Citric Acid Market Trends

Global Citric Acid Market Overview

Citric Acid Market Size was valued at USD 2,965.9 million in 2021. The Citric Acid industry is projected to reach from USD 3,045.3 in 2023 to USD 4,205.65 million by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.12% during the forecast period (2023 - 2030). Manufactured citric acid is also widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Citric acid is one of the most widely used food additives.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Citric Acid Market Trends

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  Sustained Demand from the Food & Beverage Industry

  
  

Due to its many benefits, citric acid is used as an additive in a broad variety of products, including food, drinks, personal care products, cleansers and detergents, pharmaceutical products, clinical nutrition, feed, and pet food. When stored in its original, unopened bottle, citric acid maintains its chemical makeup and potency for at least five years. Because of its long storage life, it finds application as a preservative, flavoring, and coloring agent. As people learn more about the harmful effects of chemicals, they opt for organic products. The future of the citric acid industry is looking bright as a result. Demand for processed foods and ready-to-drink beverages has increased in developing countries due to factors such as rising incomes, urbanization, and busy lives. Therefore, emerging markets are expected to drive future growth in the citric acid market.

Because of its versatility in the food industry, liquid citric acid, a rather weak organic acid, has found widespread use. Many industries use these ingredients due to their acidulant, preservative, antioxidant, and sequestrant properties. Many baby foods that have been processed include citric acid since it is beneficial to a baby's growth and development. It's also a key ingredient in many breakfast cereals and snack foods. In addition to its acidic properties, citric acid anhydrous is utilized as a sugar substitute in many desserts, frozen treats, and other foods. The production of dairy and meat substitutes has expanded in recent years, which may also increase the demand for citric acid anhydrous on the market. Citric acid anhydrous is commonly employed in producing alcoholic beverages and carbonated soft drinks due to its acidic characteristics. It's found in juices, syrups, ready-to-drink (RTD) tea and coffee, and various sports and energy drinks. Sales and revenues will likely rise as citric acid anhydrous finds more applications in the food & beverage industry.

Rising Prevalence of RTD Beverages

In addition to its sour uses, citric acid anhydrous is a common sweetener in many frozen and baked goods. Citric acid anhydrous may see growing demand on the market as the production of dairy and meat substitutes has expanded in recent years. Citric acid anhydrous is used extensively in producing alcoholic beverages and carbonated soft drinks due to its acidic characteristics. It's found in juices, syrups, ready-to-drink (RTD) tea and coffee, and other types of sports and energy drinks. The market for citric acid anhydrous is projected to expand in terms of sales and revenue due to the product's widespread application in the food & beverage industry.

The market for citric acid is being influenced by the rising popularity of low-calorie, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. Reduced-calorie, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages benefit cardiovascular health, the immune system, and energy levels. In July 2021, the American beverage conglomerate Molson Coors introduced a new watermelon hard seltzer drink called Vizzy. Watermelon juice and acerola super fruit, which comes in blueberry, kiwi, passionfruit, and mango flavors, are combined to make this antioxidant-rich drink. There is only one gram of sugar and 100 calories in each beverage.

January 2024- Researchers have discovered that the application of an edible coating, especially by means of the innovative partial coating technique, is an effective strategy for extending the shelf life of tomatoes. Applying edible coating is an effective technique to increase fruit storability. In the research, partial coating, a novel coating technique, was utilized to enhance the shelf-life of tomato fruits. Coating materials were made by integrating four different concentrations of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs; 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 % [w/w] of starch) along with citric acid-crosslinked starch and recognized as biodegradable films before fruit application. Their chemical structures were proven with Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal stability, transparency, mechanical properties, morphology, water vapor permeability, and water sensitivity of the films were also investigated. Films with high concentrations of CNF showcased better mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties than those with low concentrations of CNF and the controls.

Segment Insights

Citric Acid Form Insights

Based on Form, the Citric Acid Market segmentation includes anhydrous and liquid. The anhydrous segment held the majority share in 2021 contributing to around a market value of USD 1,212.0 million of citric acid industry revenue. The anhydrous segment accounted for the market share of 54.74% in 2021 and is projected to register a CAGR of 4.40% during the forecast period.  

Figure 2: Citric Acid Market, By Form, 2022 & 2030 (USD Million)

Citric Acid Function Insights

Based on Function, the Citric Acid Market segmentation includes acidulant, antioxidant, preservative, and flavoring agent. The acidulant segment held the majority share in 2021 contributing to around ~35-40% of the Citric Acid industry revenue.

Citric Acid Application Insights

Based on the Application, the global Citric Acid industry market data has been categorized as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals & nutraceuticals, personal care, and others. The food & beverages segment accounts for the largest market share of ~60-65% in 2021. The segment is expected to register a growth rate of 4.26% during 2022-2030.

Citric Acid Regional Insights

By Region, the study segments the market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America Citric Acid market has held the largest market share among the region in the Ctric acid market.

The major countries studied are the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Figure 3: CITRIC ACID MARKET SHARE BY REGION, 2022 & 2030 (USD Million)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Citric Acid Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

The high competition among the players has encouraged the players to produce advanced materials which could be unique in the market and have multiple applications. The various technologies and processes used are different for different companies. Thus, mergers & acquisitions and product development between various companies help them to develop new and innovative techniques and processes with better efficiency and higher performance expansion and new product development in last 3 years were the most widely employed growth strategies amongst many market players to capture maximum market share.

ADM (Archer-Daniels-Midland Company) exposes the ability of nature to provide access to nutrition across the globe. A pioneer in developing sustainable solutions for agriculture, energy, and bio-based substitutes for materials and fuels currently produced from petroleum products, the Company is a global leader in sustainable human and animal nutrition. It is also one of the world's top corporations for agricultural origination and processing. It serves various products for food, beverages, health, wellness, and more under four business segments, viz. Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, Nutrition, and Other. Citric acid is offered under the nutrition segment. ADM transforms natural materials into everyday meals, renewable and sustainable industrial goods, renewable fuels, various food and beverage components and solutions, supplements, food for pets and animals, and more. More than 70 different nations have consolidated subsidiaries of the company. It has various R&D facilities across the globe. It has a geographical presence in the US, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and other global regions.

Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Basel (Jungbunzlauer) Is one of the world's leading manufacturers of biodegradable ingredients of natural origin. Citric acid, gluconates, lactics, specialty salts, sweeteners, and biogums are all produced by the firm for use in various industrial applications, including those in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cleaning, laundry, and cosmetic industries. More than 130 nations are served by the company's four production facilities, three located in Europe (France, Germany, and Austria) and one in Canada. Additionally, it has sales offices in the Netherlands, India, Japan, Singapore, Mexico, the United States, and Mexico. In 2021, the company's yearly revenues will surpass USD 1,058.18 million.

In 2023, QWIN, a well-known supplier of premium hemp-derived goods, unveiled their new THC-A line, which includes vape pens, flower strains, and the most recent Tropic Punch flavour of Delta 9 syrup.

For'strengthening' hair in 2023, L'Oreal Paris' Elvive Bond Repair line has received a lot of praise. Customers adore the results on their hair from the new Elvive Bond Repair line, which is sulphate-free and powered by Citric Acid Complex. It is touted as a less expensive alternative to Olaplex.

2020 saw the release of PhexxiTM (lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate), the first and only non-hormonal prescription vaginal gel, which Evofem Biosciences, Inc. announced would be used as an on-demand method to prevent pregnancy in females with reproductive potential.

With the introduction of its new makeup remover, cleaning balm, and anti-aging eye cream in 2022, CeraVe's expanding line of skincare products just became bigger. These products are made to be mild yet effective for all skin types.

Key Companies in the Citric Acid market include

• ADM (Archer-Daniels-Midland Company)


• Cargill, Incorporated


• Tate & Lyle


• Jungbunzlauer


• Citribel nv


• RZBC GROUP CO., LTD.


• SHANDONG ENSIGN INDUSTRY CO., LTD.


• Huangshi Xinghua Biochemical Co.Ltd.


• Gadot Biochemical Industries Ltd.

Citric Acid Industry Developments

November 2020 Jungbunzlauer is planning to expand the production of citric acid in order to meet future demands and to continue to provide stable a supply to customers in Austria. This new plant will provide a platform for expansions within Jungbunzlauer’s bio-based product portfolio.

December 2021 The product conference for RZBC Calcium and Vitamin D Tablet was successfully held by RZBC GROUP CO., LTD. The motive of RZBC to make healthcare products is to provide high-quality calcium citrate series products for the Chinese people. RZBC calcium and vitamin D tablet product is the first product of RZBC to enter the healthcare product market.

January 2022 Gadot Biochemical Industries Launches New Mineral Blend: Cal2Mag. “Cal2Mag,” a combination of calcium citrate and magnesium citrate in the scientifically shown effective ratio that provides long-term bone support.  

Citric Acid Market Segmentation

Citric Acid Form Outlook

• Anhydrous


• Liquid

Citric Acid Function Outlook

• Acidulant


• Antioxidant


• Preservative


• Flavoring Agent

Citric Acid Application Outlook

• Food & Beverages


• Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals


• Personal Care


• Others

Citric Acid Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  • Mexico
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia and New Zealand
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • South America
  
  
  • The Middle East
  
  
  • Africa