PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1805483
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1805483
Food hydrocolloids encompass a wide range of long-chain polymers that, when dispersed in water, can form gels or thickeners. These substances play a crucial role in the food industry by altering the texture, stability, and appearance of food products.
The primary types of food hydrocolloids include gelatin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, alginates, agar, pectin, gum arabic, locust bean gum, and others. Gelatin, for instance, is derived from collagen that undergoes partial hydrolysis and is sourced from animal skin, bones, and connective tissues. These hydrocolloids come from various sources such as plants, animals, microbes, seaweeds, and synthetics, and find application across a broad spectrum including bakery and confectionery, meat and poultry products, beverages, dairy products, sauces and dressings, among others.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The rapid implementation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a notable impact on the food and beverage sector. Rising costs for imported ingredients such as olive oil, cheese, and tropical fruits are pressuring food manufacturers to either reformulate their products or absorb reduced profit margins. Beverage producers are similarly affected, with tariffs on aluminum cans driving up packaging costs. Meanwhile, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports like soybeans and pork are disrupting farm-to-processor supply chains. In response, companies are adjusting recipes, increasing local sourcing, and using commodity hedging strategies to manage price volatility.
The food hydrocolloids market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides food hydrocolloids market statistics, including food hydrocolloids industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a food hydrocolloids market share, detailed food hydrocolloids market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the food hydrocolloids industry. This food hydrocolloids market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The food hydrocolloids market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.21 billion in 2024 to $4.44 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising preference for natural food, growing demand for processed foods, rising demand for convenience foods, rising consumption fruit-infused beverages, and rising preference for natural and clean-label ingredients.
The food hydrocolloids market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to " $5.52 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing consumption of functional food, growing preference for vegan food, increasing demand for bakery food, increase in uptake of ready-to-eat meals, and rising disposable income of consumers. Major trends in the forecast period include development of innovative hydrocolloids, introducing label-friendly food powders, product innovations, plant constructions, and developing food corporations.
The forecast of 5.6% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.5% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US by increasing prices for gums and thickeners like xanthan and guar gum from India and China, affecting product formulation.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.
The increasing consumer demand for processed foods is set to drive growth in the food hydrocolloids market. Processed foods undergo modifications such as canning, cooking, freezing, or ingredient additions to enhance flavor, prolong shelf life, or offer convenience. This demand stems from modern lifestyles that prioritize convenience, longer storage capability, and quick meal preparation options, bolstered by the widespread availability and promotion of these products. Food hydrocolloids play a crucial role in improving the texture, stability, and shelf life of processed foods. They facilitate fat and calorie reduction while enhancing nutritional content, thus supporting the production of ready-to-eat foods that meet the preferences of today's consumers. For instance, in 2023, the US Department of Agriculture reported a 1.7% increase in the total value of US processed food exports, underscoring the growing significance of processed foods in propelling the food hydrocolloids market forward.
Leading companies in the food hydrocolloids market are focusing on developing innovative pre-packaged formulations to gain a competitive edge. Pre-packaged formulations refer to ready-to-use mixtures or products that are prepared and packaged in advance, tailored for specific applications or uses. For example, in March 2023, Meron Group, an India-based company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of hydrocolloids, launched new dessert premixes for the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) sector. These hydrocolloids are essential for enhancing the mouthfeel, texture, and stability of a wide range of desserts, such as creme brulee, panna cotta, mousses, and puddings. They act as stabilizing, thickening, and binding agents, ensuring consistent quality and improved sensory appeal in the final products.
In August 2022, Nexira, a France-based provider of natural ingredients and botanical extracts for food applications, completed the acquisition of UNIPEKTIN Ingredients AG for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition allowed Nexira to broaden its portfolio of functional and nutritional solutions, particularly in texturizing and gelling agents for food products. UNIPEKTIN Ingredients AG, headquartered in Switzerland, specializes in the manufacturing of food hydrocolloids, complementing Nexira's capabilities in the food ingredient sector.
Major companies operating in the food hydrocolloids market are Cargill Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, BASF SE, Kraft Foods Group Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc., International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Kerry Group plc, Ingredion Incorporated, Ashland Inc., CP Kelco ApS, Tate & Lyle PLC, Darling Ingredients Inc., Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Nexira, Palsgaard A/S, Meihua Holdings Group Co. Ltd., Ceamsa, Koninklijke DSM N.V., W Hydrocolloids Inc., Tic Gums Inc., Polygal AG, Lucid Colloids Ltd., JM Huber Corporation, Deosen Biochemical (Ordos) Ltd., Hindustan Gum & Chemicals Ltd., UNIPEKTIN Ingredients AG
North America was the largest region in the food hydrocolloids market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the food hydrocolloids market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the food hydrocolloids market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The food hydrocolloids market consists of sales of thickeners, gelling agents, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and moisture retainers. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Food Hydrocolloids Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on food hydrocolloids market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for food hydrocolloids ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The food hydrocolloids market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.