High-fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The high-fructose corn syrup market is experiencing growth driven by its unique properties, such as high solubility and stability, which make it a preferred sweetener in various applications, including pharmaceuticals and processed foods. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted consumer preferences towards healthier options, the market's expansion is supported by competitive pricing, favorable tariffs, and significant R&D investments by key players. These factors, along with the subsidization of corn in regions like the United States, contribute to the market's development and resilience.

Market Size of High-fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Industry

High Fructose Corn Syrup Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Market Size (2024) USD 9.31 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 10.09 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 1.62 %
Fastest Growing Market Asia Pacific
Largest Market North America
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

High Fructose Corn Syrup Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Market Analysis

The High-fructose Corn Syrup Market size is estimated at USD 9.31 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 10.09 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 1.62% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

  • COVID-19 negatively impacted the market in 2020. The global pandemic has impacted the proper functioning of high-fructose corn syrup worldwide. Due to the pandemic, people prioritized health and wellness, which led consumers to cut sugar, calories, salt, and carbs in food and beverage products. This has resulted in food and beverage manufacturers launching low/no sweetener products to cater to consumer demand, negatively impacting the high-fructose corn syrup market.
  • The major factors driving the high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) market include high solubility, the ability to remain in solution, and not to get crystallized, like sucrose, under certain conditions. Leading market players channel their efforts into developing new products through significant R&D investments, utilizing advanced technologies to manufacture superior quality and cost-effective products.
  • One of the key factors driving the growth includes the competitive price of HFCS compared to other categories, which helps reduce the prices of end products. Additionally, favorable import and export tariffs on HFCS and subsidizing the basic ingredient of the market, i.e., corn, in countries such as the United States, further trigger the growth of HFCS production worldwide. For instance, according to the EWG Farm Subsidy Record, corn subsidies in the United States totaled USD 116.6 billion from 1995-2020. Factors driving the HFCS Market are high solubility, the ability to remain in solution, and not to get crystallized, like sucrose, under certain conditions.
  • High fructose corn syrup is also widely used in pharmaceuticals because it offers excipient benefits as a humectant and filler while providing nutritional benefits as a carbohydrate source and bulk sweetener. It is incorporated into processed foods such as confectionery, baked goods, and carbonated drinks and is sometimes used as a preservative in pickles. HFCS is more stable than sucrose and is suitable for acidic beverages. It is also available in liquid form, making it easier to mix than granular sucrose. These properties of HFCS have contributed to the growth of the global market.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Industry Segmentation

High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn flour. Some of its glucose is converted to fructose, used in commercially produced foods and soft drinks as a cheaper alternative to sucrose.

The high-fructose corn syrup market is segmented by application and by geography. By application is segmented into food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed. The food and beverage segment is further bifurcated into bakery, confectionery, dairy and desserts, beverages, and other food and beverage applications. Also, the study analyzes the HFCS market in emerging and established markets across the world, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle-East & Africa.

For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on value (in USD million).

By Application
Food and Beverages
Bakery
Confectionery
Dairy and Desserts
Beverages
Other Food and Beverages Applications
Pharmaceuticals
Animal Feed
Geography
North America
United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Russia
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
India
China
Japan
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
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High-fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Market Size Summary

The high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) market is poised for steady growth over the forecast period, driven by its advantageous properties such as high solubility and stability in various conditions, making it a preferred choice over sucrose in many applications. The market's expansion is supported by significant investments in research and development by leading companies, which are focused on enhancing product quality and cost-effectiveness. The competitive pricing of HFCS, bolstered by favorable tariffs and subsidies on corn in regions like the United States, further propels its adoption across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, confectionery, and beverages. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted consumer preferences towards healthier options, the market has shown resilience, with manufacturers adapting by introducing low-sugar alternatives.

North America, particularly the United States, remains a dominant consumer of HFCS, driven by its extensive use in the confectionery, bakery, and beverage sectors. The region's market share is further bolstered by the increasing international trade of HFCS, making it a cost-effective ingredient compared to granulated sugar. The market is characterized by intense competition among domestic and multinational players, who are engaging in strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to enhance their market presence. Key industry players, including Cargill Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, and Tate & Lyle PLC, are actively investing in sustainable production facilities to meet the growing global demand for HFCS, ensuring long-term growth and stability in the market.

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High-fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) 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 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

      3. 1.3.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitutes

      5. 1.3.5 Degree of Competition

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Application

      1. 2.1.1 Food and Beverages

        1. 2.1.1.1 Bakery

        2. 2.1.1.2 Confectionery

        3. 2.1.1.3 Dairy and Desserts

        4. 2.1.1.4 Beverages

        5. 2.1.1.5 Other Food and Beverages Applications

      2. 2.1.2 Pharmaceuticals

      3. 2.1.3 Animal Feed

    2. 2.2 Geography

      1. 2.2.1 North America

        1. 2.2.1.1 United States

        2. 2.2.1.2 Canada

        3. 2.2.1.3 Mexico

        4. 2.2.1.4 Rest of North America

      2. 2.2.2 Europe

        1. 2.2.2.1 United Kingdom

        2. 2.2.2.2 Germany

        3. 2.2.2.3 France

        4. 2.2.2.4 Russia

        5. 2.2.2.5 Italy

        6. 2.2.2.6 Spain

        7. 2.2.2.7 Rest of Europe

      3. 2.2.3 Asia-Pacific

        1. 2.2.3.1 India

        2. 2.2.3.2 China

        3. 2.2.3.3 Japan

        4. 2.2.3.4 Australia

        5. 2.2.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific

      4. 2.2.4 South America

        1. 2.2.4.1 Brazil

        2. 2.2.4.2 Argentina

        3. 2.2.4.3 Rest of South America

      5. 2.2.5 Middle-East and Africa

        1. 2.2.5.1 South Africa

        2. 2.2.5.2 Saudi Arabia

        3. 2.2.5.3 Rest of Middle-East and Africa

High-fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Market Size FAQs

The High-fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Market size is expected to reach USD 9.31 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 1.62% to reach USD 10.09 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the High-fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Market size is expected to reach USD 9.31 billion.

High Fructose Corn Syrup Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)