
 

Growing demand for on the go snacks due to rapid urbanization and rising working population have propelled bakery industry growth which should stimulate acid regulator market growth. Stringent regulations regarding allowable levels of acid utilization in food products by FDA and EFSA may lead to higher compliance cost which would limit industry profitability, thus affecting food acidulants industry price trends.
 

Excessive usage of Acidulants may lead to taste and shelf-life deterioration. Inorganic Acidulants manufacturing including phosphoric acid imparts toxic fumes which can harm facility personnel that causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory system. These restraints may hamper market gains.
 

The Asia Pacific food acidulants market is projected to achieve USD 3.22 billion, with a CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2032. Asia Pacific led by India, South Korea, Japan and China experiencing growth due to growing demand for canned products & beverages has led to rising adoption of Acidulants during eatables manufacturing mainly for preservation.
 

Increasing Chinese Acidulants production have imposed pressure on western players due to lower manufacturing cost which should foster acidity regulators regional market growth. Significant rise in organised retail sector in UK has increased demand for packaged and ready to eat consumables will favour regional industry growth. Growth in consumer consciousness regarding clean labelled products will stimulate regional product demand.
 

Brazil food acidulants market may witness growth in the forecasted timeframe owing to growing exports of nutritional products. Brazil is world’s largest exporters of nutrition products including coffee, soybean and beef. In addition, presence of giant meat processing companies including JBS and BRF will have positive impact in product demand. Acidity regulators improve process efficiency along with stabilizing quality of fermented meat which will favour industry growth in processed meat applications.
 

Food Acidulants Market Share

Companies include, ADM, Univar Inc, Cargill, Brenntag, and Tate & Lyle significantly influence the global food acidulants industry through their extensive product portfolios and distribution networks. ADM and Cargill are key players, offering a broad range of acidulants used to enhance food flavor and extend shelf life. Their robust R&D capabilities drive innovation, meeting evolving consumer preferences.
 

Univar Inc and Brenntag act as critical intermediaries, ensuring the efficient distribution and supply of acidulants across various regions. Their extensive logistical networks and market expertise facilitate seamless access to these ingredients. Tate & Lyle, known for its focus on sustainable and functional food solutions, contributes by developing specialty acidulants that cater to health-conscious consumers.
 

Food Acidulants Market Companies

Top companies operating in the food acidulants industry include:

• ADM
• Univar Inc
• Cargill
• Brenntag
• Tate & Lyle
• Parchem Trading
• Purac Biochem
• Caremoli
• Jungbunzlauer Suisse
• Bartek Ingredients

Food Acidulants Industry News

March 2023: Univar Solutions LLC revealed that it would be acquired by Apollo Funds. The definitive merger agreement set the value of Univar Solutions LLC at approximately USD 8.1 billion. The deal also included a minority investment from a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
 

June 2022: Corbion, a leading company in the food industry, completed the acquisition of Granotec Mexico S.A. de C.V., a prominent player specializing in functional blends for the Mexican bakery and fortification sectors. This strategic move has positively impacted on the company's reputation and strengthened its position in the market. Thus, driving the market revenue.
 

The food acidulants market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue and volume (USD Billion) (Tons) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Citric acid
• Lactic acid
• Fumaric acid
• Acetic acid
• Phosphoric acid
• Tartaric acid
• Malic acid

Market, By Application

• Bakery & confectionery
• Food & nutrition
• Beverages
• Dairy & frozen desserts
• Sauces & dressing
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa