Food Preservatives Market Report by Type (Natural, Synthetic), Function (Anti-Microbial, Anti-Oxidant, and Others), Application (Meat and Poultry, Bakery, Dairy, Beverages, Snacks, and Others), and Region 2023-2028

Abstract

The global food preservatives market size reached US$ 2.9 Billion in 2022. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 3.8 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% during 2022-2028. The growing demand for processed and packaged food, rapid expansion of the global food supply chain, escalating consumer awareness about food safety, widespread product utilization to reduce food waste, and rising online grocery shopping are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Food preservatives refer to substances added to food products to prolong their shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth and oxidation. It includes salt, vinegar, rosemary extract, sorbates, and benzoates. Food preservatives find extensive applications in canned foods, dairy products, baked goods, processed meats, beverages, fruits, and vegetables, among others. They aid in increasing food safety by preventing spoilage, maintaining nutritional content, and enhancing flavor. Food preservatives also contribute to reducing wastage by extending the usability period and improving the distribution of various food products.

The widespread product utilization to reduce food waste and promote sustainability is contributing to the market growth. Additionally, the rising online grocery shopping, which requires products that can withstand longer delivery times, is favoring the market growth. Besides this, the growing expenditure capacity, which allows consumers to spend on high-quality preserved foods, is supporting the market growth. Furthermore, the rising demand for natural preservatives, such as ascorbic acid and tocopherol, due to the emerging trend of healthier eating is positively influencing the market growth. In addition, the imposition of supportive government policies that are compelling companies to reformulate products with approved preservatives is strengthening the market growth. Moreover, the recent innovation in preservation technology, such as controlled release and nanotechnology, which is assisting in the development of more effective preservatives, is fueling the market growth.

Food Preservatives Market Trends/Drivers:

The growing demand for processed and packaged foods

The heightened demand for processed and packaged foods is a significant factor driving the food preservatives market. Consumers are increasingly seeking convenient, ready-to-eat (RTE) meals that suit their busy lifestyles. Furthermore, work schedules are becoming more demanding, which is increasing the reliance on processed foods, such as frozen dinners and snack items. These emerging trends are compelling food producers to incorporate preservatives to extend product shelf life and preserve taste, flavor, texture, and nutrients. Besides this, the rising urbanization across the globe is diminishing consumer's access to fresh produce, leading to an increased dependency on preserved food products. Additionally, grocery stores and supermarkets are also stocking up on a variety of these products to meet consumer demands, thus contributing to the market growth.

The rapid expansion of the global food supply chain

The rising expansion of the global food supply chain is a key driver for the food preservatives market. The rapid globalization is facilitating the import and export of food products at an unprecedented scale. This development requires a robust preservation system comprising natural and synthetic preservatives to maintain the quality of food items during long transit periods, prevent spoilage, and ensure that the products reach consumers in optimal condition. Besides this, the global movement of food products is further complicated by varying climatic conditions and transportation modes, such as sea freight and air cargo, each presenting its unique preservation challenges. As a result, effective and efficient food preservatives are indispensable in the complex and far-reaching global food supply chain.

The escalating consumer awareness about food safety

The heightened consumer awareness about food safety is a significant factor influencing the food preservatives market. Consumers are becoming more informed about the nutritional content of their food, the sourcing of ingredients, and the methods used for preservation. In addition, the advent of social media and easy access to information provides consumers with essential knowledge about potential health risks associated with spoiled or contaminated food. This awareness is facilitating the demand for food products that not only have a longer shelf life but are also safe to consume. Furthermore, regulatory authorities across the globe are providing comprehensive guidelines regarding the permissible levels of preservatives in various food products, thereby enhancing consumer trust. It is encouraging food producers to comply with international safety standards and label their products transparently.

Food Preservatives Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global food preservatives market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2023-2028. Our report has categorized the market based on type, function, and application.

Breakup by Type:

Natural

Edible Oil

Rosemary Extracts

Natamycin

Vinegar

Others

Synthetic

Propionates

Sorbates

Benzoates

Others

Synthetic dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on type. This includes natural (edible oil, rosemary extract, natamycin, vinegar, and others) and synthetic (propionates, sorbates, benzoates, and others). According to the report, synthetic represented the largest segment.

Synthetic food preservatives are dominating the market as they are more cost-effective to produce compared to natural preservatives, which makes them economically attractive for manufacturers aiming to keep production costs low. Additionally, they have a longer shelf life and greater efficacy in inhibiting microbial growth due to their concentrated potency. Furthermore, synthetic preservatives are easier to standardize and scale, owing to their consistent quality, which ensures that they meet regulatory requirements and quality benchmarks. In addition, they are highly versatile and can be used in various food products, such as baked goods, dairy, and meat products. Moreover, the presence of well-established scientific research work supporting the safety and efficacy of several synthetic preservatives is contributing to the market growth.

Breakup by Function:

Anti-Microbial

Anti-Oxidant

Others

Anti-microbial hold the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on function has also been provided in the report. This includes anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and others. According to the report, anti-microbial represented the largest segment.

Anti-microbial is dominating the market as it is highly effective in slowing the growth of harmful bacteria, yeasts, and molds, thereby significantly extending the shelf life of food products. Furthermore, anti-microbial preservatives align well with stringent food safety regulations, which builds consumer trust and ensures a consistent demand. Besides this, they are versatile and can be used in a wide array of foods, such as dairy, bakery items, meat, and beverages. Additionally, the advancements in food science and technology, which have led to the development of more effective and safer anti-microbial agents, are contributing to the market growth. Moreover, the growing trend of packaged, ready-to-eat (RTE), and convenience foods, which require effective anti-microbial preservatives, is supporting the market growth.

Breakup by Application:

Meat and Poultry

Bakery

Dairy

Beverages

Snacks

Others

Meat and poultry hold the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on application has also been provided in the report. This includes meat and poultry, bakery, dairy, beverages, snacks, and others. According to the report, meat and poultry accounted for the largest market share.

Meat and poultry are dominating the market as they are highly perishable and susceptible to microbial spoilage, making the use of preservatives essential for extending shelf life and ensuring food safety. Additionally, the global consumption of meat and poultry is consistently increasing due to dietary preferences and cultural factors, which is facilitating the demand for effective preservation techniques to ensure that the products reach consumers in optimal condition. Furthermore, the imposition of stringent regulatory requirements surrounding meat and poultry products, compelling manufacturers to use approved preservatives to meet safety standards, is positively influencing the market growth. Moreover, the recent advancements in preservation technologies, including natural and clean-label solutions, that are encouraging the meat and poultry industry to adopt newer, safer preservatives are catalyzing the market growth.

Breakup by Region:

North America

United States

Canada

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Australia

Indonesia

Others

Europe

Germany

France

United Kingdom

Italy

Spain

Russia

Others

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Others

Middle East and Africa

North America exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest food preservatives market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.

North America has a highly developed food and beverage (F&B) sector, which necessitates the extensive use of preservatives to extend the shelf life of products and meet consumer demands for convenience and longevity. Additionally, the advancements in food technology and research in the region that are fostering innovation in preservatives, both natural and synthetic, are contributing to the market growth. Besides this, North America hosts some of the leading companies in the food preservative industry that are actively involved in the development of novel products. Furthermore, the increasing disposable income of the regional populations, allowing consumers to opt for premium products that often use advanced or natural preservatives, is strengthening the market growth. Apart from this, the imposition of stringent food safety regulations in the region, which mandates the use of approved preservatives, is supporting the market growth.

Competitive Landscape:

Leading players are investing in research and innovation to create new, effective, and safer preservatives that meet evolving consumer demands and regulatory guidelines. Furthermore, companies are engaging in mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to expand their geographical footprints, diversify their product portfolio, and increase revenue streams. Besides this, they are focusing on sustainability by sourcing raw materials responsibly, optimizing manufacturing processes, and developing biodegradable or recyclable packaging solutions. Moreover, top companies are actively involved in educational and marketing campaigns to inform both the industry and consumers about the safety, efficacy, and advantages of their products. In addition, they are streamlining their supply chains and optimizing their distribution networks to ensure swift response to market demands and mitigate any potential disruptions.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

Albemarle Corporation

Archer Daniels Midland Company

BASF SE

Cargill Incorporated

Celanese Corporation

Corbion N.V.

Dupont De Nemours Inc.

Galactic S.A.

Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG

Kemin Industries Inc.

Koninklijke DSM N.V.

Tate & Lyle PLC.

Recent Developments:

In September 2022, BASF SE started offering eco-friendly neopentyl glycol and propionic that are biodegradable and used for preservation in food and feeds.

In April 2021, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG expanded its citric plant to meet the rising demand for citric acid and citrates.

In June 2023, Celanese Corporation signed a definitive agreement with Mitsui & Co. to form a food ingredient joint venture under the name Nutrinova.

Key Questions Answered in This Report

• 1. What was the size of the global food preservatives market in 2022?
• 2. What is the expected growth rate of the global food preservatives market during 2023-2028?
• 3. What are the key factors driving the global food preservatives market?
• 4. What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global food preservatives market?
• 5. What is the breakup of the global food preservatives market based on the type?
• 6. What is the breakup of the global food preservatives market based on the function?
• 7. What is the breakup of the global food preservatives market based on application?
• 8. What are the key regions in the global food preservatives market?
• 9. Who are the key players/companies in the global food preservatives market?