Citric Acid Market

Global Citric Acid Market Size

The global citric acid market size was expected to be worth USD 4.06 Billion in 2024 and is anticipated to be worth USD 6.18 billion by 2033 from USD 4.25 billion In 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.80% during the forecast period.

Citrus fruits naturally contain citric acid, which is declared to be a weak organic acid. Citric acid is a crystalline acid with a stinging flavor found in the juice of lemons and other sour fruits. It's made commercially from sugar fermentation and used as a flavoring and setting agent. A citric acid buffer solution can be created by adding trisodium citrate, a citric acid salt, to the solution. If the target pH is between 3 and 6.2, the citric acid buffer solution is the best option. When citric acid is heated to 175°C, it is partially changed into aconitic acid by removing water and partly transformed into acetone dicarboxylic acid by releasing carbon dioxide and water. Citric acid is produced at temperatures exceeding 175 °C. Citric acid is an organic acid that is commonly used as a chelating agent, a buffering agent, and a derivatization agent.

The Citric Acid Market is expected to be driven by the rising high demand for citric acid in food and beverages used as a supplement to conserve food. During the forecast period 2022-2027, the activities of citric acid as a pH control agent and as a chelating agent that promotes the action of antioxidants in food preservation are expected to push the growth of the Citric Acid Market.

MARKET DRIVERS

The escalating demand for the product to preserve food, which is linked with the soaring demand from the food and beverage industry, is anticipated to propel the expansion of the global citric acid market during the foreseen period.

Because the use of phosphate is prohibited in some areas, citric acid is widely utilized in cleaning products, and major companies are conducting various research and development efforts, all of which are contributing to the market's growth. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry's growth is creating a flood of new market opportunities. The increased demand for RTD beverages and RTE foods is another major aspect of the market being investigated. On the global market, innovative beverages with unusual and ethnic fruit flavors and flavor mixtures have also evolved. In terms of shelf life extension, pH buffering, flavor and tartness, and so forth, citric acid excels phosphoric, tartaric, and lactic acids.

The rising demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) healthy beverages and soft drinks facilitates the utilization of citric acid. Citric acid is often used to impart a nice acidic flavor to foods and beverages. It's also utilized in the manufacturing of gelatin desserts, jellies, and jams, among other things. It enhances the flavor of fruits, berries, and other items used in the preparation of dishes and candies. Citric acid is also used to add an acidic (sour) flavor to foods and soft drinks, as well as to stiffen canned tomatoes. Citric acid is a dry alternative to lemon juice or vinegar in dry foods such as seasoning salts, flavoring powders, and crunchy snacks. In addition to the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries, the animal feed, textiles, detergents and cleaners, and cosmetics industries drive the worldwide citric acid market. It lowers water hardness by acting as a foaming and chelating element in cleaning solutions.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Unstable stomach, weakness or exhaustion, light-headedness, diarrhea, nausea, and tingling in the hands or feet are all side effects of citric acid drugs or supplements. Researchers call for a more thorough examination of the long-term impacts of produced citric acid. Despite the fact that produced citric acid is FDA-approved, several academics are skeptical about its safety. It is prudent to be aware of the potential adverse effects, especially if there is an allergy or intolerance to the fungi used in the manufacturing process. GMO ingredients are widely used to make artificial citric acid, which has been linked to mold responses. The growth of the Citric Acid Market is being hampered by these difficulties.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

Global Citric Acid Market Analysis By Form

In 2021, the Powder sector had the greatest market share. The rising use of powder citric acid as a substitute for lemon juice or vinegar in culinary preparations has fueled this expansion. Its use as a chelating agent to remove and prevent the formation of limescale in evaporators and boilers is fueling the industry's expansion. The widespread use of citric acid powder as a flavoring agent and preservative in food and beverage applications is boosting this market's growth.

Furthermore, the Liquid segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.4 percent from 2022 to 2027, owing to an increase in the use of liquid citric acid in a variety of food and dairy products due to its beneficial characteristics as acidifying agents, texture modification, and flavor enhancement, as well as citric acid's use as a chelating agent.

Global Citric Acid Market Analysis By Application

In 2021, the Food and Beverage Segment had the most market share. Citric acid's use in dietary supplements and ice creams has skyrocketed, fueling this rise. Citric acid is also used to chelate metals. The widespread use of citric acid as a flavoring ingredient and preservative is fueling this industry's expansion.

Furthermore, due to the increasing use of citric acid to manage the pH value in pharmaceuticals and generate salt derivatives of minerals and metals, the Pharmaceuticals segment is expected to develop at the quickest CAGR of 5.6 percent from 2022 to 2027. Apart from being used as a chelating agent, citric acid is also used in antacids and denitrifies due to the effervescent effect it generates when combined with carbonates or bicarbonates, boosting the pharmaceutical segment's growth.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS 

In the Citric Acid Market, North America is likely to have the highest market size, while Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the quickest rate during the forecast period. The United States is the largest region in North America, followed by Canada. The presence of various pharmaceutical businesses in the United States explains the high demand in this region.

Increased demand for citric acid in European countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom is driving the worldwide citric acid market. Spain and Italy are two of the most important countries in Europe. In Germany, for example, the food and beverage industry is a vital pillar; approximately 80% of agrarian products are processed into high-quality food and beverages by the industry. Citric acid is in high demand among German food and pharmaceutical firms due to its low toxicity when compared to other acidulants used mostly in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

In 2021, Asia-Pacific (Citric Acid Market) held the highest share, accounting for 35% of the total market. The rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is driving this region's growth. For the excised calcified human heart valves, citric acid is used as a decalcifying agent. Citric acid is used to aid in the destruction of hazardous germs and contaminations on the skin's surface, which are common in diabetics, older adults, and smokers. Citric acid is also used to chelate metals. These determinants are boosting the Citric Acid Market in Asia-Pacific to new heights.

KEY PLAYERS IN THE GLOBAL CITRIC ACID MARKET

Major Key Players in the global citric acid market are Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Cargill Incorporated, Merck KGaA, Gadot Biochemical Industries, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Foodchem International Corporation, Cofco Biochemical, Posy Pharmachem Pvt Ltd, Hawkins Pharmaceutical Group, Saudi Bio-Acids Company

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

• On September 15th, 2021, ADM announced that it had expanded its nutrition capabilities all over the globe with an advanced flavor production facility situated in China.

DETAILED SEGMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL CITRIC ACID MARKET INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT

This research report on the global citric acid market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on form, application, and region.

By Form

• Liquid
• Powder

By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Personal care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa