The global bouillon cube market is estimated to be worth USD 6.9 billion in 2024. Displaying a CAGR of 4.5% through 2034, global bouillon cube sales are slated to total USD 10.8 billion by the end of the forecast period.
One of the prominent trends in the food and beverage sector is the adoption of organic ingredients. Manufacturers are scrambling to make their food products non-GMO and earn the trust of consumers.
The influence of social media, the desire to eat healthy, and more trust being put in dietician recommendations are some of the reasons that the food and beverage sector sees organic ingredients as indispensable. The bouillon cube industry is also falling prey to the trend. Thus, there is enhanced adoption of organic ingredients in bouillon production.
Bouillon is moving away from the fat and preservative-filled nature of old. The impact of health trends on the bouillon market is felt keenly. As fitness becomes a prime concern, bouillons made from healthy ingredients are given priority.
Parents are also looking to have their children eat more nutritious food. With the cubes being a popular packed lunch as well as a snack for school-going children, healthy options are preferred by parents.
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| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 6.6 billion |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 6.9 billion |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 10.8 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 4.5% |
A significant trend impacting both the wider food and beverage sector as well as the bouillon cube sector is the greater concern shown for vegan and vegetarian consumers. Both Western nations and traditional meat-free strongholds like India are seeing an uptick in vegetarian and vegan populations.
Even notable meat-producing and meat-consuming regions like the Middle East are not exempt from the vegan and vegetarian trend. To take advantage of the burgeoning vegan and vegetarian population, manufacturers are producing bouillons with cruelty-free ingredients. Thus, the market penetration of vegan and vegetarian bouillon products is on the rise.
A tried and tested formula for food producers and suppliers to increase revenue is through experimentation with flavors. The bouillon industry is no exception. As consumer inclination towards trying out new cuisines and methods of food preparation increases, so does the leeway afforded to producers to experiment.
At the same time, there is also a subset of consumers preferring their typical and region-specific flavors. It is thus paramount for producers to do an analysis of flavor preferences in the bouillon market to get ahead of the competition.
An analysis of the sector uncovers regional variations in demand for bouillon based on culinary traditions. While consumers in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom rely on meat-based bouillon preparations made from beef, pork, and other meats, consumers in India are hugely in favor of vegetarian preparations.
The amount of salt, spice, and seasoning desired by consumers also changes from region to region. For example, in Asian countries, more spicy varieties of the cube are preferred to Western countries. Producers thus feel a need to study the consumer inclinations of each region minutely.
Technological advancements in bouillon manufacturing for enhanced taste and preservation are helping manufacturers give the bouillon cube industry more of a modern feel. With both retailers and consumers looking for products with longer shelf lives, investing in technology that expands the life of the product is seen as a must.
Producers are also cognizant of the fact that the competition in the sector is progressing at a rapid rate. One way to keep up is to increase the taste profile of their products. Thus, technology to capture more of the taste of the ingredients is being heavily invested in.
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Market Opportunities for Gluten-Free and Low-Sodium Bouillon
Fitness and gym-going culture are having a profound impact on the bouillon cube sector. Health-obsessed people often prefer to carry food and beverages along with them. Thus, the convenience food sector benefits. Bouillon cubes are also an example of a convenience food that is being embraced by fitness enthusiasts.
Gym-goers are preferring gluten-free and low-sodium food products as a way to lessen their fat intake. Thus, gluten-free and low-sodium bouillon is being embraced by consumers. The rise in the gluten-intolerant population is also leading to greater adoption of gluten-free versions of the product.
Integration of Sustainable Packaging Solutions in the Bouillon Market
To go along with the sustainable and organic trends in the food itself, consumers are desiring sustainability in the packaging of the product. In this respect, the packaging sector is helping the cause of the producers.
With increasing government regulations, the application of single-use plastic in packaging is becoming impractical. The packaging sector is experimenting with bioplastics, metal, and other sustainable materials. Thus, sustainable packaging solutions are becoming more common in the sector.
Eco-friendliness is not limited to the packaging either. Rather, producers are incentivized to adopt sustainability from top to bottom. This includes environmental sustainability considerations in bouillon ingredient sourcing.
Consumers are getting more knowledgeable about the ingredients being used in food products. Manufacturers also have to comply with stringent regulations and labeling requirements. Thus, sustainable ingredient sourcing is seen as a must.
Consumer Preferences for Convenient and Quick-To-Prepare Bouillon Products
While home cooking trends are on the rise, hectic lifestyles mean consumers are still drawn to quick-to-prepare foods. Manufacturers are seeing the importance placed on convenience foods by consumers and are thus focusing on increasing their revenue through that avenue.
The bouillon cube market size was tipped to be USD 5.2 billion in 2019. Throughout the historical period, the industry grew at a CAGR of 6.1%, reaching a size of USD 6.6 billion in 2023.
Healthy food options consumed by the global population in the wake of the pandemic boosted sales. With more people forced to stay at home, there was more need for food that could be prepared quickly. In stepped bouillon cubes, which satisfied the need for convenience foods in numerous households.
The sector progressed at a faster pace in the historical period than the rate predicted for the projected period. Several restraining factors contribute to the industry’s downward trend as compared to the historical period.
Compared to the size of the product, a notable number of consumers do not think the price is worth it. The amount of preservatives and fat content in the cubes also makes consumers queasy about the product. Plastic packaging is also a notable factor that makes people look at the product with disdain.
Producers, however, are addressing the concerns of consumers. Bouillon cubes are being made available at an economic price to make people less hesitant about them. The development of vegan, vegetarian, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and low-sodium ingredients is attracting more eyes to the cubes. The advent of sustainable packaging also invites more investment. Thus, stakeholders have strategies to combat restraints.
Some tier 1 companies that have a notable presence in the bouillon cube sector include Unilever, Nestle S.A., Hormel Foods, and Kraft Heinz Company. Unilever is one of the notable companies in the sector, with its reputation spread far and wide. The strategy of Unilever is to challenge existing stereotypes about taste.
For example, through its Knorr subsidiary, the company supplies cubes with no salt. The product boasts that despite no salt, the taste is not being skimped upon. Thus, Unilever shows a strong industry perception, keeping up with the healthy trends while also answering the call for diversity.
Another tier 1 company, keeping in mind changing customer perceptions, is Nestle S.A. The company, through its renowned Maggi brand, has launched bouillon cubes with recyclable paper in France. Through this step, taken in 2020, Nestle aims to keep its pulse on the trends in the bouillon landscape.
Hormel Foods has earned a positive reputation for its chicken cubes made from bouillon. While keeping the traditional taste that makes its cubes popular, Hormel Foods has also shown it can keep up with the times. Thus, the food brand has introduced sodium-free versions of its product.
Another company renowned for its chicken bouillon cubes is the Kraft Heinz Company. It can be seen thus that tier 1 companies are maintaining their product standards while still embracing modern trends.
Tier 2 companies include Hangzhou Jia Rong He Food Co., Ltd. and Bou Brands LLC. Not having the capital and resources of the tier 1 companies, these enterprises look towards partnerships and investments in other enterprises to increase demand scope. This can be clearly seen in the case of Hangzhou Jia Rong He Food Co., Ltd.
The company focuses on entering into collaborations with fellow Chinese companies, while also investing in other outfits along its vertical line. This has allowed the enterprise to establish its presence in both China and in foreign regions like South America and the Middle East.
Bou is a startup that is aiming to take on the big tier 1 companies. The strategy used by the enterprise for this purpose is to offer healthier alternatives than the big boys.
The willingness to experiment and try out new offerings is driving the industry in North America. The burgeoning food service industry in Europe is helping the cubes’ cause in the region. Rising demand for fortified food is making sure of the product’s demand in the Asia Pacific.
| Countries | CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| China | 5.3% |
| United States | 4.8% |
| United Kingdom | 5.7% |
| Japan | 6.2% |
| South Korea | 7% |
The United States industry is penned in to progress at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2034. The United States’ struggle with obesity is well documented. With the obese population of the country ballooning up, healthy and gluten-free food is being resorted to a greater degree.
Healthy and low-sodium versions of the product are being called upon to a greater degree in the nation. The increasing purchasing power of the population also sees producers find fertile ground in the country.
From 2024 to 2034, it is anticipated that the industry in the United States will have climbed in value significantly by USD 732.6 million. Thus, by the time 2034 comes around, it is predicted that the sector value will reach USD 1.9 billion in the United States.
South Korea bouillon cube market is set to register a CAGR of 7%. The progressing economy of South Korea means the hospitality sector in the country is thriving. Thus, more hotels and eateries are flourishing in the Asian nation. These food service places are incorporating the cubes in their menus.
Fine dining experiences in the country are also progressing at a fine pace. The mammoth consuming power of the South Korean young generation is helping the fine dining ecosystem to gain even greater heights in the country.
Cubes made out of bouillon are being used in a myriad of dishes in fine dining restaurants in South Korea. Soups, sauces, and all types of gravies are seeing these cubes being incorporated in their preparation.
The South Korean industry is set to climb by about USD 347 million in revenue from 2024 to 2034. By 2034, sales of bouillon cubes in the country are expected to total USD 706.3 million.
The industry is set to walk on ahead at a CAGR of 5.7% in the United Kingdom. Shifting consumer demographics mean the food inclinations of the United Kingdom are undergoing rapid change. Large immigration waves have led to the palette of the average British consumer undergoing change.
One of the significant changes has been the rise in the number of vegans and vegetarians in the country. The clamor for cruelty-free products is also fueled by the younger generations of the country being influenced by social media.
The average British consumer is also now willing to experiment with flavors more. Thus, innovative flavors and cruelty-free bouillon cubes are expected to chart the progress of the bouillon cube sector in the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom industry is set to grow in value by USD 186.8 million from 2024 to 2034. By the end of the projected period, it is forecast that the value of the sector in the country will touch USD 436.2 million.
The below section offers insights into leading segments. Vegetable is the top type of bouillon cube, accounting for a prominent value share. The cubes are primarily distributed through super and hypermarkets.
| Segment | Vegetable (Type) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2023) | 45% |
Vegetable bouillon cubes accounted for a value share of around 45% in 2023. Manufacturers are determined to not let people fall outside of the consumer base for their product. As a result, all-around targeting of consumers is being done, with vegans and vegetarians notably falling under their gaze.
Aside from vegans and vegetarians, others are also falling under the spell of vegetable cubes, showing demand for the product is not limited. Vegetable versions of the product are found commonly in children's lunches and healthy household meals.
The future of the product is also bright. Vegetable bouillon cubes segment is forecast to progress at a CAGR of 4.3% over the period from 2024 to 2034.
| Segment | Supermarkets and Hypermarkets (Distribution Channel) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2023) | 62% |
Supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for 62% of the industry share in 2023. A majority of consumers prefer shopping at one destination for all their needs. Whether weekly or monthly, the inclination of customers is to stock up on all their food supplies in one place. Supermarkets provide this facility.
Supermarkets are also convenient for comparison purposes. Showing an array of products to consumers, customers can compare cost, comfort, carbohydrate count, and more. For the forecast period, the target segment is set to surge at a CAGR of 4.1%
While supermarkets reign at the top of the distribution channel segment, online retail is catching up fast. The convenience of customers is increased even more through online sales. The diversity of products available is also enhanced.
Research and development is a key aspect of manufacturers’ strategy, as coming up with new flavors and making the product healthier are seen as the way to go. Keeping the product line moving is also given importance by industry players. Partnerships and acquisitions are common sights.
Several players are focusing on offering a wide range of products at affordable prices. Similarly, usage of recycled and biodegradable packaging is becoming prevalent in the sector as consumers prefer products with eco-friendly packaging.
Companies are also using social media platforms and branding tools to expand their consumer base. In addition to this, new manufacturing facilities are being established to meet growing consumer demand globally.
Key Industrial Developments
The size of the bouillon cube sector is estimated to be USD 6.9 billion in 2024.
The industry is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period.
Global revenue is forecast to total USD 10.8 billion by 2034.
Kraft Heinz Company, Nestle S.A., and Bou Brands LLC.
Sales in the nation are expected to surge at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2034.
China is set to register a CAGR of 5.3% through 2034.
Based on the type, the bouillon cube industry is divided into vegetable, beef, meat, fish, and others.
Based on the distribution channel, the sector is segmented into supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and others.
The sector has been analyzed with the following regions covered: North America, Latin America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa.
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Bouillon Cube Market
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