The global organic acids market size was expected to be worth USD 22.74 Billion in 2024 and is anticipated to be worth USD 45.46 billion by 2033 from USD 24.56 billion In 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period. The overall market is expanding with the rising use of organic acids in different applications like food and beverages, personal care, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Organic compounds that have acidity are known as organic acids. Commonly known organic acids are associated with carboxyl-COOH groups whose acidity is inhibited by them. Sulfonic acids, that is, acids with -SO2OH groups, are relatively strong acids. Also, alcohols that have -OH groups can act as acids, but they are relatively weak acids. Its relative stability determines the acidity of the conjugate base of an acid. Uric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and lactic acid are commonly available organic acids. They are used in various commercial applications, such as colorants, surfactant catalysts, and others. Formaldehyde can be used as an antibacterial agent, but glycerin is used as an energy source in the production of organic acid. Very few organic acids are obtained from the fermentation process of numerous microorganisms and are widely used in the food and beverage industry. Sulfuric acid, proteins, amino acids, acid salts, oils, enzymes, and other raw materials are used in the production of organic acids. Some of the prominent end-user industries in this business are pharmaceutical, food and beverage, textile and adhesive, petrochemical, and others.
In industrial applications such as dyes, surfactants, and catalysts, the increased demand for organic acids is another factor supporting the growth of the global market. Some types of organic acids are used in fermentation processes in the food industry. The growth of the desired food and beverage industry is another factor driving growth in the target market. In addition, growth in the pharmaceutical industry, coupled with increased microencapsulation, is expected to accelerate growth in the global organic acid market during the forecast period. The food and beverage industry is one of the leading end-users of organic acids. A growing world population with GDP growth will increase the demand for organic acids in the coming years. Furthermore, as the use of organic acids in various medications such as aspirin and phenacetin increase, the high growth observed in the pharmaceutical industry is expected to adjust well to the market.
Meanwhile, the demand for organic acids will continue to increase in the food and beverage industry due to the increased production of soft drinks and various food products. Organic acids are well suited for use in the food and beverage industry. Acetic acid accounted for most of the demand for organic acid. Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, increased use in the food and beverage industry is a significant growth attribute of the market. The growing demand for prepared foods, technological innovation, and the creation of organic acid from valuable renewable sources are other factors driving the growth of the market.
Moreover, in the bakery and confectionery industry, acetic acid and citric acid play a pivotal role in restricting the growth of fungi and bacteria. In addition to being used for antibacterial and antifungal properties, organic acids are useful for controlling acidity and are used in many foods as preservatives, antioxidants, and flavor enhancers. The demand for organic acids is highly dependent on the food and beverage market, the largest end-use industry for organic acids. Therefore, regional population growth and GDP growth are among the main factors that affect the demand for organic acid. The rapid extension of the pharmaceutical industry is also one of the main factors driving the demand for organic acids. As research and development to produce efficient organic acids from sources of biological origin increases, there are assumed to be great opportunities for growth in the market.
Changes in raw material prices are presumed to hamper the growth of the global organic acid market. The production of synthetic organic acids from non-renewable sources (simultaneous fermentation and product recovery) creates a dangerous environment and creates strict regulations on use, limiting market growth.
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REPORT METRIC |
DETAILS |
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Market Size Available |
2024 to 2033 |
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Base Year |
2024 |
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Forecast Period |
2025 to 2033 |
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CAGR |
8% |
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Segments Covered |
By Type, Application, & Region |
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Various Analyses Covered |
Global, Regional, and country-level analysis; Segment-Level Analysis; DROC, PESTLE Analysis; Porter’s Five Forces Analysis; Competitive Landscape; Analyst Overview of Investment Opportunities |
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Regions Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa |
The Acetic Acid segment holds a significant share of over 30% in the global organic acids market. Its extensive applications across various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, contribute to its dominant position. Acetic acid is widely used as a food additive, preservative, and solvent, and is also utilized in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
The Citric Acid segment is experiencing rapid growth, driven by its increasing demand in the food and beverage industry as a flavor enhancer and preservative. Additionally, its applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are expanding, further propelling market growth.
The Food & Beverages segment holds the largest market share, accounting for over 25% in 2021. Organic acids are extensively used in this sector for their roles as preservatives, flavor enhancers, and acidity regulators. They help in extending shelf life, improving taste, and maintaining the desired pH levels in various products. For instance, citric acid is commonly used in soft drinks and jams, while acetic acid is utilized in pickling and as a preservative in sauces.
The Pharmaceuticals segment is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing use of organic acids in drug formulation and production. Organic acids are utilized for their preservative properties, pH regulation, and as intermediates in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The demand for organic acids in pharmaceuticals is expected to rise due to the growing pharmaceutical industry and the need for effective and safe excipients in drug formulations.
Markets in the Asia Pacific region dominate the global organic acids market in terms of revenue and are expected to witness the fastest growth during the outlook period. Asia-Pacific held the ruling portion of the global organic acid market, and the same is anticipated to continue over the prophesized period. The Asia Pacific region is made up of India and China, the two largest countries in terms of population, one of the main factors driving demand for organic acid in the Asia Pacific region. Also, high growth in emerging economies in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to drive market growth in various end-user industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages. Therefore, Asia Pacific is presumed to be the region with the highest demand for organic acid.
Growth in the North American and European markets slowed as the number of regulations to control the use of various synthetic organic acids increased. Bio-based organic acids are foreseen to propel market growth in both North America and Europe. A growing awareness of the benefits of organic acids among consumers is a crucial factor in promoting the growth of target markets in the region. Market North America expects to see a high growth rate in terms of income soon, followed by Europe. The presence of major regional players and many existing food processing industries are factors driving growth in the organic acid market in North America.
Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.), Eastman Chemical Company (U.S.), Corbion (Netherlands), Myriant Corporation (U.S.), Cargill (U.S.), BASF SE (Germany), Dow Chemical Company (U.S.), Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co. Ltd (China), Polynt-Reichhold (Italy), Tate & Lyle (U.K.), Koninklijke DSM N.V. (Netherlands) and E.I. Du Pont De Nemours & Company (U.S.) are some of the notable companies in the global organic acids market.
By Type
By Application
By Region
Frequently Asked Questions
Challenges include competition from synthetic alternatives, cost considerations in production, and the need for sustainable sourcing methods. Additionally, regulatory compliance and meeting quality standards can pose challenges.
Organic acids can be sourced from various natural origins, such as fruits, vegetables, and microorganisms. Additionally, they can be produced through fermentation or chemical synthesis.
Agriculture uses organic acids as crop protection agents, soil conditioners, and growth promoters. They can enhance nutrient availability, control soil pH, and promote plant health.
Organic acids find applications in several industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, and plastics. They are used as preservatives, flavor enhancers, and pH regulators in various manufacturing processes.
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