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Overview
New York, NY – October 14, 2025 – The Global Propionic Acid Market was valued at USD 1.5 billion and is projected to reach USD 3.1 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2023 to 2032.
Propionic acid, a three-carbon carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃CH₂COOH, is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong odor. It is commercially produced through the hydrocarboxylation of ethylene using a nickel carbonyl catalyst. This compound is widely utilized as a preservative in food and animal feed due to its ability to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria.
Beyond preservation, propionic acid serves as a key intermediate in producing specialty chemicals such as cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), an important thermoplastic material. It also finds applications in herbicides, pharmaceuticals, and solvents. However, as it can irritate upon contact, regulatory and health organizations closely monitor its exposure levels to ensure safety in industrial and consumer environments.
Key Takeaways
- The Global Propionic Acid Market was valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2022, projected to reach USD 3.1 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.3% from 2023-2032.
- Market segmented by purity into up to 99% and above 99%; propionic acid is a colorless, pungent, corrosive, water-soluble carboxylic acid.
- Applications include herbicides, sodium salts, plasticizers, animal feed, food preservatives (most lucrative), and others, driven by U.S. demand for ready-to-eat foods.
- Geographically segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe (valued at USD 0.53 billion, anticipated to dominate due to major players), and the Middle East & Africa.
Report Scope
| Report Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Value (2022) | USD 1.5 Billion |
| Forecast Revenue (2032) | USD 3.1 Billion |
| CAGR (2022-2032) | 7.3% |
| Segments Covered | By Purity, By Application, By End-User |
| Competitive Landscape | BASF SE, Dow Inc, Eastman Chemical Company, Perstorp Holding AB, Hawkins, Inc, CORBIN N.V, Otto Chemie Pvt. Ltd, Merck KGaA, Oman Oil Company SAOC, Celanese Corporation |
Key Market Segments
Purity Segmentation
The propionic acid market is categorized by purity into two segments: up to 99% and above 99%. The up to 99% purity segment dominates the global market. Propionic acid, a naturally occurring carboxylic acid, is colorless, has a pungent odor, is corrosive in its pure form, and is water-soluble. It is industrially produced through the hydrocarboxylation of ethylene using nickel carbonyl as a catalyst. Its benefits include reducing food intake, lowering plasma and liver fat levels, enhancing tissue insulin sensitivity, and providing immunosuppressive effects.
Application Segmentation
The market is segmented by application into herbicides, sodium salts, plasticizers, animal feed, food preservatives, and others. The food preservative segment leads. In the U.S., the preference for ready-to-eat foods drives demand for propionic acid as a preservative to maintain quality and extend shelf life. The growing demand for natural preservatives further fuels the global expansion of the propionic acid market.
End-User Segmentation
By end-user, the global propionic acid market is divided into pharmaceuticals, personal care, food & beverage, agriculture, and others. The food and beverage segment is the most prominent, with a forecast period and a revenue share of 42% in 2022. Propionic acid is widely used in products like cheese, bread, cakes, jellies, non-alcoholic beverages, jams, and other processed foods to prevent mold and bacterial growth, thereby extending shelf life. The rapid growth of the global food and beverage industry, driven by strong economic and population growth, is expected to increase demand for propionic acid in this sector.
Regional Analysis
The global propionic acid market is segmented geographically into Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa. Europe is expected to lead the market throughout the forecast period, driven by the presence of major industry players and an abundance of propionic acid sources and producers. Germany, a key market for the food and agriculture sectors, significantly contributes to this dominance, fueled by ongoing investments in the food industry and widespread use of propionic acid.
The Asia Pacific region is projected to experience rapid market growth over the forecast period, propelled by expanding populations and increased food and feed production. The animal feed additives market in India and China holds a substantial share of the Asia-Pacific market. Additionally, the rising demand for pharmaceuticals and preservatives is anticipated to further boost the market in China.
Top Use Cases
- Food Preservation: Propionic acid acts as a natural safeguard in baked goods like bread and tortillas, stopping mold and bacteria from spoiling them. Its salts, such as sodium and calcium propionate, keep flavors fresh and extend shelf life without harsh chemicals. This makes it a go-to choice for busy households seeking safe, long-lasting snacks.
- Animal Feed Protection: In livestock farming, propionic acid preserves hay, grains, and feed by fighting fungi and germs that cause rot. It ensures animals get nutritious meals, boosts health, and cuts waste for farmers. As a gentle antimicrobial, it supports cleaner operations and reliable supply chains in the growing meat industry.
- Agricultural Weed Control: Farmers use propionic acid in herbicides to target weeds without harming crops like grains or veggies. It breaks down quickly in soil, offering eco-friendly options for busy fields. This helps increase yields and supports sustainable practices, meeting the demand for bountiful harvests in changing climates.
- Pharmaceutical Support: Propionic acid serves as a building block for drugs that ease pain and reduce swelling, like anti-inflammatory pills. Its mild properties make it ideal for safe formulations in everyday medicines. This role aids in creating affordable treatments, improving wellness for people dealing with joint or muscle issues.
- Plastic and Coating Creation: As a key ingredient in cellulose acetate propionate, propionic acid helps make tough plastics for films, lacquers, and coatings. These materials protect surfaces in cars, buildings, and gadgets from wear. It drives innovation in durable goods, meeting needs for strong, weather-resistant products in modern manufacturing.
Recent Developments
1. BASF SE
BASF is advancing its propionic acid offerings through a strong focus on sustainability and supply chain reliability. The company emphasizes its production at the Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, ensuring consistent quality for use in animal feed preservatives and grain preservatives. Recent developments highlight efforts to provide robust technical support and sustainable solutions to the agriculture and food industries, reinforcing its position as a key global supplier in this specialty chemical segment.
2. Dow Inc.
While Dow’s portfolio is vast, its recent developments in carboxylic acids like propionic acid are part of its Performance Building & Infrastructure segment. Dow focuses on propionic acid as a key intermediate and has invested in operational excellence to improve production efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Their strategy emphasizes secure supply for derivatives used in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, aligning with broader corporate sustainability goals.
3. Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman’s recent propionic acid developments are tied to its Acetylated Derivatives business. The company highlights its integrated manufacturing from propylene to high-purity acid, ensuring supply chain security for customers. Key initiatives focus on expanding applications in animal nutrition and crop protection. Eastman emphasizes its technical expertise in providing consistent, high-quality products for preservative and intermediate uses, supporting growth in the agricultural and specialty chemical markets.
4. Perstorp Holding AB
Perstorp is a significant global player, marketing propionic acid under the brand name Proviant. Recent strategic developments focus exclusively on its application as a safe and efficient feed and grain preservative. Perstorp emphasizes the product’s role in improving animal gut health and preventing mold in stored crops. Their innovation is centered on providing effective, sustainable preservation solutions to the agriculture industry, backed by strong technical service.
5. Hawkins, Inc.
As a major distributor and blender, Hawkins, Inc.’s development in propionic acid is in value-added distribution and formulation. They do not manufacture the base chemical but provide critical customer-facing services, including blending propionic acid into custom preservative solutions for the food and grain industries. Their recent focus is on providing safe, effective, and tailored liquid and dry blends to meet specific customer needs for mold inhibition and palatability.
Conclusion
Propionic acid stands out as a versatile player in everyday industries, quietly enhancing food safety, farm efficiency, crop health, medicine accessibility, and material strength. Its natural antimicrobial edge fits perfectly with the push for cleaner, greener solutions amid rising global needs for preserved goods and sustainable growth. This simple compound promises steady expansion, blending reliability with innovation to support healthier lives and stronger economies without overcomplicating the essentials.
