PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1715272
PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1715272
Propionic Acid Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Application (Animal Feed & Grain Preservatives, Food Preservative, Herbicides, Cellulose Acetate Propionate (CAP), Pharmaceuticals and Others) Forecast Period (2025-2035)
Industry Overview
Propionic acid market was valued at $1,250 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $1,875 million in 2035, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period (2025-2035). The market for propionic acid is expanding rapidly owing to the increasing usage of propionic acid in the food and beverage industries is one of the primary growth factors for the market growth. Food and beverage preservatives are in high demand, and propionic acid is used as an addition to prolong the shelf life of products such as bread and baked goods, that boosts consumption. Additionally, its use in animal feed to prevent mold growth increases agricultural demand. According to the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF), Global compound animal feed production is estimated at one billion tons annually. Global commercial feed manufacturing generates an estimated annual turnover of over $400 billion.
Market Dynamics
Growing Adoption in Food Preservation
Increasing food preservation usage in the propionic acid market is one of the most prominent trends. Propionic acid and its salts, calcium propionate especially, are heavily used as preservatives in bread, baked products, and processed foods. The major reason behind the usage is that the acid hinders the growth of mold and bacteria, increasing the shelf life of the product. Consumer demand for longer-lasting, safer food products is the reason propionic acid has gained acceptance by the food industry as the preservative of choice. In addition, the clean-label trend and the consumer's desire for natural preservatives are contributing to increased propionic acid usage.
Growing Demand in Animal Feed
Another trend in propionic acid, that is gaining importance and application, has been its role in animal feeds, especially those for poultry and livestock. Being a preservative, propionic acid prevents animals from getting decomposed or mildewed, meaning that it significantly improves the feed quality and its shelf life. As the global demand for meat and dairy products continues to increase, the quality of animal feed is an important concern for the agricultural industry. Furthermore, propionic acid is recognized to enhance animal health by eliminating pathogenic bacteria in feed, which results in better growth and productivity. Increasing application in the agriculture and animal feed industry is thus driving the market for propionic acid further.
Market Segmentation
Animal Feed & Grain Preservatives Segment to Lead the Market with the Largest Share
The propionic acid market is growing rapidly, especially owing to its use in animal feed and grain preservation. Propionic acid acts as a good preservative, which prolongs the shelf life of animal feed by preventing mold growth and spoilage. This characteristic is important for ensuring the quality and nutritional value of animal feed. Its utility is varied and one of them is grain storage. Propionic acid has served as a guardian against fungal deterioration of stored grains, increased storability, and reduced waste losses. The improved feed and grain quality demand arising globally, protecting product integrity holds an even larger significance. For instance, The Dow Chemical Co. offers propionic acid with grain preserver grade. Grain Preserver grade is a product designed to prevent mold growth in grain and grass storage areas. This grade can be used directly on feedstock as is or be diluted by the user and is registered under EPA FIFRA (Federal Insecticide Fungicide Rodenticide Act).
The global propionic acid market is further divided by geography, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America)
Growing Demand for Propionic Acid in Feed and Industrial Processes in Asia-Pacific
The Asia Pacific propionic acid market is also experiencing growing momentum, attributed to its enhanced applications in diversified markets in this region. Propionic acid is utilized in various industrial applications including animal feed and industrial processes, further increase of major regional manufacturing capabilities such as those of China, India, and Japan continues to support solid and reliable deliveries toward fulfilling a surging demand.
Europe Region Dominates the Market with Major Share
Europe holds a significant share owing to its widespread applications in different industries such as food and feed sectors. The increasing use of the compound as a preservative in food and feed sectors is one of the key drivers. The ability of the compound to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria ensures the extended shelf life of products, thereby enhancing their demand. The growing demand in the pharmaceuticals industry for propionic acid usage in drug formulations is also witnessing an increase in its market share. Its intermediacy in manufacturing cellulose acetate propionate and herbicides also increase demand. Strict regulation that encourages the usage of safe, biodegradable chemicals further fosters the growth of the market.
The major companies operating in the global propionic acid market include BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Co., Merck KGaA, The Dow Chemical Co., and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.