Market Trends of Europe Agar Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Europe Agar Market according to our research experts:
Rising Demand For Vegan Food Ingredients
As there has been significant growth in the people shifting towards veganism across the region, vegan products are on a high rise. Agar, that is considered as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin has witnessed a significant rise in its demand, as vegans do not use gelatin because it is made from animal bones, skin, and connective tissue. It is used mostly in food products such as puddings, desserts, jelly candy, soups, sauces, and more. Also, frequent launches of new vegan beverages such as vegan wine, and others.
Rising Demand of Agar In Bakery and Confectionery Industry
In the baked goods industry, due to the ability of agar gels to withstand high temperatures, agar is gaining prominence as a stabilizer and thickener in pie fillings, icings, and meringues. Cakes, buns, etc., are often pre-packed in various kinds of modern wrapping materials and often stick to them, especially in hot weather by reducing the quantity of water and adding some agar, a more stable, smoother, non-stick icing is obtained. Some agars, especially those extracted from Gracilaria chilensis, are extensively used in confectionery with very high sugar content, such as fruit candies. Because agar is tasteless, it does not interfere with the flavors of foodstuffs. this contrasts with some of its competitive gums that require the addition of calcium or potassium salts to form gels. Thus, it is highly preferred by the bakery and confectionery manufacturers in the food industry.
