Molasses Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The market share of molasses is predicted to grow from USD 11952.75 Million in 2023 to over USD 23512.86 Million by 2033. This is expected to further drive the market share of molasses and register a CAGR of 7.0% between 2023 and 2033. Increasing consumption of molasses in the animal feed industry and biofuel industry is driving the global molasses market's growth.

Increasing consumer interest in health and nutritional food products is driving the molasses market. Food and beverage manufacturers also use ingredients that provide nutritional benefits.

Sugar consumption leads to diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, so consumers are increasingly choosing healthier sugar substitutes in their diets. Additionally, molasses is known for having a higher nutritional value than regular sugar. Sugar extraction leaves molasses as a by-product, and in every process, molasses syrup has different nutritional properties that are beneficial for health. The types of molasses syrup are based on their sugar levels and are used according to consumer demand.

In addition, the increasing consumption of compound feed in the animal feed industry also drives the demand for molasses. This is because it is one of the main ingredients in these feeds. However, substitutes for molasses are limiting the global molasses market.

Sugarcane is the main source of molasses, and regions such as APAC and Latin America provide the best environments to grow sugarcane, which has a direct impact on molasses sales. As a by-product of sugar production, molasses is produced in large quantities in regions that produce a large amount of sugar.

Attributes Details
Molasses Market Value (2023) USD 11952.75 Million
Molasses Market Expected Value (2033) USD 23512.86 Million
Molasses Market Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 7.0%

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Global Molasses Market Historical Analysis (2017 to 2022) Vs. Forecast Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global molasses market expanded at 5.2% CAGR over the past 10 years. Molasses is a sweetener produced by refining sugarcane and sugar beets. The food industry uses molasses as an ingredient since it is a thicker, darker liquid.

It's also a key ingredient in brown sugar and rum. Molasses is also used for various industrial purposes, such as a minor component of mortar for brickwork. It has been used to mix gelatin glue with glycerin when casting composition ink rollers on early printing presses.

Horticultural applications of molasses include promoting the activity of microorganisms in the soil. As a result, such uses of molasses in such industries are likely to propel market growth. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of close to 7.0% over the forthcoming decade.

  • Short Term (2022 to 2025): There is an expectation that the pandemic will increase demand for Molasses on the global market. A growing number of food products and additives contain molasses as they offer many health benefits. They act as natural sweeteners and provide high nutritional content. Moreover, it contains minerals such as vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium, iron, and selenium which are essential for human health. Hence, this is also likely to contribute to the growth of the market.
  • Medium Term (2025 to 2028): Ready-to-eat (RTE) product consumption is on the rise as individuals become more health-conscious and hectic lifestyles inflate disposable income.
  • Long Term (2028 to 2033): A few uses of molasses were observed in the papermaking industry. Molasses contains sucrose, which is difficult to recover economically. Thus, this is likely to create substantial growth opportunities for the market in the coming years.
Historical CAGR (2016 to 2022) 5.2%
Historical Market Value (2021) USD 10439.99 Million
Forecast CAGR 7.0%

Major Factors Driving Molasses Market

The Rise in Import and Export Activities:

In addition to food and beverages, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and animal feeds, molasses is used in many other industries. There is a huge demand for molasses coming from across the globe due to its many applications. This is pushing companies to become involved in the import and export of molasses in significant numbers. In turn, this is driving more demand for molasses.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), the leading data visualization tool for international trade data, India exported USD 123 Million of molasses in 2020, followed by Russia (81 million), Germany (80 million), Indonesia (77 million), and Guatemala (74 million).

Moreover, the United States (worth USD 171 million), the Netherlands (worth USD 100 million), the Philippines (worth USD 93 million), the United Kingdom (worth USD 77 million), and South Korea (worth USD 68 million) were the top importers.

Due to the increasing applications of molasses worldwide, the molasses market is expected to grow due to the increasing imports and exports.

Rise in the Utilization of Dry Molasses:

Increasing use of dry molasses in various applications. Like in pastry shop products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and ranches rely on it to increase the quality and quantity of microorganisms in the soil, and as a sweetener in food. These are some of the factors driving the worldwide molasses market.

Besides these driving factors, the global dry molasses market is expected to record strong growth owing to the medical benefits associated with molasses products. Furthermore, dry molasses can also be used to create corrective items, which contributes to the growth of the dry market. As a result, the worldwide dry market is expected to expand rapidly during the estimated time frame owing to these driving variables.

Nandini Roy Choudhury
Nandini Roy Choudhury

Principal Consultant

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Major Challenge Faced by Molasses Market

There has been a decline in molasses usage in feed applications, which is extremely challenging for the Molasses Industry. Animal feed is one of the key applications of molasses. The growing availability of less expensive alternatives, however, is compromising animal feed's interest in molasses.

Molasses Market Category-Wise Insights

Industrial Use Segment Based on End Use Boasts Clear Dominance in the Global Market

The global molasses market can be segmented based on source, type, nature, end-use, and distribution.

According to the source, the molasses market is divided into sugarcane and sugar beet. As of 2023, sugarcane will account for 85% of the market share in terms of volume for molasses. Also, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% and reach USD 17.5 Billion by the end of 2033. While sugar beet is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% in the forecasted period.

Based on type, the market can be segmented into regular molasses, blackstrap molasses, and others. A market share of 52% is expected for blackstrap molasses over the forecast period, making it the dominant segment.

By nature, the market is segmented into conventional & organic. Organic foods are likely to grow at a relatively higher CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period as consumers become more aware of the benefits of eating organic food. Conventional foods are expected to hold 82% of the market share by 2033.

The global molasses market can be segmented according to end-use by industrial applications, commercial applications, and household applications. The industrial segment can be further subdivided according to food and beverage production, animal feed production, biofuel production, and other industrial applications.

In 2023, the molasses end-use segment is expected to account for 79% of total molasses revenue and is expected to grow rapidly. In addition, the molasses market is segmented into direct and indirect sales based on sales channels.

As for indirect sales, they can be further segmented into modern trade, convenience stores, online stores, and others. Of these segments, direct sales are projected to hold the largest market share of 87.2% over the forecast period.

Market Growth for Molasses will be Aided by the Expansion of the Food and Beverage Sector

Molasses has been used for animal feeding for a long time but was first used as a substitution for cereal grains in the 1960s. This was due to the rapid expansion of the food and beverage industry, especially the meat and dairy industry.

Moreover, molasses, which is a viscous product derived from sugar beets or sugarcane, finds applications in the residential, biofuel, and commercial sectors, thereby stimulating market growth.

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Region Wise: Asia Pacific Dominates the Market

Region-wise, Asia-Pacific dominated the blackstrap molasses market in 2023 and is expected to sustain its dominance throughout the molasses market forecast period. The massive production of cane sugar in the region is a key factor driving product market growth in the region.

It is primarily due to favorable environmental conditions, a large plantation area, and government support. For instance, the Indian Sugar Mills Association, an industry body, has estimated that India will produce 28.2 million tons of sugar from 2019 to 2020, about 19% more than in 2018 to 2019, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation.

Regions Leading in Molasses Market: Country-Wise Analysis

What Makes the USA Molasses Market Dominant in North America?

The US dominates the North American molasses market with a total share of 78% in 2023 and is projected to continue exhibiting high demand through the course of the forecast period.

The US molasses market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.6% and is projected to surpass the value of USD 4548.4 Million in 2023. This is due to the high consumption of nutritional sweeteners in the country.

Its market is driven by consumers widely using molasses in their food as an ingredient to enhance its flavor and taste, such as in breakfast cereals and pancakes. The incorporation of molasses into various fortified drinks has also contributed to the market.

Why is Germany’s Molasses Market Considered Lucrative within Europe?

Germany dominates the Europe molasses market, with a share of 28%. The German molasses market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.6%. Because packaged molasses extract is being used as a sweetening agent in many bakery and confectionery products.

The German molasses market has been driven by foods like pies, porridges, baked beans, and others that utilize packaged molasses extract as an additive.

What Makes China Molasses Market Highly Attractive?

China holds a 55% share of the East Asia market and is projected to expand at a CAGR of over 8.5%. The market size of USD 5208.05 Million by the year 2033.

The rising demand for molasses as a thickening agent, particularly in bakeries and confectioneries, has emerged as the principal driver of the China molasses market. In the future, the molasses market will prosper as a result of favorable government policies and industrialization in emerging nations.

A major factor driving the growth of the product market in China is the massive production of cane sugar. As a result of the favorable environment, large plantation area, and government support, sugarcane production has become very successful.

Start-up Ecosystem: The Molasses Market

Manufacturing is a global industry and for good reason. When properly executed, manufacturing can produce high-quality products at an affordable price. However, starting a business in molasses can be challenging. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available in this industry.

Due to the availability of cost-effective raw materials, molasses products are expected to be launched in the near future, providing ample opportunities for market development.

A growing market for this product will lead to small producers and companies developing cost-effective solutions to meet the increasing demand. An unabated growth of this market will result in several businesses offering this product.

Competitive Landscape

Several strategies are employed by key manufacturers to compete in an increasingly competitive environment, including new product launches and approvals, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations.

  • Crosby Molasses Co Ltd. (Canada)
  • The Archer Daniels Midland Company (USA)
  • Michigan Sugar Company (USA)
  • B&G Foods Inc.(USA)
  • Cora Texas Manufacturing Company, LLC (USA)
  • Good Food Inc. (USA)
  • E D & F Man Holdings Limited (UK)
  • B&G Foods, Inc. (USA)
  • Malt Products Corporation (USA)
  • Westway Feed Products LLC (USA)
  • Sweet Harvest Foods Inc. (USA)
  • Domino Specialty Ingredients (USA)

Recent Development

Key players are focusing on novel and innovative approaches for the development of new products. The strategy of expansion, new product launches, and approvals, by key manufacturers, is further strengthening their market presence and staying ahead of the competition.

For instance, the USA-based International Molasses Corporation launched CaneRite Panela in June 2021, a natural, unrefined, and non-centrifuged sugar made from sugar cane that is natural, unrefined, and non-centrifuged. It contains five times more vitamins and minerals than raw sugar, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and zinc.

Besides these, mergers and acquisitions have emerged as key growth strategies adopted by market players. Leading companies are strengthening their product portfolio and global footprint through acquisitions.

For instance, the Universal Robina Corp (URC), a Philippine-based consumer goods conglomerate, acquired the Roxas Holdings Inc (RHI) sugar milling and bioethanol distillery plants and landed in October 2020.

Scope of Report

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for 2018 to 2023
Market Analysis USD Million for Value and MT for Volume
Key Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Europe; Middle East & Africa (MEA); East Asia
Key Countries Covered USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, France, Russia, Poland, China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, GCC Countries, North Africa, South Africa, and Turkey
Key Segments Covered Source, Type, Nature, End Use, Sales Channel, Region
Key Companies Profiled Crosby Molasses Co Ltd. (Canada); The Archer Daniels Midland Company (USA); Michigan Sugar Company (USA); B&G Foods Inc.(USA); Cora Texas Manufacturing Company, LLC (USA); Good Food Inc. (USA); E D & F Man Holdings Limited (UK); B&G Foods, Inc. (USA); Malt Products Corporation (USA); Westway Feed Products LLC (USA); Sweet Harvest Foods Inc. (USA); Domino Specialty Ingredients (USA)
Report Coverage Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization & Pricing Available upon Request

Molasses Market Segmentation by Category

By Source:

  • Sugarcane
  • Sugar beet

By Type:

  • Regular Molasses
  • Blackstrap Molasses

By Nature:

  • Organic
  • Conventional

By End Use:

  • Industrial
    • Food and Beverages
    • Biofuel
    • Animal Feed
  • Commercial
  • Household

By Sales Channel:

  • Direct Sales
  • Indirect Sales
  • Modern Trade
  • Convenience Stores
  • Online Stores

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • The Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • East Asia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Market Size of the Molasses Market in 2023?

The market size of the molasses market in 2023 is USD 11952.75 Million.

Which are Some of the Lucrative Region for the Molasses Market?

Asia Pacific is a lucrative molasses market and is expected to dominate throughout the forecast period.

How much is the Global Molasses Market Worth?

The global market of molasses is projected to reach a valuation of USD 23512.86 Million by 2033.

At what CAGR is the Global Molasses Market Projected to Grow in the Forecast Period?

The global market of molasses is projected to grow at approximately a CAGR of 7.0%.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Source
		5.1. Sugarcane
		5.2. Sugarbeet
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Nature
		6.1. Organic
		6.2. Conventional
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Type
		7.1. Light Molasses
		7.2. Dark Molasses
		7.3. Blackstrap Molasses
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
		8.1. Industrial
			8.1.1. Food and Beverages Industry
			8.1.2. Animal Feed Industry
			8.1.3. Bio-fuel
			8.1.4. Others
		8.2. Commercial
		8.3. Household
	9. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Distribution Channel
		9.1. Direct
		9.2. Indirect
			9.2.1. Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
			9.2.2. Retail Stores
			9.2.3. Departmental Stores
			9.2.4. Online Sales
	10. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		10.1. North America
		10.2. Latin America
		10.3. Europe
		10.4. Asia Pacific
		10.5. Middle East & Africa (MEA)
	11. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. Asia Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	15. MEA Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	16. Key Countries Market Analysis
	17. Market Structure Analysis
	18. Competition Analysis
		18.1. Michigan Sugar Company
		18.2. Crosby Co Ltd.
		18.3. Cora Texas Manufacturing Company, LLC
		18.4. Westway Feed Products LLC
		18.5. Sweet Harvest Foods Inc.
		18.6. B&G Foods, Inc
		18.7. Spreckels Sugar Company
		18.8. Malt Products Corporation
		18.9. Good Food Inc
		18.10. Domino Specialty Ingredients
	19. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	20. Research Methodology

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