Global Glutamic Acid Market Size Study & Forecast, by Application (Food & Beverage, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals) and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

The Global Glutamic Acid Market, valued at approximately USD 12.55 billion in 2024, is poised to advance at a CAGR of 8.60% throughout the forecast period of 2025-2035. Glutamic acid-an amino acid with immense functional versatility-has steadily evolved from a simple flavor-enhancing additive into a high-value ingredient powering a diverse range of sectors. As industries increasingly lean on innovative formulations to boost product performance, glutamic acid has gained traction as a crucial compound for improving taste, enhancing nutritional density, and supporting pharmaceutical synthesis. The market's momentum is largely shaped by rising global food consumption patterns, the escalating need for efficient feed ingredients, and expanding pharmaceutical applications driven by biotechnology breakthroughs.

As consumers across both mature and emerging economies gravitate toward flavorful, wholesome, and clean-label food profiles, glutamic acid has carved out a critical space in the value chain. Growing demand for umami-rich processed foods, coupled with the accelerating expansion of packaged food networks, continues to elevate the need for glutamic acid-based formulations. Additionally, as the livestock industry scrambles to meet global protein demand, the need for amino-acid-enriched feed blends is climbing rapidly. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are also ramping up their use of glutamic acid in the production of therapeutics, further reinforcing its demand trajectory in the coming decade. However, regulatory scrutiny surrounding food additives and the rise of natural flavor alternatives may temper the market's pace in certain regions.

The detailed segments and sub-segments included in the report are:

By Application:

• Food & Beverage
• Animal Feed
• Pharmaceuticals

By Region:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• UK
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico

Middle East & Africa

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

Food & Beverage is Expected to Dominate the Market

The food & beverage segment is projected to remain the leading application category, accounting for the largest share of global glutamic acid consumption. This dominance stems from the sector's longstanding reliance on glutamic acid as a pivotal ingredient used to elevate savory flavor profiles across packaged snacks, ready meals, condiments, and culinary enhancers. As consumers seek both convenience and authenticity in taste, manufacturers are doubling down on formulations that amplify umami while maintaining clean-label integrity, which continues to position glutamic acid as an indispensable ingredient. Nevertheless, pharmaceuticals and animal feed applications are beginning to gain considerable momentum, supported by improved production technologies and broader acceptance within clinical and nutritional circles.

Pharmaceuticals Lead in Revenue Contribution

Although food & beverage applications command the largest volume share, pharmaceutical usage has emerged as the top contributor in terms of revenue. The pharmaceutical segment benefits from premium pricing tied to stringent purity requirements and specialized processing methods. Glutamic acid serves as a vital building block in the formulation of neurological drugs, metabolic therapies, and nutraceutical compounds. Meanwhile, the animal feed category is gaining traction as producers increasingly rely on amino acids to foster animal growth efficiency and improve feed conversion ratios. The convergence of high-value pharmaceutical demand and fast-growing feed applications is reshaping the industry's revenue landscape, underscoring a nuanced shift toward diversified end-user profiles.

The key regions considered for the Global Glutamic Acid Market include Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is anticipated to lead the global market in 2025, driven by its powerful food processing industry, expanding livestock sector, and robust pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. China, India, and Japan continue to accelerate their adoption of glutamic acid, backed by rising consumer purchasing power and large-scale industrialization. North America remains a strong contender, benefiting from advanced biotechnology capabilities, increasing focus on fortified foods, and a sophisticated healthcare sector. Europe's steady growth is supported by strict quality regulations, premium pharmaceutical production, and sustained investments in specialty chemical processing. Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to showcase moderate yet promising growth as food diversification, urbanization, and pharmaceutical import substitution gain ground.

Major market players included in this report are:

• Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
• Evonik Industries AG
• Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd.
• Fufeng Group
• Global Bio-Chem Technology Group
• Prinova Group LLC
• CJ CheilJedang Corporation
• Ningxia Eppen Biotech Co., Ltd.
• Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (Merck KGaA)
• Daesang Corporation
• Sichuan Tongsheng Amino Acid Co., Ltd.
• Meihua Holdings Group Co., Ltd.
• Tate & Lyle Plc
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Brenntag SE

Global Glutamic Acid Market Report Scope:

• Historical Data - 2023, 2024
• Base Year for Estimation - 2024
• Forecast Period - 2025-2035
• Report Coverage - Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
• Regional Scope - North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa
• Customization Scope - Free report customization (equivalent to up to 8 analysts' working hours) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope*

The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments and countries in recent years and forecast their values over the coming decade. The report integrates both qualitative and quantitative perspectives across participating nations. It further examines pivotal growth drivers, emerging challenges, and the evolving structure of the industry. Moreover, it highlights promising opportunities within micro-markets, enabling stakeholders to make informed investment decisions, while also delivering an in-depth competitive landscape and comprehensive product portfolio assessment. The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained below:

Key Takeaways:

• Market Estimates & Forecast for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
• Annualized revenues and regional-level analysis for each market segment.
• Detailed analysis of the geographical landscape with country-level evaluation of major regions.
• Competitive landscape with intelligence on key players in the market.
• Analysis of key business strategies and recommendations on future market approach.
• Analysis of the competitive structure of the market.
• Demand-side and supply-side assessment of the market.