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Market Overview

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The Specialty Food Ingredients Market is expected to experience substantial growth from 2023 to 2028, with an estimated increase in size from USD 105.89 billion to USD 140.87 billion. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.88% during the forecast period.

Specialty food ingredients play a crucial role in providing consumers with a wide range of food options that are not only delicious but also technologically advanced and functional. These ingredients contribute to the production of safe, affordable, high-quality, and sustainable food products.

The demand for specialty food ingredients is driven by various factors. Firstly, the growing popularity of ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat food products has led to an increased demand for preservatives worldwide. This is particularly relevant as the clean label trend gains momentum across different consumer product categories. In response to this trend, Conagen, a biotech company based in Massachusetts, launched a natural preservative called p-Coumaric Acid (PCA) in August 2021.

Furthermore, consumer preferences and identities also influence the demand for specialty food ingredients, particularly in developed economies. The correlation between the specialty food ingredient market and processed food market is strong, as these ingredients provide functional benefits and customized value-addition tailored to specific end-user applications. Key players in the industry utilize smart technology and intellectual property to develop innovative ingredients and solutions. However, it is important to note that new product development in this sector requires significant capital investment.

In summary, the Specialty Food Ingredients Market is poised for growth due to the technological advantages and functional benefits these ingredients offer in terms of food quality, safety, affordability, nutrition, and taste. The market’s expansion is driven by factors such as the demand for preservatives in ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products, as well as the influence of consumer preferences and identities. Industry leaders leverage smart technology and intellectual property to drive innovation, although the development of new products requires substantial financial resources.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including product type, application, and geography.

Segmentation by Product Type
Functional Food Ingredient
Specialty Starch and Texturants
Sweetener
Food Flavors and Enhancers
Acidulants
Preservatives
Emulsifiers
Colorants
Enzymes
Cultures
Proteins
Specialty Fats and Oils
Food Hydrocolloids and Polysaccharides
Anti-Caking Agents
Yeast
Food-Grade Glycerin

Segmentation by Application
Bakery Products
Beverages
Meat, Poultry and Seafood
Dairy Products
Confectionery
Fats and Oils
Dressings/Condiments/Sauces/Marinade
Pasta, Soup and Noodles
Prepared Food
Plant-based Food & Beverage
Other Applications

Segmentation by Geography
North America – United States, Canada, Mexico, and Rest of North America
Europe – United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific – China, Japan, India, Australia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America – Brazil, Argentina, and Rest of Latin America
Middle East and Africa – United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East and Africa

Functional Food Ingredients constitute one of the largest segments in the food industry, as manufacturers increasingly fortify their products with these ingredients, including vitamins, probiotics, minerals, and others. The demand for functional and fortified food and beverages among consumers is on the rise.

Beverages, in particular, hold a significant share in the application of functional food ingredients. This can be attributed to consumers’ growing preference for natural or clean-label beverages, which, in turn, drives the demand for specialty ingredients in the beverage industry.

Fortified foods, which contain essential nutrients that enhance their nutritional value and address nutrient deficiencies, are experiencing increased demand. This presents a lucrative opportunity for manufacturers, thereby boosting the demand for specialty functional ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, omega-3, and more. Consumers are increasingly choosing foods and beverages with specific healthy ingredients, such as fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, calcium, probiotics, and prebiotics. Fiber-rich food products, in particular, are gaining popularity among consumers due to their perceived health benefits. For instance, in 2021, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) reported that 56% of consumers actively seek to consume fiber.

To meet the growing demand, manufacturers of food additives and specialty food ingredients have adapted their production processes to incorporate organic and fortified additives. These organic additives find application in various products, including vegan food with low- and high-fat content, dressings, white cooking sauces, ready meals, and more. Thus, food and beverage manufacturers are reformulating their products to align with changing consumer demands for natural ingredients. In October 2022, Roquette introduced a new line of organic pea ingredients, such as organic pea protein and organic pea starch, specifically tailored for non-dairy or alternative meat products and specialized nutrition. The company aims to meet the needs of food manufacturers focused on developing products with organic ingredients to cater to the growing demand for healthy and sustainable food.

North America dominates the specialty food ingredients market, driven by consumers’ shift towards natural, clean-label, and organic products. The region’s high prevalence of chronic and lifestyle-related health issues, coupled with the increasing adoption of healthier lifestyles, has spurred demand for food products containing functional and specialty ingredients. Furthermore, specialty foods are outperforming non-specialty foods in almost every category, owing to the rising trend of fortified food. The Canadian food specialty ingredients industry holds significant potential due to the growing demand for bakery, confectionery, and beverage products. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (2022), baked goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and food preparations rank among the top export commodities to Canada. Health Canada has also authorized the use of 850 distinct food additives nationwide, further driving their utilization in the food industry.

The growing prevalence of veganism, particularly in Europe and North America, offers opportunities for food manufacturers. Market players are forming strategic partnerships with food manufacturers to supply a wide range of ingredients that support the development of products aligned with consumer demand. In September 2022, functional ingredient manufacturer Shiru Inc. collaborated with Puratos to develop and evaluate next-generation egg replacements. This partnership aimed to create new ingredient alternatives for plant-based baked goods using Shiru’s protein discovery process, which leverages bioinformatics and machine learning to identify potential functional ingredients from millions of naturally-occurring proteins.

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Competitive Landscape

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The specialty food ingredients market demonstrates a moderate level of fragmentation. Key players in the market include Cargill Incorporated, Kerry Group PLC, and Koninklijke DSM NV. These players primarily employ strategies such as product innovation and development to gain a competitive edge. Additionally, mergers and acquisitions, as well as expansions, are also common approaches adopted by these companies to enhance their visibility and expand their product portfolios. Manufacturers in the market prioritize offering all-natural specialty ingredients that not only extend the shelf-life of products but also allow for labeling them as 100% all-natural. This caters to the increasing consumer demand for products with clean labels.

International Flavors and Fragrances Inc. holds the largest market share in the specialty food ingredients industry. The company is a leading creator and manufacturer of various products including food, beverage, health & biosciences, scent, pharma solutions, as well as cosmetics and natural health ingredients. It emphasizes the use of all-natural ingredients in its product formulations.

Cargill Incorporated secures the second position in the specialty food ingredient market. As a business-to-business operator present in 70 countries, Cargill continuously develops tailored products based on consumer needs and preferences.

Key companies profiled in this report include Cargill Incorporated, International Flavors and Fragrance Inc., Tate & Lyle PLC, Kerry Group PLC, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Koninklijke DSM NV, Ingredion Incorporated, Sensient Technologies Co., Axiom Foods Inc., Novozymes A/S, Mitsubishi International Food Ingredients Inc., Associated British Foods PLC.

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Recent Industry Developments

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November 2022: Tate & Lyle has launched a new sweetener called Erytesse erythritol. In an effort to meet consumer demand for healthier and reduced-sugar products, the company announced the expansion of its capabilities through a strategic partnership distribution agreement with a prominent erythritol supplier.

October 2022: International Flavors and Fragrance Inc. (IFF) has invested USD 30 million to expand its presence in Singapore. The new Singapore innovation center houses the Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent, and Pharma Solutions business divisions, making it the largest IFF facility in the region, covering an area of nearly 11,000 square meters.

September 2022: Royal DSM has entered into an agreement to acquire First Choice Ingredients, a leading supplier of savory flavorings derived from dairy, for a total enterprise value of USD 453 million. First Choice Ingredients specializes in developing clean-label, fermented dairy and dairy-based savory flavorings that offer taste and functional solutions across various applications.

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Key Questions Answered

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What is the timeframe of the study for the Specialty Food Ingredients Market?
The Specialty Food Ingredients Market has been studied from 2018 to 2028.

What is the growth rate of the Specialty Food Ingredients Market?
The Specialty Food Ingredients Market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.88% over the next five years.

What is the size of the Specialty Food Ingredients Market?
The Specialty Food Ingredients Market is expected to reach USD 105.89 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.88% to reach USD 140.87 billion by 2028.

Which region has the highest growth rate in the Specialty Food Ingredients Market?
The Asia Pacific region is experiencing the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2028 in the Specialty Food Ingredients Market.

Which region has the largest market share in the Specialty Food Ingredients Market?
In 2022, North America holds the highest market share in the Specialty Food Ingredients Market.

Who are the major players in the Specialty Food Ingredients Market?
The major companies operating in the Specialty Food Ingredients Market include Cargill, Incorporated, Kerry Group PLC, International Flavors & Fragrances, Koninklijke DSM NV, and Archer Daniels Midland Company.