North America Acidulants Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

North America Acidulants Market, By Type (Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Acetic Acid, Formic Acid, Gluconic Acid, Malic Acid, Phosphoric Acid and Salts, Tartaric Acid, Lactic Acid, Tannic, Fumaric Acid, Succinic Acid, and Others), Form (Dry and Liquid), Function (pH Control, Acidic Flavor Enhancer, Preservatives, and Others), Distribution Channel (B2B and B2C), End-User (Household/Retail, Food Processing Sector, and Food Service Sector) - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031.

North America Acidulants Market Analysis and Insights

The North America acidulants market is gaining significant growth due to the growing food & beverage industry and the rise in demand for flavored drinks and food. The increase in demand for acidulants in alcoholic beverages such as wine is also boosting the market growth. However, stringent government regulations and health risks associated with some acidulants, such as phosphoric acid, are restraining the market growth.

Data Bridge Market Research analyzes that the North America acidulants market is expected to reach USD 2,467,283.11 thousand by 2031 from USD 1,388,454.15 thousand in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. 

North America Acidulants Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Growing Demand for Convenience Food Products

Convenience and ready-to-go foods save time and energy, and thus, there is an increase in the demand for convenience food. This includes frozen foods, canned foods, ready-to-eat snacks, meals, chilled foods, soups and sauces, seasonings and dressings, noodles and pasta, and more. Consumers majorly look for ease of use, high nutritional value, functionality, and quick delivery of convenience foods. Food processing and convenience food manufacturers are developing innovative and creative ideas to meet this demand. Furthermore, acidulants are the key ingredient used in the manufacturing of convenience food to add a refreshing flavor, improve texture and tartness, and enhance the taste of the product.

Thus, the growing demand for convenience food processing is projected to drive the demand for acidulants over the years to come.

• Growing Demand for Acidulants in the Confectionery Industry

Acidulants that are used in confectionery, such as malic acid, lactic acid, and sodium lactate, have unique taste and flavor effects. It also boosts the impact of some aromatic flavor notes due to its volatility. In addition, nowadays, the combinations of acidulants are commonly used in confectionery. Furthermore, malic acid and fumaric acid provide more persistent sourness than other food acids at the same concentration, enhance fruit flavors, and boost the impact of high-intensity sweeteners.

Hence, the increased demand for confectionery products increases the demand for acidulants such as malic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, sodium lactate, and others by food manufacturers to fulfill the demands.

Opportunity

• Biological Production of Citric Acid and Acetic Acid

Consumers are shifting towards sustainable products and are opting for products that are manufactured with the help of sustainable ingredients. Hence, the demand for sustainable, cost-effective, and biological food ingredients (acidulants) such as citric acid and acetic acid is increasing among manufacturers. However, the production of bio-succinic acid is quite difficult through a sustainable production that is microbial fermentation, although it is cost-effective.  

Thus, due to the availability of a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, biological production of acidulants can be increased, and sustainable bio-acidulant products can be offered to the global food and beverages industry, as it holds huge opportunity for food and beverages products that include biologically sustainable ingredients.

Restraints/Challenges

• High Cost of Acidulants

Acidulants can be expensive to produce, especially if they are derived from natural sources or require complex manufacturing processes. High production costs can lead to elevated prices, making them less competitive in the market, particularly in price-sensitive sectors. Fluctuating prices of raw materials such as plant-based sources and higher prices for better quality acidulants have resulted in increased prices of acidulants. In addition, higher food taxes and growing demand for acidulants result in high prices.

Acidulants such as gluconic acid, tannic acid, and tartaric acid have slightly higher prices as these acidulants have fewer applications in food-grade products. Hence, the demand is less, and the production of these acidulants for food-grade applications is minimal, which results in higher prices. High prices of acidulants may change purchase patterns for food processing manufacturers over other acidulants. Food and beverage manufacturers often operate on tight profit margins. When the cost of key ingredients, such as acidulants, is high, manufacturers may either absorb the increased costs, which can reduce their profits, or pass the costs onto consumers. In a competitive market, increasing product prices might result in reduced consumer demand, affecting sales and market growth.

• Rules and Regulation of Food Regulatory Bodies on Acidulants Products

The rules and regulations for the approval of acidulants laid by governmental bodies are to ensure that the acidulants have no side effects, which may restrict the market growth. The rising concern related to the side effects of acidulants on health has forced the government to lay down strict rules for product approval. The acidulants may lead to elevated blood pressure, the temporary reddish coloration of the eye, and others. Therefore, the amount of acidulants used is checked properly before using it in any product. Thus, the stringent regulations for the approval process may hamper the market growth.

North America Acidulants Market Scope

The North America acidulants market is segmented into five notable segments based on type, form, function, end-user, and distribution channel. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze major growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to make strategic decisions to identify core market applications.

Type

• Citric Acid
• Sodium Citrate
• Potassium Citrate
• Acetic Acid
• Formic Acid
• Gluconic Acid
• Fumaric Acid
• Malic Acid
• Phosphoric Acid and Salts
• Tartaric Acid
• Lactic Acid
• Tannic Acid
• Succinic Acid
• Others

On the basis of type, the market is segmented into citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, acetic acid, formic acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, phosphoric acid and salts, tartaric acid, lactic acid, tannic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, and others.

Form

• Dry
• Liquid

On the basis of form, the market is segmented into dry and liquid.

Function

• pH control
• Acidic flavor enhancer
• Preservatives
• Others

On the basis of function, the market is segmented into pH control, acidic flavor enhancer, preservatives, and others.

Distribution Channel

• B2B
• B2C

On the basis of distribution channel, the market is segmented into B2B and B2C.

End-User

• Household/Retail
• Food Processing Sector
• Food Service Sector

On the basis of end-user, the market is segmented into household/retail, food processing sector, and food service sector.

North America Acidulants Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The North America acidulants market is analyzed and market size insights and trends are provided based on type, form, function, end-user, and distribution channel as referenced above.

The countries covered in this market report are the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The U.S. is expected to dominate the North America acidulants market in terms of market share and market revenue and will continue to flourish its dominance during the forecast period. In addition, this is due to the growing demand for acidulants for the production of various types of food and beverages in the country.

The country section of the report also provides individual market-impacting factors and changes in regulations in the market that impact the current and future trends of the market. Data points, such as new and replacement sales, country demographics, and import-export tariffs, are some of the major pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. In addition, the presence and availability of regional brands and their challenges faced due to high competition from local and domestic brands, and the impact of sales channels are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Competitive Landscape and North America Acidulants Market Share Analysis

The North America acidulants market competitive landscape provides details of competitors. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, and application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to the market.

Some of the major market players operating in the market are ADM, Bartek Ingredients Inc., Brenntag SE, Cargill, Incorporated, Corbion, DAIRYCHEM, Direct Food Ingredients, FBC Industries, Foodchem International Corporation, INDUSTRIAL TECNICA PECUARIA, S.A., Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Richest Group, and Tate & Lyle among others.