Ultra-high Temperature (UHT) Processing Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

Global ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing marketsales revenues totalled USD 4.4 billion in 2022. Over the forecast period from 2023 to 2033, global ultra-high temperature processing demand is likely to rise at 11.8% CAGR.

The worldwide ultra-high temperature processing market size is forecast to expand from USD 4.9 billion in 2023 to USD 15.0 billion by 2033. It is likely to generate an absolute opportunity of USD 10.1 billion over the forecast period.

Demand remains especially high for indirect ultra-high temperature processing globally. This is due to several benefits of this UHT mode including cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. As per Future Market Insights (FMI), the indirect segment is anticipated to progress at 11.7% CAGR through 2033.

Key Market-Shaping Factors:

  • Rising demand for food & beverage products with extended shelf life is expected to boost the global ultra-high temperature processing industry
  • Increasing concerns regarding food insecurity due to high food wastage are likely to uplift ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing demand
  • A growing focus on improving food safety and stringent regulatory standards is expected to encourage the adoption of UHT processing
  • The increasing need for advanced food processing technologies and techniques across sectors such as dairy and beverages is anticipated to boost the UHT processing market.
  • The booming dairy sector and rising popularity of dairy alternatives are projected to boost ultra-high temperature processing sales revenues through 2033
  • The escalating popularity of aseptic packaging is likely to support market expansion
  • Growing awareness about the benefits of UHT-processed products is anticipated to fuel UHT equipment sales

A food processing technology used to sterilize liquid and semi-liquid food by heating it above 135 °C for a shorter period is called ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing. It is also referred to as ultra heat treatment or ultra-pasteurization and is ideal for killing microorganisms as well as extending the shelf life of products.

Ultra-high temperature processing is mostly used in milk production as well as for fruit juices, soups, stews, yogurt, wine, and honey. It allows end users to convert a perishable product into a long-shelf-life product.

UHT processing is gaining wider popularity, particularly in countries with warmer climates. This is because UHT products such as UHT milk are preferred in these nations due to inefficient cool cabinets and the high cost of refrigerated transportation.

UHT involves the sterilization of food before packaging. UHT-treated products can be stored without refrigeration for months.

A few of the advantages of ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing that are encouraging its adoption include improved food safety, extended shelf life, preservation of nutritional value, and reduced transport costs.

Growing demand for extended shelf life products is expected to swiftly drive the global ultra-high temperature processing industry during the assessment period.

The rising focus on improving food safety and reducing food wastage is likely to uplift ultra-high temperature processing demand.

Food wastage is becoming a serious problem across the world, giving rise to food insecurity. For instance, as per the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations around 14% of the world’s food is lost annually between harvest and the retail market.

A significant part of food loss is due to improper storage. To reduce food wastage and improve food safety, various techniques and technologies are being employed. One such technology is ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing.

The growing adoption of ultra-high temperature processing for reducing food wastage, improving food safety, and eliminating the need for refrigeration is acting as a catalyst for triggering market growth.

The robust growth of the dairy sector and the lack of adequate storage & refrigeration facilities across emerging nations are also fueling the expansion of the target market.

Similarly, the rise of the dairy alternatives market is expected to create new growth avenues for the global UHT processing industry.

The rising popularity of plant-based beverages such as dairy alternatives is creating a favorable environment for the expansion of the UHT processing industry. This is because UHT processing allows these alternatives to be stored without refrigeration.

Ongoing advancements in UHT processing technology for improving the overall quality and safety of UHT products are likely to foster market development. Key companies are constantly introducing new UHT equipment and methods to allow end users to maintain product integrity while preserving nutritional value.

Attributes Key Insights
Estimated UHT Processing Market Value (2023) USD 4.9 billion
Projected Market Size (2033) USD 15 billion
Value-based CAGR (2023 to 2033) 11.8%
United States UHT Processing Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) 11.7%

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2018 to 2022 Global Ultra-high Temperature (UHT) Processing Sales Outlook Compared to Demand Forecast from 2023 to 2033

According to Future Market Insights’ (FMI) latest analysis, the global ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing market exhibited a CAGR of 12.6% historically from 2018 to 2022. Total market value reached about USD 4.4 billion in 2022.

Looking ahead, the target market is set to exhibit a CAGR of 11.8% during the projection period. It is likely to generate an absolute $ opportunity of USD 10.1 billion through 2033.

Rising adoption of ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing across sectors such as beverage and dairy is a prominent factor driving the target market.

Ultra-high temperature processing has become one of the frequently used food processing techniques for killing microorganisms and extending shelf life of liquid food products. It involves heating liquid food products to very high temperatures.

Ultra-high temperature processing is widely used for dairy products such as milk, flavored milk, and other dairy-based beverages. It can also be employed for non-dairy products such as juices and soups.

There are generally two methods or modes of UHT processing i.e., direct UHT and indirect UHT. Both these methods are highly effective in destroying microorganisms in food products and extending their shelf life.

Rising consumption of milk and dairy products across the world is expected to boost the UHT processing market.

UHT processing is being increasingly used for extending the shelf life of milk and dairy products that are susceptible to microbial attack. This food processing technology allows users to destroy microorganisms, improve food safety, and eliminate the need for refrigeration.

Country-wise Insights:

Country United States
Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 11.7%
Market Value (2033) USD 2.8 billion
Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) 12.5%
Country United Kingdom
Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 11.5%
Market Value (2033) USD 0.591 billion
Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) 12.3%
Country China
Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 11.7%
Market Value (2033) USD 3.5 billion
Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) 12.4%
Country Japan
Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 11.7%
Market Value (2033) USD 2.7 billion
Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) 12.4%
Country South Korea
Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 11.5%
Market Value (2033) USD 0.794 billion
Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) 12.0%

What is Demand Outlook for the United States Ultra-high Temperature (UHT) Processing Market?

Increasing Consumption of Dairy Products Fueling UHT Processing Demand in the United States

According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the United States ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing market is expected to exceed a valuation of USD 2.8 billion by 2033. It is anticipated to generate an absolute $ opportunity of USD 1.9 billion during the assessment period.

Historically, demand for ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing in the United States grew at 12.5% CAGR. Over the projection period, UHT processing sales revenue in the country is predicted to increase at 11.7% CAGR.

Increasing consumption of dairy products and rising adoption of automation are key factors driving the United States ultra-high temperature processing industry. Subsequently, ultra-high temperature processing demand in the country is influenced by rising need for improving food safety.

The consumption of dairy products across the United States has increased dramatically during the last few years. For instance, American dairy consumption reached an all-time high in 2019 as per the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

As per IDFAs’ article, dairy per capita consumption across products has been increasing consistently each year across America, with 2019 up 6% over the past five years and 16% over the past 30 years. This high dairy consumption in turn is expected to continue fueling UHT processing demand.

To protect milk and dairy products from microorganisms as well as to extend their shelf life, companies use food processing techniques such as ultra-high temperature processing. Adoption of UHT processing is helping dairy sector in the United States to effectively extend shelf life of their products and reduce wastage.

Similarly, robust growth of sectors such as dietary supplements and strong presence of leading UHT processing equipment manufacturers are boosting the United States market.

How is China Ultra-high Temperature (UHT) Processing Market Performing?

Growing Usage of Advanced Food Processing Technologies & Techniques Boosting China Market

As per Future Market Insights’ (FMI) latest report, China is anticipated to remain one of the highly lucrative markets for UHT processing during the assessment period. This is due to rising adoption of advanced food processing technologies and techniques and high consumption of dairy products.

China UHT processing market is expected to hit a valuation of USD 3.5 billion by 2033. It is likely to create an absolute $ opportunity of USD 2.3 billion during the projection period.

Over the assessment period, ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing demand in China is forecast to rise at 11.7% CAGR, in comparison to 12.4% CAGR recorded from 2018 to 2022.

China is at the forefront when it comes to adoption of advanced food processing technologies and techniques. Companies, especially dairy ones across China are using UHT processing to protect products from microbial attack as well as to extend their shelf life.

Thus, rising adoption of ultra-high temperature processing due to its high effectiveness will continue to boost China market through 2033.

Nandini Roy Choudhury
Nandini Roy Choudhury

Principal Consultant

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Category-wise Insights:

Top Segment (Mode) Indirect
Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) 12.5%
Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 11.7%
Top Segment (Form) Commercial
Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) 12.4%
Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) 11.5%

What Makes Indirect Ultra-high Temperature Processing More Popular Then Direct One?

Various Advantages of Indirect UHT Processing Making it Popular Among End Users

Based on mode, the global UHT processing market is segmented into indirect ultra-high (UHT) processing and direct ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing. Among these, indirect UHT remains the frequently opted method by end users.

According to Future Market Insights (FMI), indirect segment is forecast to progress at 11.7% CAGR during the assessment period, in comparison to 12.5% CAGR registered from 2018 to 2022. This is due to various advantages of indirect UHT processing including less energy consumption.

Indirect UHT processing has become a widely used method of heat treatment used in food & sector to achieve pasteurization or sterilization of liquid food products. This is due to its cost-effectiveness and low energy consumption.

In this mode, liquid food products do not come in direct contact with the heating medium during the heating process. Instead, a heat exchanger is employed to transfer heat indirectly from heating medium to products.

As there is no contact between the product and the heating medium, indirect UHT processing reduces the risk of contamination and ensures the product’s quality and safety. This UHT processing method is also cost-effective as most of the heat energy can be recovered.

Growing usage of indirect ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing for various liquid food products including milk, fruit juices, soups, and dairy-based beverages is expected to boost the target segment.

End users are increasingly employing indirect heating UHT solutions in their facilities. The adoption of indirect UHT processing allows manufacturers to produce commercially sterile products with extended shelf life that are suitable for distribution & sale in ambient conditions.

Which Form Segment is Expected to Create Significant Revenues in the Target Market?

Liquid Segment to Create Maximum Revenues in the UHT Processing Market

Based on form, the worldwide ultra-high temperature processing industry is categorized into liquid and semi-liquid. Among these, the liquid segment is expected to generate lucrative revenues in the target market.

The growth of the target segment is driven by the rising usage of ultra-high temperature processing for sterilizing liquid foods and beverages, such as dairy beverages, milk, and milk alternatives.

As per Future Market Insights (FMI) latest analysis, historically, liquid witnessed a CAGR of 12.4% and for the projection period, it is expected to thrive at 11.5% CAGR.

Competitive Landscape:

Leading players listed in the report include Elecster Oyj, Alfa Laval AB, SPX FLOW, Inc, GEA Group AG, Goma Engineering Pvt., Ltd., Shanghai Triowin Intelligent Machinery Co., Ltd., MicroThermics, Inc., Shanghai Jimei Food Machinery Co., Ltd, Reda SpA, and Stephan Machinery GmbH among others.

These key companies are continuously innovating to develop novel ultra-high temperature processing solutions. They also utilize strategies such as partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, facility expansions, agreements, facility expansions, and collaborations to gain a competitive edge in the UHT processing market market.

Recent developments:

  • In January 2021, an ultra-high temperature (UHT) pasteurization facility was launched by IMCD, a prominent distributor of specialty chemicals & ingredients, in Indonesia. The new laboratory is designed to support complex ingredient formulations in applications such as dairy, beverages, & soups.
  • In 2022, Alfa Laval completed the acquisition of Desmet Ballestra Groups’ Desmet business. Desmet Ballestra Group is a leader in engineering & supplying processing plants and technologies for the biofuel and edible sectors.
  • In April 2021, a new order to supply a whole UHT production line to Creamy Foods Ltd. in Uttar Pradesh was received by GEA India.
  • In January 2018, GEA completed the acquisition of Vipoll to strengthen its portfolio of filling technologies and meet growing demand from the beverage sector.

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Scope of the Report:

Attribute Details
Estimated Market Value (2023) USD 1.5 billion
Projected Market Value (2033) USD 2.7 billion
Anticipated Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 6.1% CAGR
Historical Data 2018 to 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2033
Quantitative Units Revenue in USD Billion, Volume in Units, and CAGR from 2023 to 2033
Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Volume Forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Trends and Pricing Analysis
Segments Covered Application, End Use, and Region
Regions Covered North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; South Asia and Pacific; East Asia; and the Middle East & Africa
Key Countries Covered United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Nordic, Russia, Poland, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, Japan, GCC countries, North Africa, South Africa, and others.
Key Companies Profiled Alfa Laval AB; Elecster Oyj; GEA Group AG; Goma Engineering Pvt., Ltd.; MicroThermics, Inc.; Reda SpA; Shanghai Jimei Food Machinery Co., Ltd; SPX FLOW, Inc; Shanghai Triowin Intelligent Machinery Co., Ltd.; Stephan Machinery GmbH

Global Ultra-high Temperature (UHT) Processing Market Segmentation:

By Mode:

  • Direct
  • Indirect

By Form:

  • Liquid
  • Semi-liquid

By Application:

  • Milk
  • Dairy Products
  • Dairy Alternatives
  • Others

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia and Pacific
  • Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What will be the Global Ultra-high Temperature (UHT) Processing Market Value in 2023?

In the current year 2023, the overall market size could be around USD 4.9 billion.

What is the Expected CAGR for Global Ultra-high Temperature (UHT) Processing Services?

Until 2033, the overall demand for such services could progress at 11.8% CAGR.

How United States Ultra-high Temperature (UHT) Processing Market is Performing?

The United States market is forecasted to rise at 11.7% per year through 2033.

What is the Share of China in Adoption of Ultra-high Temperature Processing Services?

Adoption of such services in China could generated close to USD 3.5 billion by 2033.

Which Mode of Ultra-high Temperature Processing Mostly Remains in Higher Demand?

The indirect UHT segment to remain in higher demand with 11.7% CAGR till 2033.

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 Mode
		5.1. Indirect
		5.2. Direct
	6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Form
		6.1. Liquid
		6.2. Semi-liquid
	7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application
		7.1. Milk
		7.2. Dairy Products
		7.3. Dairy Alternatives
		7.4. Others
	8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		8.1. North America
		8.2. Latin America
		8.3. Western Europe
		8.4. Eastern Europe
		8.5. South Asia and Pacific
		8.6. East Asia
		8.7. Middle East and Africa
	9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	11. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	12. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	15. Middle East and Africa 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. Alfa Laval AB
		18.2. Elecster Oyj
		18.3. GEA Group AG
		18.4. Goma Engineering Pvt., Ltd.
		18.5. MicroThermics, Inc.
		18.6. Reda SpA
		18.7. Shanghai Jimei Food Machinery Co., Ltd
		18.8. SPX FLOW, Inc
		18.9. Shanghai Triowin Intelligent Machinery Co., Ltd.
		18.10. Stephan Machinery GmbH
	19. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	20. Research Methodology
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