Lecithin Market Analysis

Global Lecithin Market Overview

Lecithin Market Size was valued at USD 19.5 billion in 2021. The lecithin market industry is projected to grow from USD 20.5 billion in 2022 to USD 28.7 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.95% during the forecast period (2022 - 2030). Due to its capabilities as viscosity reducer, emulsifier, and wetting agent, emulsifiers are increasingly being used in baked products, ready-to-eat meals, confectioneries, pasta, and instant foods, which is one of the main market drivers for expansion.Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Lecithin Market Trends

• Increased demand for dietary supplements to propel the market growth

Lecithin supplements can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol, and a few others. According to a comprehensive study conducted by GOQii, an Indian fitness technology company, over 29.5% of respondents experiencing cholesterol issues in 2021 were seniors over the age of 60. Young people made up about 6% of those who responded that year, and teens made up about 7% of those who had cholesterol problems. Demand for these supplements has been driven by such health conditions. Furthermore, a healthy lifestyle encourages people to seek out various dietary supplements in order to maintain and improve their overall health. Thus, the dietary supplement market is being driven by the intense focus on the preventive healthcare system, as well as strong endorsements and marketing efforts of lifestyle enhancement products. For instance, Lasenor announced the release of VEROLEC ORGANIC, an organic soy lecithin with US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic Certification that was produced in the US. AAK also disclosed the acquisition of BIC Ingredients in September 2021. BIC Ingredients is a supplier of non-GM specialized lecithin and its compounds, competing in the market. Thus, this factor is driving the market CAGR.

Additionally, lecithin is the ideal addition for therapeutic uses because of its many uses. It is both synthetic and natural. It is a component in many pharmaceutical formulations. Furthermore, because they are readily available, inexpensive, and pure, organic phospholipids are highly valued in the creation of pharmaceuticals. To increase the drug's beneficial effects and enhance infusion and solubility, it works as a binding agent. With between 46 and 50 percent of the market share, the Asia Pacific region is a large manufacturing region for pharmaceutical ingredients, which is important for lecithin producers. During the projection period, there will be profitable chances for market expansion due to the population's rapid growth, which has increased pharmaceutical demand.

However, the majority of individuals in today's society, especially the female population, are employed, which raises the demand for packaged food goods. When people don't have the time to cook, they either order food or pick packaged foods. It is a common ingredient in foot care products. For market participants, the rising demand for packaged food products is anticipated to present profitable growth prospects. Thus, it is anticipated that this aspect will accelerate lecithin market revenue ly.

Lecithin Market Segment Insights

Lecithin Source Insights

The lecithin market segmentation has been segmented by source into Soy, Egg, Sunflower and Others. The soy segment dominated the market growth in 2021 and is projected to be the faster-growing segment during the forecast period, 2022-2030. This can be attributed to the expanding food business in parts of Europe and Asia-Pacific, where large tracts of land are used for soybean production and cultivation. It is mostly employed in the production of dairy goods, ice cream, nutritional supplements, newborn formulae, bread, margarine, and other ready-to-eat meals.

Figure 2:  Lecithin Market by Source, 2021 & 2030 (USD Billion)Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst ReviewLecithin Application Insights

The lecithin market segmentation, based on application, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals, Personal Care & Cosmetics and Others. The food & beverages segment dominated the lecithin market revenue in 2021 and is projected to be the faster-growing segment during the forecast period, 2022-2030. Chocolates, margarine, bakery goods, and other items are just a few examples of the foods and beverages that use lecithin. Lecithin reduces viscosity, improving the shelf life of the product while assisting in improving the texture of culinary items like cakes and slices of bread.

Lecithin Form Insights

Based on form, the lecithin market data, the market is segmented into Powder, Liquid and Granules. The liquid segment dominated the market in 2021 and is projected to be the faster-growing segment during the forecast period, 2022-2030. A significant increase in the demand for liquid form across a variety of end-use application industries, including industrial coatings, cosmetics, food processing, and confectioneries, is responsible for this high share. While it is ingested as a dietary supplement in addition to being utilised in liquid form as a food additive or naturally in many food products.

Lecithin Regional Insights

By region, the study provides the market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia Pacific Lecithin market accounted for USD 8.4 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a 42.80% CAGR during the study period. This can be attributed to the region's growing demand for bakery and confectionery, dairy, and meat products, as well as to rising disposable income and improved lifestyles. It can also be attributed to the pharmaceutical industry's high R&D spending and the region's growing demand for these ingredients.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are: The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 3:  LECITHIN MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe Lecithin market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2022 to 2030. The presence of numerous chemical producers, the ample supply of raw materials, the rising level of consumer health consciousness, the rise in consumption of nutrient-dense foods and dietary supplements, and the extensive research on non-GMO soy lecithin are all factors that contribute to this high revenue. Further, the UK Lecithin market held the largest market share, and the Germany Lecithin market was the fastest-growing market in the region.

North America Lecithin market accounts for the second-fastest growing market share. This is due to a number of factors, including the rising convenience food industry, the rising number of patients with CVDs, obesity, and other chronic diseases brought on by sedentary lifestyles, and the rising desire for healthier food products. Moreover, US Lecithin market held the largest market share, and the Canada Lecithin market was the fastest-growing market in this region.

Lecithin Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Major market players are spending a lot on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Lecithin industry grow even more. Market participants are also taking various strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, market developments and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market industry.

One of the primary business strategies manufacturers adopt in the Lecithin industry to benefit clients and expand the sector is manufacturing locally to reduce operating costs. In recent years, Lecithin industry has provided medicine with some of the most significant benefits. The Lecithin market major player such as Cargill Inc (US), Archer Daniels Midland Company (US), Lipoid GmbH (Germany), E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company (US), Sternchemie Gmbh & Co. Kg (Germany), VAV Life Sciences Pvt Ltd (India), Bunge Limited (US), Wilmar International (Singapore), Sodrugestvo Group S.A. (Luxembourg); Thew Arnott (UK), American Lecithin Company (US), Swanson Health Products (US), NOW Foods (US), Lasenor Emul (Spain) and Lecico Gmbh (Germany).

Bio-lecithins, non-genetically modified lecithins (from soy, sunflower, and rapeseed), and unique phosphor phosphorpids are LECICO's areas of expertise. LECICO is an international affection for clients with high quality spells due to its one hundred percent focus on lecithin products as well as dimensionally modified solutions for the dependents in animals, cosmetics, or animal food for useable. In March 2021, Lecico and Ciranda have launched a distribution relationship for lecithin and phospholipids in North America with a focus on local commercial and technical assistance and clean-label food trends.

Also, Lecithin is produced by Sternchemie GmbH & Company KG for use in food, dietary supplements, animal nutrition, and industrial operations. The company sells items like spray-dried coconut milk and red palm oil that is high in vitamins. International clients are served by Sternchemie. In February 2021, for the European market, Strenchemie has introduced soy lecithin dairy substitutes. Additionally, in April 2021, the business acquired a generally recognised as safe (GRAS) no-objection letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its assortment of lecithin derived from sunflowers.

Key Companies in the Lecithin market includes

• Cargill Inc (US)


• Archer Daniels Midland Company (US)


• Lipoid GmbH (Germany)


• I. duPont de Nemours and Company (US)


• Sternchemie Gmbh & Co. Kg (Germany)


• VAV Life Sciences Pvt Ltd (India)


• Bunge Limited (US)


• Wilmar International (Singapore)


• Sodrugestvo Group S.A. (Luxembourg)


• Thew Arnott (UK)


• American Lecithin Company (US)


• Swanson Health Products (US)


• NOW Foods (US)


• Lasenor Emul (Spain)


• Lecico Gmbh (Germany)

Lecithin Industry Developments

November 2022: For use in food and beverage applications, Novastell created a range of lecithin granules. Soycithin G97 IP is a traditional soy lecithin that is non-GMO and completely traceable, in contrast to Suncithin G96, which is made from sunflower lecithin and is also non-GMO and allergen-free.

June 2022: Natural foods and goods made from animals are preferred by consumers. Animal feed additives made from plants have a lot of room for expansion. To serve feed clients in this expanding industry, Cargill has formally agreed to acquire Delacon, the world leader in plant-based phytogenic additives.

Lecithin Market Segmentation

Lecithin Source Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2030)

• Soy


• Egg


• Sunflower


• Others

Lecithin Application Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2030)

• Food & Beverages


• Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals


• Personal Care & Cosmetics


• Others

Lecithin Form Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2030)

• Powder


• Liquid


• Granules

Lecithin Regional Outlook (USD Billion, 2018-2030)

• North America


• US


• Canada


• Europe


• Germany


• France


• UK


• Italy


• Spain


• Rest of Europe


• Asia-Pacific


• China


• Japan


• India


• Australia


• South Korea


• Australia


• Rest of Asia-Pacific


• Rest of the World


• Middle East


• Africa


• Latin America