Food Thickener Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The food thickener market is experiencing growth driven by its widespread application in the food and beverage industry, including bakery, confectionery, sauces, and dairy products. The market's expansion is supported by the multifunctional benefits of thickeners, such as nutrient absorption and cost-effectiveness, along with advancements in extraction and processing from new natural sources. However, the market's growth is challenged by stringent regulations from various health authorities and fluctuating hydrocolloid prices, which significantly impact the overall market dynamics.

Market Size of Food Thickener Industry

Food Thickener Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
CAGR 6.12 %
Fastest Growing Market North America
Largest Market Europe
Market Concentration High

Major Players

Food Thickener Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Food Thickener Market Analysis

The global food thickener market is growing at a CAGR of 6.12% during the forecast period (2020-2025).

  • The market is mainly driven by its extensive use in the food and beverage sector such as bakery products, confectionery products, sauces, dressings, beverages, dairy & frozen desserts, and processed food. Also, the added benefits of thickeners, such as multifunctionality, absorption of nutrients, compatibility with other ingredients, low cost, and abundant supply of food thickeners. Furthermore, advancements in the extraction and processing of food thickeners from new natural sources is thus one of the major opportunities for the researchers and the leading players competing in the global market. For instance, in June 2015, researchers at Oregon State University discovered and commercialized a new type of dairy thickener- Ropy 352, which can add probiotic characteristics to the product in which it is used.
  • However stringent regulations from regulatory bodies such as Food and Drugs Organization (FDA), the European Commission (EU), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Health Canada, and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) for the use of thickeners are expected to impede the market growth. Also, the fluctuating hydrocolloids price affects the overall food thickeners market heavily. For instance, in October 2011, Danisco announced that the global hydrocolloid price increased by 5% to 15% due to rise in raw material, energy, and logistics costs, which directly affected the overall thickener market.

Food Thickener Industry Segmentation

The global food thickener market has been segmented by category into natural and synthetic; and by type into hydrocolloids, protein and starch. The hydrocolloids segment can be further bifurcated into gelatin, xanthan gum, agar, pectin, and others. By application, the market is segmented into bakery & confectionery, dairy-based products, sauces & dressings, beverages, and others. Also, the study provides an analysis of the food thickener market in the emerging and established markets across the globe, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.

By Category
Natural
Synthetic
By Type
Hydrocolloids
Gelatin
Xanthan Gum
Agar
Pectin
Others
Protein
Starch
By Application
Bakery & Confectionery
Dairy
Sauces & Dressings
Beverages
Others
Geography
North America
United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe
Spain
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Italy
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
Rest of Middle East and Africa
Need A Different Region Or Segment?
Customize Now

Food Thickener Market Size Summary

The food thickener market is experiencing significant growth, driven by its widespread application in the food and beverage industry. Thickeners are extensively used in products such as bakery items, confectionery, sauces, dressings, beverages, dairy, frozen desserts, and processed foods. Their multifunctional benefits, including nutrient absorption, ingredient compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and abundant supply, further propel market expansion. Innovations in the extraction and processing of thickeners from new natural sources present substantial opportunities for industry players. However, the market faces challenges from stringent regulations imposed by entities like the FDA and the European Commission, as well as fluctuating hydrocolloid prices, which can impact overall market dynamics.

The demand for thickening agents, particularly agar, is on the rise, especially in the bakery and confectionery sectors, due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and its tasteless nature, which does not interfere with food flavors. The Europe and Asia-Pacific regions dominate the market, driven by increased consumption of food thickeners and a focus on product innovation and health-conscious offerings. The market is characterized by fragmentation, with numerous regional and domestic players. Companies are focusing on mergers, expansions, acquisitions, and partnerships, alongside new product development, to enhance their market presence.

Explore More

Food Thickener Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Drivers

    2. 1.2 Market Restraints

    3. 1.3 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Threat of New Entrants

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

      3. 1.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Category

      1. 2.1.1 Natural

      2. 2.1.2 Synthetic

    2. 2.2 By Type

      1. 2.2.1 Hydrocolloids

        1. 2.2.1.1 Gelatin

        2. 2.2.1.2 Xanthan Gum

        3. 2.2.1.3 Agar

        4. 2.2.1.4 Pectin

        5. 2.2.1.5 Others

      2. 2.2.2 Protein

      3. 2.2.3 Starch

    3. 2.3 By Application

      1. 2.3.1 Bakery & Confectionery

      2. 2.3.2 Dairy

      3. 2.3.3 Sauces & Dressings

      4. 2.3.4 Beverages

      5. 2.3.5 Others

    4. 2.4 Geography

      1. 2.4.1 North America

        1. 2.4.1.1 United States

        2. 2.4.1.2 Canada

        3. 2.4.1.3 Mexico

        4. 2.4.1.4 Rest of North America

      2. 2.4.2 Europe

        1. 2.4.2.1 Spain

        2. 2.4.2.2 United Kingdom

        3. 2.4.2.3 Germany

        4. 2.4.2.4 France

        5. 2.4.2.5 Italy

        6. 2.4.2.6 Russia

        7. 2.4.2.7 Rest of Europe

      3. 2.4.3 Asia Pacific

        1. 2.4.3.1 China

        2. 2.4.3.2 Japan

        3. 2.4.3.3 India

        4. 2.4.3.4 Australia

        5. 2.4.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific

      4. 2.4.4 South America

        1. 2.4.4.1 Brazil

        2. 2.4.4.2 Argentina

        3. 2.4.4.3 Rest of South America

      5. 2.4.5 Middle East and Africa

        1. 2.4.5.1 South Africa

        2. 2.4.5.2 Saudi Arabia

        3. 2.4.5.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa

Food Thickener Market Size FAQs

The Food Thickener Market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.12% during the forecast period (2024-2029)

Cargill, Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Ingredion Incorporated, Ashland Global Holdings Inc. and Dupont are the major companies operating in the Food Thickener Market.

Food Thickener Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)