Global Citric Acid Market By Form (Powder and Liquid), By Application (Food and Beverages, Personal Care, and Cosmetics), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2023-2032

Report Overview

In 2022, the global citric acid market size was valued at USD 3,400 million and is expected to reach USD 5321 million in 2032. This market is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 4.7% between 2023 and 2032.

Citric acid is a weak organic natural acid. Citrus fruit such as limes, lemons, and oranges, amongst others, contains it. It acts as a safe food preservative and an additive, supporting the preservation and stabilization of food products.

It helps in the prevention of beverage degradation and the preservation of emulsions. The increase of food condiments in the processed food business has a direct effect on the global citric acid market. Consumers’ requirement for food and beverage products prepared with safe ingredients is anticipated to lead the market during the forecast period.

In addition, improved use in the personal care and pharmaceutical industries contributes to already increasing market requirements for citric acid products. Citric acid helps manufacturers supply a clean label for their products while also meeting consumers’ demand for safe and acceptable products although residing within their budget.

Citric acid is generally used as a preservative in the food and beverages industry, cleaners and detergents, personal care products, coatings, adhesives and sealants, plastics and polymers, inks, clinical nutrition and pharmaceutical products, pet food, and feed items.

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth: The global citric acid market is experiencing steady expansion with an anticipated compound annual growth rate from 2023-2032 of 4.7% compound annual compound annual.
• Overview: Citric acid is an abundant organic acid widely utilized across industries including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning products. With its acidic properties and pleasant tart flavor it makes an indispensable ingredient.
• Form: The product is primarily offered in both powder and liquid forms in the market. In terms of revenue, the powder segment held a dominant position, capturing a 65% market share in 2022.
• Applications: The food and beverages segment held a commanding position in the market, accounting for 35% of the market share.
• Drivers: The growth of the food and beverage industry, the demand for natural and clean-label ingredients, and the pharmaceutical industry’s need for citric acid in drug formulations drive market growth. Citric acid’s versatility in multiple applications is a significant driver.
• Restraints: Challenges in this market include regulatory compliance, environmental concerns related to citric acid production, and the need for sustainable sourcing of raw materials. Pricing fluctuations and quality control are also key considerations.
• Opportunity: Innovations in citric acid production methods, such as bio-based production and sustainable sourcing, present opportunities for market expansion. Meeting the demand for natural and organic products is another growth opportunity.
• Trends: Trends in the citric acid market include a growing preference for natural and clean-label ingredients in the food and beverage industry, sustainable sourcing practices, and a focus on reducing environmental impact in production processes.
• North America: North America citric acid market, securing the largest citric acid market share of revenue at 35% in the global citric acid market during the forecast period of 2022.
• Key Players: The citric acid market features a mix of established companies and new entrants. Key players often invest in research and development, sustainable sourcing, and marketing strategies to meet the evolving needs of various industries. Building trust and brand reputation are essential factors for success in this competitive market.

Driving Factors

Rising Need for Energy Metabolism, Absorption of Minerals, and Prevention or Treatment of Kidney Stones

Increased demand for processed foods and ready-to-drink beverages has been observed in emerging countries on account of continuous economic growth, increasing urbanization, busy lifestyles, and growing disposable incomes. Therefore, the developing regions are anticipated to be the future growth drivers of the global citric acid market.

Citric acid is an organic molecule mostly used in an extensive diversity of frozen foods, beverages, personal care products, and ice creams. It supports transforming food energy within cellular energy from a process termed a citric acid cycle. The citric acid cycle is the usual oxidative pathway amongst carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats. It supplies the body with energy and is the furthermost significant metabolic pathway.

The consumer utilizes citric acid-containing product as it enhances magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous absorption through instinctive, in addition to their role in energy production. Similarly, the mineral-binding property counteracts calcium crystals (the very common type of kidney stone) from forming in the kidneys. These factors are anticipated to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Restraining Factors

Hazardous effects owing to overconsumption

Citric acid anhydrous is normally safe in lesser quantities, but it can affect the rigid hazardous reaction in large quantities. The side effects of citric acid are usually related to supplements and medications containing this compound.

It includes inflammatory allergies and symptoms. The overconsumption of citric acid may cause irritation symptoms, such as stiffness, swelling, and abdominal pain. These factors are anticipated to obstruct market growth during the forecast period.

By Form Analysis

Powder Segment Dominated the Market with a Significant Share

Based on form, the product is mainly available in powder and liquid form in the market. On the basis of revenue, the powder segment dominated the market with a share of 65% in 2022. The segment is expected to decrease its share in the industry during the forecast period on account of the growing popularity of liquid form for use in food & beverage industries and cleansing agents.

The leading segment powder form is used as an alternative to lemon juice or vinegar in cooking applications. It acts as a binding chemical to remove & avoid the accumulation of limescale in boilers and evaporators. In addition, it is also used for treating water to improve the effectiveness of laundry soaps and detergents.

The powder form is widely used in the food & beverage industry for flavoring and preservation. In addition, it is used as a combining agent in ice creams to prevent the fats from separating. It is usually sold in markets and groceries as acid salt due to its similarity to table salt.

The liquid segment is used in multiple dairy and food products owing to its beneficial properties, such as texture modification, flavor enhancement, and acidifying agents. The liquid form can be used in the oil industry as an iron control additive for maintaining the pH of acidizing fluids to assist in decreasing the precipitation of iron in oil and binding chemicals.

By Application Analysis

The Food & Beverages Segment Dominated the Market in 2022 with a 35% Market Share

On the basis of application, the citric acid market has been distributed into pharmaceuticals, personal care, food & beverages, and others. The food & beverage sector is anticipated to record a stable market growth rate during the forecast period due to the rising requirement for conserving freshness in packaged food. Food manufacturers use citric acids as a constituent in sorbets, ice creams, and sodas. This increases acidity, reduces microbial activity, and improves flavors.

As a result of its capability to lower pH, increase palatability, and increase antioxidant properties, citric acid is also exceedingly demanded by the food and beverage industry. In addition, the chemical properties of citric acid make it strong for at least five years once used in its original container. Due to citric acid’s prolonged shelf life, it has become a common flavoring, preservative, and coloring agent in the food & beverages industry.

Key Market Segments

Based on Form

• Powder
• Liquid

Based on Application

• Food and Beverages
• Detergents and Cleaners
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care
• Cosmetics

Growing Opportunities

Rising Awareness About Health Concerns by the Chemicals

Growing awareness about the adverse effects caused by the chemicals used in daily use products has led consumers to shift towards organic products so as to lower their chemical intake. This has created a positive outlook for the growth of the citric acid market.

The chemical makeup and potency of citric acid remain stable for at least five years in its original closed container. Owing to its long shelf-life, it finds application as a preservative, flavoring, and coloring agent.

Latest Trends

Growing Awareness of Self-Care Among Consumers

Maximum food product manufacturers use citric acid to preserve and flavor food for a long time. Accordingly, it is also used in the industrial process as an appropriating agent and as an anticoagulant blood additive.

The rising awareness of self-care amongst consumers has led to a rise in citric acid-consistent personal care products. Supplements and creams containing citric acids are also favored by consumers, as they help to prevent kidney stones and treat skin infections.

Regional Analysis

On the Basis of regional analysis, North America was dominant in the market, with the largest revenue share of 35% in 2022 in the global citric acid market during the forecast period. The rapid growth rate of the market is accredited to the rising existence of key market players such as Pfizer, Cargill Incorporated, DuPont, and ADM.

Growing occurrence of digestive problems such as chronic diarrhea, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and chronic constipation in the U.S. has headed to a rise in the use of citric acid as a supplement to improve minerals bioavailability, thus developing food absorption.

In addition, increasing government support, nutritional deficits, and rising health awareness will encourage the consumption of fruits full of nutritional content, which leads to better adoption of citric acid-containing products in the region.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to record the fastest-growing CAGR from 2023 to 2032. Improving lifestyles and rapid urbanization in countries such as India, Japan, and China have contributed to global citric acid market growth. The growing priority for packaged food in the region has improved the acceptance of citric acids for protection.

Food safety concerns, as well as the huge acceptance of ready-to-drink beverages and processed foods in countries such as India and China, will boost the growth of the citric acid market in the Asia Pacific region. Increasing self-care awareness has resulted in a rise in the acceptance of personal care and cosmetic products, increasing the requirement of citric acid in the region.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Ireland
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Benelux
  • Nordic
  • Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
  • Russia
  • Poland
  • The Czech Republic
  • Greece
  • Rest of Eastern Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Costa Rica
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Algeria
  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Nigeria
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The global citric acid market is equally fragmented, with multiple major players working on global levels. Major players are engaged in product development and strategic associations for the expansion of their corresponding product portfolios and to gain healthy stability in the global market.

Market Key Players

• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Tate & Lyle PLC
• Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG
• Cofco Biochemical (Anhui) Co. Ltd.
• Huangshi Xinghua Biochemical Co. Ltd.
• RZBC Group Co. Ltd.
• Weifang Ensign Industry Co. Ltd.
• Gadot Biochemical Industries Ltd.
• A. Citrique Belge N.V.
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• In November 2022, Gadot Biochemical Industries launched Cal2Mg. Cal2Mg is a composition of Calcium Citrate and Magnesium Citrate, which was submitted to a unique granulation process with a binder addition.
• June 2022, Jungbunzlauer launched Monomagnesium citrate. It is a monobasic magnesium salt with a molar ratio of 1:1. It is used in functional foods, beverages, and food supplements as a mineral source. It is the magnesium salt for mineral-fortified beverage powders due to its pleasantly sour taste and high solubility.

Report Scope