The global market for molasses was valued at USD 11,952.75 million in 2023. Molasses demand increased by 5.3% year on year in 2024, i.e., the global market will be valued at USD 13,575.1 million by 2025. Total value of sales globally is anticipated to attain a 7.0% CAGR during 2025 to 2035 and reach the value of sales of USD 26,704.2 million by 2035.
Molasses, as a sugar by-product, still maintains high demand in food & beverages, animal feed, biofuel, and pharma industries. With the global food processing industry scenario improving, molasses is being used more and more as a sweetener, a fermenting agent, and as a dietary supplement. The increasing need for natural sweeteners, particularly from health-conscious consumer groups, is also propelling demand.
Molasses are widely used in food and beverage, bakery, and confectionery applications, dominated by cane molasses in the market. Molasses are also utilized as a natural food sweetener in foods, baked foods, food items, sauces, and syrups. Long-term demand growth for organic and minimally processed food has driven the increasing demand for organic molasses in European and North American markets.
But the largest demand driver for molasses is business for molasses itself, and most of molasses demand is for the purpose of ethanol manufacturing. Most countries, particularly Asian and South American countries, assist in ethanol production to meet the requirement of renewable energy as well as satisfying the unparalleled boom of the business.
Increased focus on renewable energy sources and biofuel-based energies will also have the inclination to facilitate higher capital investment during ethanol manufacture from molasses. Molasses is an essential ingredient in animal feed due to its nutritional value and palatability.
Livestock feed, poultry feed, and pig feed consume enormous quantities to cater to a particular market. Increasing demand to fortify animal nutrients and the application of natural additives in animal feeds has solidified the role of molasses in animal feed.
Asia-Pacific is the biggest geographical market for molasses due to India, Thailand, and Indonesia's huge sugarcane production. South America and Africa markets will also be a giant potential with their capacity to produce sugarcane being high. Europe and North America are, however, experiencing increased demand for organic and non-GMO molasses in food.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Molasses Industry Size (2025E) | USD 13,575.1 million |
| Projected Global Molasses Industry Value (2035F) | USD 26,704.2 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 7.0% |
The molasses market will grow steadily with expansion through enhanced consumption of food & beverages, application in animal feed, and higher ethanol production. Apart from that, advancement in R&D and rising demand for bio-based products will also propel the market.
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Following is comparative analysis of six-month variation in CAGR from base year (2024) to current year (2025) in worldwide molasses market. Analysis offers relevant information on how the change management is progressing in terms of growth and direction in revenue generation and offers relevant information on what the players have to endure through subsequent phases. Half one (H1) is Jan to Jun, whereas half two (H2) is Jul to Dec.
| Particulars | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 (2024 to 2034) | 6.5% |
| H2 (2024 to 2034) | 6.8% |
| H1 (2025 to 2035) | 6.9% |
| H2 (2025 to 2035) | 7.0% |
The market will see a CAGR of 6.9% during the first half (H1) of the years 2025 to 2035 and a CAGR of 7.0% during the second half (H2) of the above-said years. In subsequent times, the CAGR will increase in a growing trend on a daily basis, indicating unabating growth in the market. For the sector, 40 BPS growth was realized for H1 2025, while 20 BPS growth was realized for H2 2025 compared to previous estimates.
Molasses market is rising at very fast growth rate owing to increasing application in food & beverage, ethanol, and animal feed industries. Natural sweetener and organic food ingredient demand will fuel long-term food development, whereas increasing requirements for ethanol production will fuel industrial demand for molasses.
The Tier 1 is characterized by a competitive group of companies important in terms of revenue, global supply, and dominance in many end-use sectors including food & beverage, animal feed, and biofuel. These companies have high brand equity and put substantial investments into logistics, processing technologies and sustainable sourcing.
For instance, Cargill Incorporated has one of the largest production and distribution networks for molasses in the Americas, Europe and Asia catering to food, feed and fermentation industries. Tate & Lyle PLC, as a large-scale sugar refiner, is in a strong position to supply high-quality molasses for food-grade and industrial use. Those Tier 1 companies benefit from economies of scale, strategic arrangements with sugar manufacturers, and diversified molasses product lines (cane molasses, beet molasses, blackstrap molasses, etc.
Tier 2 consists of companies that will have a lower revenue than Tier 1 but will have footprints in regional or niche markets. For example, in the global trading of molasses, LDC is well rooted in Latin America and Europe, with a good reputation in the field of agricultural commodities.
Bunge Limited, for instance, is engaged in the production and trading of molasses and their uses in animal nutrition and industrial fermentation. These enterprises often separate themselves via savvy supply chain development, strategic area sourcing, and customizations available at a feed, food and energy level.
Tier 3 constitute emergent as well as small companies that are capturing mind share in local and niche markets. Though these firms often have limited distribution, they focus on segments like affordable organic molasses, artisan food applications, and direct-to-consumer or small-batch B2B sales. Grandma’s Molasses (under the B&G Foods umbrella), for instance, sells consumer-grade molasses for bakers and cooks, building on brand heritage and also premium positioning.
In addition, small local producers, like those in Southeast Asia and Africa, supply traditional and artisanal uses, often with a focus on sustainability, fair trade, and minimal processing. These companies compete by relying on local sourcing, distinct branding, and specialized products.
Focus on Organic and Non-GMO Food Ingredients
Shift: Consumers, and especially health-conscious ones, are calling for organic, non-GMO sweeteners to use in cooking, baking and natural remedies at home. Raising the preference for organic molasses, and blackstrap molasses in particular, seen as a mineral-rich food with health benefits The Global molasses market is divided based on types and applications. In North America and Western Europe, consumer preferences are propelling this trend, with emphasis on clean-label certifications and transparent sourcing.
Strategic Response: Wholesome Sweeteners introduced a newly formulated certified Organic Fair Trade Blackstrap Molasses, touting its non-GMO verification and traceability from organic sugarcane farms in Paraguay. The marketing of the company promotes molasses as a “functional superfood sweetener”, suitable for vegan diets and iron supplementation, particularly attractive to female health-savvy purchasers.
This segment saw 30% year-on-year growth in the USA natural foods channel and also entered the Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market chains. Subscriptions on their online DTC channel soared 40%, reflecting robust repeat demand among health-conscious consumers.
Increasing Utilization of Molasses in Commercial Fermentation and Bioethanol Manufacturing
Shift: A major shift towards the use of molasses as a cost-competitive feedstock for bioethanol and industrial fermentation will be most pronounced in India, Brazil and Southeast Asia. Governments are driving renewable energy mandates and sustainable inputs for industry, moplaasses is an input of choice for ethanol and yeast production.
Strategic Response: Balrampur Chini Mills Ltd. (India): Balrampur Chini, one of India’s leading sugar producers, expanded its capacity to produce bioethanol from molasses through distillation [12] in line with India’s Ethanol Blending Program (EBP), which requires a blend of 20% ethanol in fuel by 2025.
New distilleries sourced C-heavy and B-heavy molasses, increasing ethanol yield to 40% in 2024. Their sustainability report gave high priority to carbon reduction through molasses utilization, which led to government contracts and subsidies for local molecular farming, cementing the place of molasses in the bio-industrial ecosystem.
Rising Demand for Premium Rum and Craft Spirits in Western Markets
Shift: In North America and Europe, premium and craft rum producers are using high-grade molasses as a flavor base for small-batch, heritage-style spirits. As premiumization trends continue in alcoholic beverages, consumers want authentic rums made from molasses that provide rich taste notes and artisanal appeal, which means more molasses demand for alcohol production.
Strategic Response: Louisiana Sugar Refining (USA): LSR established partnerships with craft distilleries across Louisiana and the Southern USA who require top quality food-grade molasses for use in rum fermentation. Along with LSR, launched a “Craft Distillers’ Molasses” line whose ingredients are sourced locally and thought to enhance flavor in spirits.
The initiative helped LSR rack up contracts with more than 25 regional distillers, such as Bayou Rum and Old New Orleans Distillery, which reported 10-15 percent growth in sales for molasses-based rums. Moreover, LSR conducted distillery workshops to support molasses fermentation, both leavening B2B relationships and coming to justify molasses itself as a heritage craft ingredient.
Natural Beauty And Skincare Products Using Molasses
Shift: As the clean beauty space increasingly turns to molasses-based ingredients for skincare, haircare and bath products, the blackstrap version is especially of interest thanks to natural humectant properties and antioxidant levels. In this context, consumers in Asia-Pacific and Europe are rising demand for plant-based and multi-functional ingredients and this is why molasses has penetrated home made and branded skincare solutions.
Strategic Response: Lush Cosmetics: Lush launched a limited-edition “Molasses Glow” face mask as part of its seasonal self-care offering, highlighting the hydration and mineral infusion power of molasses for glowing skin. The campaign was aimed at Gen Z and millennial buyers, and it featured the natural exfoliation and detoxing benefits.
Because of the massive interaction on social networks and a 25% increase in sales, Lush decided to make this product a permanent one in selected shops in the UK, Australia and Japan. And Lush’s “Ethical Buying” campaign highlighted its sourcing of sustainable molasses from fair trade suppliers, directly connecting to consumer values related to transparency and eco-friendly beauty.
Sports and Energy Drink Segment of Functional Beverage Applications
Shift: The functional beverage market is capitalizing on molasses for its natural energy, electrolytes, and digestive health so that it features in everything from sports drinks to tonics and herbal elixirs. The demand for natural, molasses-infused energy drinks among health-conscious urban segments across America, Canada, and Western Europe is increasing as consumers are starting to avoid synthetic additives.
Strategic Response: Tree of Life Canada: Tree of Life introduced its Molasses Energy Elixir via its Wellness Harvest line, combining organic blackstrap molasses with apple cider vinegar, ginger and B vitamins, playing on the popularity of micronutrients among athletes, fitness buffs and wellness seekers.
The product’s natural recovery positioning led to strong uptake in health food stores and yoga studios, resulting in a 20% sale increase in Q3 2024. Tree of Life also implemented influencer-led digital campaigns and sampling at wellness expos to drive adoption among Millennials. RTD molasses tonic shots are in the works, indicating the increasing importance of molasses in functional, clean-label drinks.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top five territories. These markets are set to experience high consumption through 2035.
| Countries | CAGR, 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| USA | 6.8% |
| Germany | 7.2% |
| China | 6.9% |
| Japan | 6.5% |
| India | 7.5% |
USA molasses market is growing owing to rising consumer inclination towards natural and less-processed sweeteners. Molasses is frequently used in baking, confectionery, and in the production of alcoholic beverages such as rum. Health-conscious consumers prefer molasses as a better choice for refined sugars molasses are very rich in minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Moreover, the increasing demand for organic & non-GMO molasses is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of the market, as supermarkets, specialty stores and online retailers are enhancing the range of their product offerings. Another important factor contributing to this use of molasses is the industrial application of molasses in producing ethanol, which is being promoted by government policies in support of biofuels.
Germany is one key market for molasses because of its well-developed organic food and baking industries. The growing trend of using natural and functional ingredients in the food production industry have helped in the rise of molasses as a sweetener and flavor enhancer. The Brewing and Animal Feed industries are also starting to incorporate molasses. In the livestock sector, molasses is a valuable source of energy-rich feed additive, which enhances palatability and digestion in livestock.
In addition, the increasing consumer interest in sustainable and clean label products has instigated the manufacturers to formulate organic and eco-friendly molasses based products. Molasses is being utilized in various ways, especially in the German beverage industry (craft beer, spirits).
China has been a major producer of molasses because its production and consumption are both increasing in this world of food and beverage production. Molasses consumption has been rising with the growing bakery industry and increasing preference for natural sweeteners over artificial.
Also, government projects promoting sustainable agriculture and biofuel creation have bolstered the market, as molasses is utilized for ethanol generation. The country’s sprawling sugarcane and beet farming activities guarantee a continuous source of molasses for industrial use, and the growing livestock sector also employs molasses in its animal feed formulations.
Japan’s strong demand for functional foods and alternative sweeteners has boosted its demand for molasses. Widely used in traditional food and modern food, molasses is recognized as a natural ingredient with health benefits. Market growth has also been aided by the growth of the craft beverage industry, including artisanal alcohol production.
To meet the increased demand for alternative sweetening options, premium grocery stores, organic food retailers, and online channels are expanding their range of molasses products. Molasses-derived compounds are also a part of nutritional supplements used by Japan’s pharmaceutical industry. Molasses is also used to bind feed pellets for the livestock industry.
Molasses market in India, being one of the biggest producers of sugarcane. But it is a common ingredient in traditional sweets, ayurvedic medicine, and liquor production. Demand is also boosted by growing utilization of molasses in livestock feed and ethanol production. The growth of organic and natural food shops around the countries has promoted consumers to choose more healthier mineral-rich substitutes over refined sugar.
Moreover, the government facilitating the blending of ethanol in fuel has driven up molasses consumption in the energy industry. Due to India's booming beverage industry, notably the production of rum, its heavy reliance on molasses has increased. In the fertilizer industry, molasses is used in bio fertilizers for improving soil health and enhancing microbial activity.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Unflavored/Classic (By Flavor) | 53.6% |
Health-conscious consumers are turning to blackstrap molasses for its high mineral content and lower sugar value. Blackstrap molasses, unlike its less dense cousin molasses is not often used as a sweetener, but is sought out for its considerable amounts of iron, calcium and potassium, making it a popular taste among nearly anyone seeking a way to eat well.
Current trends for plant-based and functional foods have also contributed to the rise in demand, with blackstrap molasses commonly featured in vegans and health-conscious diets. Also, its strong, slightly bitter flavor makes it perfect for baking, marinades and savory uses. As refined sugar is replaced with natural and healthy alternatives containing complex nutrients, blackstrap molasses emerged as a functional food ingredient, steering the growth of global blackstrap molasses market.
| Segment | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Organic (By Nature) | 48.9% |
Increasing trend towards clean-labels and organic food products has been positively influencing the demand for organic molasses. Consumers are moving toward pesticide-free, non-GMO and sustainably sourced sweeteners, leading brands to create organic-certified molasses.
Organic molasses is being adopted across bakery, confectionery, and functional beverage sectors, appealing to a growing cohort of consumers who favor unrefined and minimally processed ingredients in their products. Furthermore, the growth of the organic farming industry and strict food safety codes in North America & Europe are boosting the sales of organic molasses in food processing and retail sectors.
Consequently, due to this factor, the organic molasses market is gaining traction among manufacturers as they have been developing their production portfolio that holds organic products, enhancing the market scope for organic molasses during the upcoming years.
The Molasses Market is extremely competitive globally with major players (like Cargill Incorporated, ASR Group, B&G Foods Inc., etc) expanding their market share through product diversification, brand recognition and partnerships. Leveraging their positions in the sugar and sweetener marketplace, such companies now offer an array of molasses products in blackstrap, light and dark formulations to meet a spectrum of consumer and industrial needs.
They do so by extending their product lines, being able to meet the ever-increasing need in such industries as food & beverage, animal feed, and biofuel, and continue to be competitive. Product innovation and packaging to make the end product more usable and shelf life are other key areas manufacturers are concentrating on.
That companies are changing their tactics, such as introducing easy-pour bottles and resealable pouches for retail consumers, but bulk packaging to appeal to industrial buyers. Moreover, to keep up with the increasing demand for natural and clean-label products, especially for health-conscious consumers, companies are focusing on investing in organic as well as non-GMO molasses.
For instance:
The global molasses market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period.
The market is estimated to reach approximately USD 26,704.2 million by 2035.
The food and beverage segment is expected to witness the fastest growth due to increasing demand for molasses as a natural sweetener and ingredient in baked goods, beverages, and confectionery.
Key growth drivers include rising demand for natural and organic sweeteners, expanding applications in animal feed and biofuel production, and increasing use in traditional and functional food products.
Leading companies in the market include Michigan Sugar Company, Crosby Co Ltd., Cora Texas Manufacturing Company, LLC, Westway Feed Products LLC, Sweet Harvest Foods Inc., B&G Foods, Inc.
Market segmented into Sugarcane and Sugar Beet.
Market segmented into light Molasses, Dark Molasses and Blackstrap Molasses.
Market segmented into Organic and Conventional.
Market segmented into Industrial, Food and Beverages, Biofuel, Animal Feed, Commercial, and Household.
Market segmented into Direct Sales and Indirect Sales. Indirect Sales further segmented into Modern Trade, Convenience Stores, and Online Stores.
Market segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa (MEA), and East Asia.
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Molasses Market
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