North America Food Acidulants Market

North America Food Acidulants Market Size, Share, Growth (2023-2028)

North America Food Acidulants Market is anticipated to record a compound annual growth rate of 5.8% during the conjecture period of 2023 to 2028

North America Food Acidulants Market Overview

Acidulants are one of the main food additives used in the food industry and one of the fastest-growing segments. The significant functions of food acidulants are that it acts as a pH control agent, a chelating agent, a flavoring agent, a gelling agent, a preservative, an antioxidant synergist, and the like. With continuous developments in the food and beverage industry, the processed food market has also grown considerably in recent years. And, acidulants are primarily used in the production of processed foods as a preservative and flavor enhancer. Tartaric acid, malic acids, and Citric acid and are the furthermost usually used additives in the confectionery industry. The acidity of food acidulants helps to increase the organoleptic property of food products.

North America Food Acidulants Market Report Coverage:

Recent Developments in North America Food Acidulants Market:

1. Bartek Ingredients Inc., the largest producer of food-grade malic acid and fumaric acid around the world, announced the expansion to a 4,000 ton/year capacity at its malic acid production facility. Bartek, the first in a series of capital investment projects to support its growing acidulant business, is expanding capacity and capabilities to enable greater flexibility and support for its customers.

2. In October 2019, Huntsman Corporation announced the completion of the purchase of the remaining 50% interest in Sasol's Sasol-Huntsman maleic anhydride joint venture. Huntsman now owns 100% of the entity with manufacturing assets located in Moers, Germany, and the capacity to produce 230 million pounds of maleic anhydride annually.

3. TorQuest Partners procured Bartek Ingredients Inc., a manufacturer of specialty chemicals for the food and beverage industry. Headquartered in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, Bartek is a world leader in the production and distribution of malic acid and fumaric acid, specialty products that improve flavor profiles, food safety, and food profitability.

4. Tate & Lyle PLC, a leading food and beverage ingredients provider, announces that it signed a deal to acquire an 85% interest in Chaodee Modified Starch Co., Ltd., a well-established manufacturer of tapioca modified food starch located in Thailand. This investment expands Tate & Lyle's presence in specialty tapioca texturizers and establishes a dedicated production facility in the main tapioca region of eastern Thailand.

5. In 2019, Bartek Ingredients decided to purchase a 22,000 t/y reactor from Germany’s MAN Energy Solutions. The reactor will increase the company's maleic anhydride capacity ahead of expected long-term growth in the global food acidulants market. It also integrates Bartek's upstream raw material production with its downstream finishing capabilities.

North America Food Acidulants Market Drivers and Restraints:

The North American food acidulants market is driven by growing demand for processed foods and beverages and their consumption by the increasing middle-class population. The main function of acidulants is to stabilize the pH level of the food product and preserve its shelf life. In addition, they function as gelling agents, flavor enhancers in confectionery products, and improve the flavor of beverages. Other factors, such as the complexity of the supply chain, the lack of cold storage chains and the demand for nutrition by consumers, have allowed food products to stimulate the market. Acidulants are widely used in beverage production and widely used in jams, preserves, sweets, chewing gum, sauces, frozen foods and many others. Also, increased production of flavored beverages to meet the growing consumer demand for specific beverages worldwide and increased consumption of acidulants as a key ingredient in the production process should stimulate the market for food acidulants during the foreseen period. The most common food acidifier used in the beverage production process is citric acid and malic acid as flavor enhancers. Additionally, increasing call for acid control ingredients or solutions by processed food and beverage manufacturers is supposed to further stimulate the North American food acidulants market during the foreseen period.

The market finds limitations in the form of great price competition, due to a large number of suppliers in the market. China-based players, particularly in the citric acid segment, pose a major threat to Western players. Regulatory import controls intended to create perfect competition, like the environment, are still in their infancy in several countries. The key capability the company sees is in the form of manufacturers, who adopt technologies to improve their manufacturing tactics to meet capacity requirements. However, the availability of alternatives and the presence of side effects of excessive consumption are important factors that hinder the growth of the market for food acidulants in this area.

North America Food Acidulants Market Segmentation Analysis:

By type

• phosphoric acid

• acetic acid

• citric acid

• malic acid

• lactic acid

Citric acid dominates the market for food acidulants due to its intensive use in food and beverage production, confectionery, and dairy products compared to its compatriots. Initially, citric acids were extracted from limes and lemons, but are currently produced commercially through fermentation. Citric acid has evolved as a key ingredient in processing jams, jellies, sweets, canned foods, and frozen foods. The main properties of citric acid in food applications include flavorings, preservatives, antioxidants, and others.

Based on the application, the market is segmented into drinks, dairy and frozen products, confectionery, meat industry, bakery, and others.

Impact of COVID-19 on North America Food Acidulants Market

Coronavirus has is worst impact on the food and beverage industry, including all its associated businesses like food acidulants. The temporary suspension of production units, roadblocks disrupting the supply chain and strict lockdown conditions have resulted in the declined revenue in food acidulants market. Nations in this area like the USA have witnesses the worst strain of COVID-19, resulting in several casualties and mortalities, affecting the overall marketplace. However, with the relaxation of lockdown conditions, the market is slowly resuming to its previous levels.

North America Food Acidulants Market Regional Analysis 

• Mexico

• United States

• Canada

It is expected to dominate the global food acid market due to the strong presence of the processed food industry and the increased consumption of acids as a key ingredient in daily food processing activities. Increased beverage production at existing manufacturing facilities to meet the growing consumer demand associated with increased consumption of food acids in the manufacturing process should stimulate the North American market during the outlook period. Furthermore, the strong presence of cheese production and processing facilities should also stimulate the consumption of food acidulants in North America during the projection period.

Key Players 

1. Tate & Lyle

2. Hawkin Watts

3. Cargill, Brenntag

4. ADM