The global market recorded sales of USD 2,016.8 million in 2024. The industry experienced a 5.3% year-on-year growth in 2024 and is anticipated to achieve revenue of USD 3,380.3 million in 2034.
Manufacturers all over the world are adopting different strategic orientations in order to increase their market frontier to compete effectively. Expanding production capabilities and implementing the use of technology is something that they are doing in a big way.
In the same manner, the programs defined above not only aim at consolidation of costs but also improvement of grade stock, with superior quality to address different needs of industries. End-use sector coupling extents their existence in regional and global territories, along with the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.
Changes, such as the current move by consumers to healthier and functional ones, has therefore called for low calorie and nutritionally enhanced ingredients. Additional useful characteristics of the ingredient, including a low glycaemic index and improved digestion, have contributed to consumers’ identification of the ingredient as a suitable option for those with health concerns.
In addition, there is a shift in purchase intention towards a natural and sustainable method. An example of this is the non-ionic surfactant ingredient which is derived from renewable plant-based raw materials such as corn and fruits, it is suitable for clean label and green trends that are widely integrated in different industries.
Customer-focused advancement strategies are thriving and merchandisers have relished in new specialty grades and formulation to suit new and current demand, such as diabetic-compliant foods, oral healthcare products, and industrial specials.
Cross-implementation of the supply chain guarantees the incorporation of these products into the final consumer markets which increases convenience and cost. There is also increased adoption in emerging economies as awareness levels with regard to health and literacy levels improve and urbanization increases.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Industry Size (2024E) | USD 2,016.8 million |
| Projected Global Industry Value (2034F) | USD 3,380.3 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.3% |
However, there are obvious signs of its growing applicability as a thickener, stabilizer, and humectant in foods and diverse non-food products.
The confectionery and bakery segments continue to be significant segments, owing to growing consumer interest in low-calorie luxury products. All these argue the active evolution of the industry and its viable growth trend.
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Multifunctional Attributes and Specialty Grades by Manufacturers Creating Diversity
The inclusion of specialty-grade products with scores of useful properties is a strong theme that is polarizing the market. Companies are now developing new production formulations that are unique in order to address the requirements of various industries such as; the food industry, the medical industry and the cosmetic industry among others.
There are a number of specialty grades including use in moisture keeping, emulsion control, and mild, non-caloric sweetness. For instance, in the food industry, these products are spread in low-sugar and no-sugar concentrations, and in the drugs industry, they are applied as inactive additives in tablets and syrups.
In the case of these high-quality products these further applicability ensures that the manufacturers are able to lock in to various specific markets, thereby increasing their clients’ base and thus their market share.
Given that ‘multifunctional’ functionality is an increasing trend, producers are focusing their R&D resources on developing new grades to meet the unique requirements of these industries; which in turn, consolidates their market position.
Natural Sources and its Benefits Attracting Consumers
Natural Sources has placed a lot of emphasis on consumer health and is also in tandem with the global push towards green living hence the need for natural ingredients. Food products made from plant materials such as corn, wheat and fruits are receiving a favourable patronage because of their health qualities and eco-friendly outlooks.
Delivery also points to the growing trend of adopting natural ingredients as customers are becoming more concerned about label clarity. The type of ingredients derived from natural sources like this one best-fit well to the current implemented ideas of sustainability and the environmentally friendly aspect they provide a renewable source of chemicals.
Also, natural sweeteners such as sorbitol are considered to be better than other types because they have a low GI and will not promote tooth decay like other sugars which makes them suitable to market in low-sugar or sugar-free diets. Consumer preference is bearing on products of plant origin, ‘clean label’ products and making natural origin a manufacturing strength in the competitive market.
Rising Diabetic Population and Infusion in Diabetic Foods
Increasing instances of diabetes - both globally and specifically type two diabetes are promptly changing the aspects of food and beverage processing, with a new emphasis on sugar surrogates.
Sorbitol, also categorized as low GI, has recently emerged as a vital sweetener that is widely incorporated into production of foods suitable for consumption by diabetic patients. Because more people are being diagnosed with diabetes or opting for reduced sugar intake because of health concerns, there is an increasing market for low-calorie sweeteners with no impact on blood sugar levels.
This transition is especially apparent where the chemical is used as a sugar replacement in diabetic foods including sugar-free chocolate bars, biscuits and other confectionery products.
In addition, a category that is known as functional foods that are produced with the intention of providing additional health advantages over regular foods has also given growth to utilization of sugar substitutes in diabetic and health conscious foods. For this reason, manufacturers are focusing their efforts on the creation of new, diabetic-friendly products, staking their claims on the continually burgeoning diabetic segment.
Sweetening Properties Attracting Confectionery Manufacturers
Sorbitol is preferred because it is a sweetening component used by confectionery makers because despite its ability to sweeten it does not contain calories and other unhealthy effects of sugar.
Due to the enhanced knowledge of people of the effects of high sugar content in their foods, there emerging market in the confectionery product with less or no sugar content. Sorbitol provides the manufacturers of confectionery products, sweets, candies, chocolates, and gums an opportunity to satisfy the demand of the ever increasing, quality- and calorie-conscious consumers or consumers diagnosed with diabetes.
As well, it plays a role in enhancing the rheological properties, and thus non-crystalline textures in confectionery products. This property makes it easier to maintain product moisture, and extends the product shelf life without the use of chemical additives.
Since the global confectionery industry is gradually shifting to the aspect of health, it is poised that the market for products like sorbitol used as a sweetener will also rise from demand for healthier confectionery products which will be a major area of growth for confectionery manufacturers to employ more ideas, come up with new products.
Consumer Appetite for Clean-Label Ingredients Elevating Sales
The most important consumer trend observed in the recent past is the clean-label ingredients, where ingredients are natural, less processing, and chemical free.
Currently, the amount of attention paid by the purchasers to the contents of the products they consume is growing significantly, and thus, people prefer the foods and drinks containing components which have not undergone significant changes during the processing. For the same reasons that it is natural, this sugar alcohol called sorbitol can conform well with this general tendency known as clean-label.
Through posting information on where the ingredients are procured and how the products are made, firms can appeal to those customers who want to buy good quality foodstuffs. They are in tandem with the increasing number of consumers, who pay attention to the environmental friendliness of products they buy.
To overcome this challenge, a major group of supermarket consumers is responding by the manufacturer’s emphasizing products with natural ingredients and proper and clear labelling, they are thus boosting their sales despite the competitive industry.
Collaboration with End-Use Industries Boosting the Supply Chain Network
Component suppliers partnering with customers, including the food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors, are increasingly becoming popular in developing enhanced supply chain relationships and order delivery of tailor-made products.
When manufacturers rely on these industries, they are better placed to understand the needs of each segment and thus provide quality products closer to market requirement, thus having a shorter cycle of putting products in the market. For instance, the food manufacturers work together with suppliers of the ingredients to produce tasty and healthy food for clients.
In pharmaceutical manufacturing these partnerships assist in verifying the quality of the ingredients to meet and meet regulatory requirement as well as to tailor adjuvants for a range of processes from orally administered tablets to syrups.
Such partnership involvement does not only assist the manufacturers in acquiring more insight into market needs and trends, but also enhances production and supply chains for growth, and market coverage.
Global sales increased at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2019 to 2023. For the next ten years (2024 to 2034), projections are that the value will rise at 5.3% CAGR.
During the forecast period of 2024 to 2034, the market is expected to increase in terms of revenue by 1,363.4 million USD. In the declining period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sales of target products with added vitamins and minerals have increased rapidly, which has enabled manufacturers to expand their portfolio besides increasing production volume.
Factors affected the industry between 2019 and 2023. Growth was propelled by higher awareness about animal health in general and demand for fortified feed. They broadened applications for additives through technological developments in feed processing that made them more stable and effective.
This was also complemented by regulatory support towards the fortification of nutrients in developing areas. Again, the pandemic enhanced consumer focus on a high-protein diet thereby accelerating demand for the products. These trends together fostered further growth within the industry along with innovation regarding custom nutrition solutions.
Principal Consultant
Tier 1 refers to the business leaders who have extensive research and development capabilities required to deliver substantial product portfolios and have significant market share. Such companies are responsible for leading innovations in formulation processes, delivery systems, and sustainability aspects.
Examples include Roquette Freres, Ingredion Incorporated, Cargill Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Merck Group, DuPont de Nemours, Inc. and few others. They have a worldwide presence through well-developed distribution channels added with enough resources required for investment in modern technologies. Hence, they enjoy competitive advantages over others because they offer many alternatives depending on the consumer’s need.
Tier 2 covers regional players and specialists who either deal with a given segment of the sector or concentrate on specific categories. These firms are less popular compared to MNCs, but they are excellent in niche categories or regions. Examples include Gulshan Polyols Ltd, Ecogreen Oleochemicals Pte Ltd, SOLUDEX GmbH, SPI Pharma, Sudzukawa Co., Ltd and few others.
Quite often, these organizations have much emphasis on quality aspects and innovations within their respective specializations such as advanced infusion systems. This is why they quickly adapt to changing business ecosystems or emerging trends, thus maintaining business competitiveness confined to their niches.
Tier 3 features local and emerging enterprises that are newcomers or else operate within a limited scale inside the sector. They usually concentrate on serving small regional industries by providing them with cost-effective solutions, which are customized according to the peculiar needs of those. Although they do not possess vast resources like larger counterparts do, these companies always give personalized attention and flexibility too.
Often, they work together with local sorbitol manufacturers in addressing specific nutritional challenges, thereby contributing to the overall variety as well as dynamism that exists within the industry.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top three countries. United States, Germany and the India are set to exhibit high consumption, and CAGRs of 4.7%, 5.1% and 5.8%, respectively, through 2034.
| Country | CAGR, 2024 to 2034 |
|---|---|
| United States | 4.7% |
| Germany | 5.1% |
| India | 5.8% |
In the United State especially there is a trend towards functional drinks which goes beyond the plain water serving as a hydrating agent. Due to the ever increasing trend of Low calorie and sugar free products target product is used by manufacturers to meet consumer needs.
However, non-saccharide is preferred in the production of beverages particularly those that are produced for consumers who aim to reduce their weight since it’s sweet but has high calories. In addition, with increase in sport nutrition ad energy drink 100PLUS users are in need for healthy products that can support their active lifestyle yet low in calorie.
Due to the properties that facilitate preservation and contribution to appropriate thickness and texture of the formulated liquid product, as well as sorbitol’s subtle, refreshing sweetness, it has become popular with manufacturers in the highly-competitive American beverage industry.
In Germany, the beauty and skincare division is the primary gateway to the purchase of ingredients such as sorbitol. As there is increasing consciousness on the position that ingredients take on skin health, there is an emphasis on utilising natural and skin-friendly materials.
It is used because of its emollient ability that aids greatly in the texture and moisturizing in cosmetics. The ingredient has been proved to be sustainable, not tested on animals, and environmentally friendly and thus fits well with German consumers tastes.
However, it has the advantage of keeping product constancy and is relatively mild for skin contact making it ideal for use in creams, lotions and lip balms. The personal care segment in the German cosmetic industry is likely to keep materializing demand for products since they prefer products made of high quality natural raw materials.
Currently, there is rising demand on natural product in India due to uptake of Ayurvedic and herbal products and it is a plant sourced that has gained acceptance as a sugar replacer.
Some of the major concepts supported by Ayurveda include the use of natural remedies, which make natural sweeteners like target product very useful in the formulation of food products based on herbs as well as health boosting supplements. When it comes to food preferences, consumers not only turn to evermore ‘better-for-health’ and ‘greener’ products - so are the Indian manufacturers who use sorbitol and other plant-extracted sweeteners in a diverse line of products ranging from sugarless candies and medications.
It has been in greater demand in the India market as a major player which is in harmony with conventional medicines and natural products due to increasing demands of health conscious products in the market.
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| Segment | Thickening Agent (Functionality) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 42.8% |
Given that sorbitol is hygroscopic, it is a very effective thickening agent for both; food and non-food products since it can hold moisture, thicken, and stabilize the end-product. Another advantage stems from its capacity to absorb moisture: this characteristic is especially valued in products like baked goods and processed foods to retain product in terms of their texture and prevent food product from becoming shrink after a while.
Target product in cosmetics formulation is often employed to enhance the texture of lotions and creams together with pharmaceutical syrups. This versatility has seen it being used in many formulates due to its ability to function well across a wide temperature and pH scale.
Such stability when combined with the material’s mild sweetness makes it an ideal product for the manufacturers since it can act as a thickening agent in various products.
| Segment | Bakery and Confectionary (Applications) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 38.4% |
There is emerging trend for increased consumption of healthy products and the use of sweeteners such as sorbitol in bakery products and confectionery. Consumers are looking for products that are more indulgent with less sugar and calories, and here it is, a perfect fit to take its place.
This is responsible for making the product retain moisture for a longer duration of time and so makes baked products last longer. In confectionery its functionality includes texture modification to counter crystallization and increase smoothness which is appropriate in candies, gums and chocolates. This has led to development of new products including products with little or no sugar to suit the majority of the new change embracing population.
When it comes to health conscious consumers continuing to be the trend in the market, there will be enhanced usage of the bakery and confectionery products that utilize, thus increasing its consumption.
Industry leaders Cargill, Ingredion, ADM, Roquette Frères and other companies are investing in production capacity enhancement and new products development to outcompete the rivals. Cargill, for instance, is improving on the production of sustainable sorbitol, stretching its distribution channels to feed increasing demand across food and pharmaceutical markets.
ADM is working on manufacturing technologies, and Ingredion on special targeting consumers’ needs by providing specialty grades for functional and nutritional applications. These companies are also eager to ‘clean-label-and- natural inclination, and ride with the shift towards healthier and less processed goods. Furthermore, relationships with major sectors of end use are enhancing supply chain and guaranteeing more product enduringness.
These strategies help manufacturers remain relevant in the changing market through adapting to solve two major issues of growing concern with consumers, their desire for healthier products and the need for formulation in a range of industries.
Key sources like Seaweed, Algae, Tropical Fruits and Others and included in the report.
Two forms like powder and liquid are included in the report.
Key functionalities like Sweetening agent, Thickening Agent, bulking agent, Taste masking agent and Others are considered after exhaustive research.
By applications industry has been categorised into Food (Bakery and Confectionary, Frozen Desserts, Diabetic Food, Beverages), Pharmaceutical (Tablets, Syrups, Counter Medicine), Personal Care and Cosmetics and Industrial applications.
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, East Asia, South Asia, and Oceania
The value of the industry is estimated to reach 2,016.8 million USD by the end of year 2024.
By 2034, the sales value is expected to be worth USD 3,380.3 million.
The sales increased at a CAGR of around 4.9% over the past half-decade.
Europe is expected to dominate the global consumption.
Some of the key players in manufacturing include Roquette Freres, Ingredion Incorporated, Cargill Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Merck Group, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Gulshan Polyols Ltd, Ecogreen Oleochemicals Pte Ltd, SOLUDEX GmbH, SPI Pharma, Sudzukawa Co., Ltd and few others.
1. Executive Summary 2. Industry Introduction, Including Taxonomy and Market Definition 3. Market Trends and Success Factors, Including Macro-Economic Factors, Market Dynamics, and Recent Industry Developments 4. Global Market Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, including Historical Analysis and Future Projections 5. Pricing Analysis 6. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 6.1. Source 6.2. Form 6.3. Application 6.4. Functionality 6.5. Region 7. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Source 7.1. Seaweed 7.2. Algae 7.3. Tropical Fruits 7.4. Others 8. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Form 8.1. Powder 8.2. Liquid 9. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Application 9.1. Food 9.1.1. Bakery and Confectionary 9.1.2. Frozen Desserts 9.1.3. Diabetic Food 9.1.4. Beverages 9.2. Pharmaceutical 9.2.1. Tablets 9.2.2. Syrups 9.2.3. Counter Medicine 9.3. Personal Care and Cosmetics 9.4. Industrial 10. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Functionality 10.1. Sweetening Agent 10.2. Thickening Agent 10.3. Bulking Agent 10.4. Taste Masking Agent 10.5. Others 11. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Region 11.1. North America 11.2. Latin America 11.3. Western Europe 11.4. Eastern Europe 11.5. Balkans & Baltic 11.6. Russia & Belarus 11.7. Central Asia 11.8. East Asia 11.9. South Asia & Pacific 11.10. Middle East & Africa 12. North America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 13. Latin America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 14. Western Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 15. Eastern Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 16. Balkans & Baltic Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 17. Russia & Belarus Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 18. Central Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 19. East Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 20. South Asia & Pacific Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 21. Middle East & Africa Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 22. Sales Forecast 2024 to 2034 by Source, Form, Application, and Functionality for 30 Countries 23. Competition Outlook, including Market Structure Analysis, Company Share Analysis by Key Players, and Competition Dashboard 24. Company Profile 24.1. Roquette Freres 24.2. Ingredion Incorporated 24.3. Cargill, Incorporated 24.4. Archer Daniels Midland Company 24.5. Merck Group 24.6. Gulshan Polyols Ltd 24.7. Ecogreen Oleochemicals Pte Ltd 24.8. SOLUDEX GmbH 24.9. SPI Pharma 24.10. Sudzukawa Co., Ltd 24.11. Dupont de Nemours, Inc. 24.12. Others
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Sorbitol Market
