Food Preservatives Market

Food Preservatives Market Outlook

The global food preservatives market is estimated to attain a market valuation of US$ 2,965.62 million in the year 2023. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.8% to reach US$ 5,725.70 million by 2033.

With changing lifestyles and dynamic routines, consumers prefer convenience food and like ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook food items, which have extended shelf life. Food preservatives are utilized in food items that are prepared commercially, to elongate their shelf life. As a result, the increasing purchases of convenience food are inviting innumerable growth prospects for food preservatives manufacturers.

The use of food preservatives has been a trend in the food industry for many years. Preservatives are used to maintain the quality and freshness of food products. The most common types of preservatives are salt, sugar, vinegar, and oil. These preservatives are effective in preventing the growth of bacteria and mold. They also help to extend the shelf life of food products.

Preservatives are not only used in food products, but also in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Preservatives are one of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products. There are a variety of different types of preservatives that can be used, including parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

While there is some controversy over the use of preservatives, they remain an important ingredient in many consumer products. Synthetic food preservatives hold a significant market percentage. However, increasing new-age consumers are opting for natural food preservatives, including rosemary extract, which has antioxidant properties. The trend for consuming organic preservatives and chemical-free food can cause an obstacle to the growth of synthetic food preservatives. Hence, industries are focusing more on natural preservatives to align with the customer’s interest and maintain demand for the preservatives. Increasing health awareness and growing demand for processed food is likely to boost the global food preservatives market.

Market Trends Spotted in the Historical Food Preservative Market

The global food preservatives market witnessed growth in H1 2021 at a magnitude of 6.7%. However, this growth is not evenly spread across all regions, with the developing markets recording higher growth rates of 6.8% (H1 2022 Expected). Thus, leaving a gap of +74.8 BPS points between expected and projected growth during H1 2022.

(2017 to 2022) Demand Outlook for Food Preservatives Market Compared to Forecast Period (2023 to 2033)

In the historical period, the food preservatives market reached a market valuation of US$ 2,776.80 million in the year 2022. The preceding years in the food preservatives market have been pushed forward by the expansion of the food industry. The food industry employs food preservatives to enhance the shelf life and ensures the safety and quality of food products. In addition to this, the continuously rising demand for convenience and processed foods has also been instrumental in the growth of the industry. Going forward, in addition to the aforementioned factors, many variables are estimated to determine the market development.

According to the latest report by Future Market Insights, the market is estimated to generate a revenue of US$ 5,725.70 million by 2033. From 2023 to 2033, the market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.8%.

Nandini Roy Choudhury

Principal Consultant

Talk to Analyst

Find your sweet spots for generating winning opportunities in this market.

Talk to Analyst

FMI Analyses Market Trends for the Respective Time-periods

Short Term (2023 to 2026): The emerging trend of natural preservatives sourced from plants and animals is gaining ground in the market. Currently, new-age consumers are switching to foods containing no preservatives, or organic/natural preservatives, from synthetic preservatives. The ongoing shift is projected to bring about a change in brand communication, thereby attracting more customers. Additionally, there is a widening interest in the usage of ingredients such as live cultures and enzymes to preserve food items.

• Medium Term (2026 to 2029): The distinctively growing demand for clean-label, natural ingredients is predicted to foster market development over the coming years. The surging number of consumers are seeking ‘natural’ products, to incorporate inherently fresh, natural, balanced, and wholesome nutrition. As a result, the emerging trend favoring the uptake of clean-label products is projected to unlock new opportunities for the growth of the food preservatives market.
• Long Term (2029 to 2033): Over the stipulated period, the production of new, efficient food preservatives is projected to encourage market development. Moreover, technological advances in food preservation are also expected to propel market advancement over the coming years. Furthermore, the mushrooming retail chains and thriving retail sector are expected to invigorate market development.

Rising Incidence of Food-borne Diseases to Expand the Market Growth

Foodborne disease is a leading threat to the food and beverage market. Around 600 million consumers get affected by the food-borne disease with 420,000 deaths globally. Food-borne diseases caused by microbial, bacteria, and viruses occur due to inefficient preservation techniques and ingredients.

Due to the increasing cases of food-borne diseases and growing awareness about healthy lifestyles, consumers demand food products that are effectively preserved. Many chemical preservatives can provide effective preservation. With the advancement in technology and research and development, natural preservative ingredients are being adopted by companies to target consumers who opt for organic and natural food products.

Surging Demand for Food Items with long Shelf-life to Attract More Customers

The hectic and dynamic lifestyle of consumers has made them lead towards processed foods or convenient foods like ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products. Such food products are preferred due to their long storage duration and the option to be consumed as per convenience.

The growing importance of food preservatives in the food and beverage market is pushing the market growth. The increased shelf life due to the application of preservatives has improved the pricing, value, and food delivery methodology.

Due to increasing health awareness, people are shifting to natural and organic foods and ingredients. To keep up with new trends and consumers' preferences, companies have started using natural preservatives like rosemary extracts that contain antioxidants for an efficient food preservation process.

Market Statistics for Natural Preservatives: Less in Supply & Escalated in Demand

The increasing use of adulteration and chemicals in food products has harmed consumers' health. Consumers are hence shifting to natural and organic food products that are safe and healthy to consume. It is observed from reports that artificial chemical preservatives like benzoates, parabens, BHA, nitrates, etc. may cause serious health issues, including allergies, hypersensitivity, asthma, neurological damage, or even cancer.

Due to several health consequences of consuming artificial preservatives, consumers are inclined toward products that contain natural preservatives like rosemary extract, oregano extract, hops, vinegar, etc. in the food and beverage industry. Although there can be an obstacle to chemical food preservative growth, the natural food preservative market seems to have a promising future.

Industries are trying their level best to include natural food preservatives in their food products to align with consumers' trends and interests. The consumers' demand for products that contain natural preservatives or little trace of chemicals, has created a golden chance for natural preservatives like natamycin and nisin.

In the United States, chemical preservatives are mixed with natural preservatives to reduce the concentration of chemicals and have better preservation compared to just natural preservatives. Such a combination is used in dairy as well as frozen foods and meat products like sausages. Its application is growing significantly in different segments like baked food, processed foods, and convenience foods. Companies like Florida Food Products use natural ingredients to preserve and increase the shelf life of meat products and beverages. Kerry Group plc uses vinegar and plant extracts to preserve food products and eliminate the usage of chemicals.

Although natural preservative is preferred by consumers, the availability of these preservatives can pose a challenge. Natural preservatives are more than 10 times more costly compared to chemical preservatives. The application of natural preservatives also increases the price of the end product and struggles to compete with cheap alternatives made from chemical preservatives.

Natural preservatives are yet not mass-produced and hence cannot fulfill the colossal demand. Still many natural preservatives are under testing to check their effects and efficiency as preservatives. With increasing research and technological advancement, the natural preservative market can have healthy growth owing to the rising demand for natural preservatives.

Various Health Risks Associated with Chemical Preservatives to Pose a Challenge

Health risks associated with synthetic preservatives pose a serious obstacle in the food preservative sector. Sulfites are commonly found in dehydrated & dried foods. Lightly colored foods, like mashed potato flakes or golden raisins, benefit from this sort of preservative since it helps them maintain their light color appearance.

More than 1 million asthma patients are said to be allergic to sulfites or are sensitive to them, according to the United States FDA. Rashes, breathing difficulties, stomachaches, and allergic reactions are among the symptoms of sulfite ingestion.

In 2013, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved over 3,100 food additives to be used in the United States. Food additives, even though permitted for consumption by humans, may nevertheless pose a health risk. Due to this, people are choosing minimally processed and prepared foods.

BHA, also known as butylated hydroxyanisole, is an antioxidant that prevents spoilage in oils, cereals, and high-fat foods. This preservative can cause tumors when consumed in high concentrations. In 2005, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reported that two food preservatives, BHA and BHT, had been responsible for chronic hives and other skin-related reactions. The preservatives are used to preserve the flavor, color, and odor of grain products & breakfast cereals.

Asia Pacific to be a significantly-growing Market for Food Preservatives

During the predicted period, Asia Pacific is projected to be one of the significantly-growing markets for food preservatives. Consumer preference for natural and organic foods for a healthy diet, and rising demand for convenient food products, all have a positive impact on the Asia Pacific food preservatives market. Ingredient suppliers are growing more hopeful about the food preservatives industry's future as a result of emerging countries, great industrialization, rising consumption of processed foods, and growing preference for high-quality products. Despite growing awareness of the health risks connected with synthetic food additives, emerging tastes, and trends have produced a necessity for additional chemicals in foods.

The North America food preservatives market is being driven by factors like the increasing demand for convenient food, the growing population, and the rising demand for ethnic and authentic tasting food products.

Category-wise Analysis

Extensive Application of Antioxidants in Pharmaceuticals to Push the Segment Growth

An increase in demand for antioxidants due to their health properties and expanding reach of application can boost the preservative market. The global antioxidants market is estimated to be valued at US$ 4.55 billion in 2023 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. Antioxidants are used as vitamin supplements in the pharmaceutical sector and assist in the preservation of food goods. By focusing on natural antioxidants like rosemary extract, industrialized economies have identified new growth potential. Antioxidants are largely utilized as preservatives in the food and beverage sector. However, as the world's population grows exponentially, other businesses, such as pharmaceuticals and animal feed, are projected to see increased demand.

Due to many cases of undernutrition in Asia Pacific, antioxidant supplements are in great demand. Farmers are also encouraged to provide antioxidant-rich hay to their cattle to increase milk yield. Companies have changed their focus to rosemary extract since it contains more antioxidants than other extracts, fights premature aging, has a long shelf life, and consequently increases the demand.

Significant Market Revenue Generated from Poultry, Meat, and Seafood Products

The application of food preservatives in poultry, meat, and seafood products is likely to account for the majority of the market share in the coming years. Meat preservatives are needed on a big scale since meat is consumed widely over the world, with high consumption in leading regions like Latin America, North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. In many areas, the economy has been improving, allowing consumers to eat meat products on a more regular basis.

The meat begins to decompose soon after the blood stops circulating, necessitating its preservation until consumption. The type and condition of meat to be kept, as well as the historical period and environmental conditions, must all be considered when determining the nature of preservation. While alcohol, salt, and vinegar have long been used as natural preservatives, borax, and boric acid, as well as sulfuric acid and salicylic acid solutions, are becoming more popular.

Surging Demand for Preservatives in Beverages to Augment Food Preservatives Market

Increased demand for alcoholic beverages like beer and wine is projected to promote the growth of antimicrobial preservatives. An increase in the growing consumption of alcoholic drinks like wine and beer as well as fruit juice and soft drinks is likely to boost the demand and growth of the food preservative market in the beverage industry. For example, Sulphur dioxide (E220) is frequently added to beer and wine to prolong the shelf life, and flavors, prevent bacterial decomposition, and decrease unwanted colors or aromas produced during the fermentation process.

Country-wise Analysis

The United States Dominates the Market for Food Preservatives Globally

North America is one of the dominant regions in terms of sales of food preservatives. The United States is the leader in the North America region, holding a significant market share. The food preservative market is flourishing in the United States owing to the wide application in processed foods and the rise in consumption of convenient foods like ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook.

China to Grow at a Significant Pace over the Next Few Years

Considering the huge population in China and the working professionals consuming more processed food due to dynamic and hectic lifestyles, the market is projected to expand in the coming years. China is one of the leaders in the food processing industry, gaining growth prospects due to surging demand for products with enhanced shelf-life and no contamination. China is expected to grow at an unprecedented rate and has a promising market expansion over the coming years.

Discover What Food Preservatives Manufacturers are Up to?

In the historical period, the market was largely distributed in favor of synthetic preservatives manufacturers. However, as the awareness and demand for organic preservatives are booming, the tide seems to be turning. As a result, the entry of new participants is witnessing a surge. The market is also observing a heightened preference for premium products as consumers’ affordability and knowledge regarding the health benefits of organically preserved food items are expanding.

The entry of new players in the market is consequently intensifying the market competition. The consequence of this robust market environment is the release of new products with advanced, organically-sourced formulations. For instance, new entrants like Galactic S.A. and Kemin Industries, Inc. are increasing the level of competition by launching new products containing natural sources, including rosemary and vinegar extracts, and employing novel technologies.

Prominent Companies Operating in the Market

• Cargill, Incorporated
• Kerry Group Plc
• BASF SE
• IFF Nutrition & Biosciences
• Lallemand Inc.
• ADM
• Kemin Industries, Inc.
• Tate & Lyle
• Koninklijke DSM N.V.

Latest Ongoings in the Market:

Scope of Food Preservatives Market Report

Key Market Segmentation

By Label:

• Clean Label
• Conventional

By Type:

• Synthetic
• Natural

By Function:

• Antioxidants
• Antimicrobial
• Others

By Application:

• Meat & Poultry Products
• Bakery Products
• Dairy Products
• Beverages
• Snacks
• Others

Regions:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Middle East and Africa