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The natural thickeners market size is forecast to increase by USD 2.23 billion at a CAGR of 5.63% between 2023 and 2028. The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of nutritional dietary natural thickeners in various food and beverage applications. Additionally, the rising demand for plant-based thickeners, driven by consumer preferences for vegan and vegetarian products, is further propelling market growth. However, fluctuating raw material prices of natural thickeners pose a challenge to market participants. For instance, the price volatility of starch, a commonly used natural thickener, can significantly impact the profitability of manufacturers. To mitigate this challenge, market players are focusing on sourcing raw materials from reliable suppliers and implementing price risk management strategies. Overall, the natural thickeners market is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years, driven by these key trends and challenges.
The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for organic food products with health benefits. Consumers are increasingly preferring plant-based alternatives in their diet, leading to a growth in demand for clean label products, including gluten-free foods and vegan options. Sustainability is a key trend in the food industry, driving the adoption of natural thickeners derived from renewable sources such as polysaccharides and proteins. In the construction industry, natural thickeners are used in insulating glass windows and energy-efficient buildings to improve heat transfer and reduce energy costs. These thickeners help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and contribute to mitigating climate change. In food applications, natural thickeners are used to enhance the viscosity of beverages, puddings, and sauces. Gelatin, starches, and vegetable gums are commonly used natural thickeners in the food industry. In contrast, lipid-based thickeners and plant-based thickeners are gaining popularity due to their clean label appeal and sustainability. Sealant types, including silicone sealant and hot melt sealant, are used extensively in construction activities to seal windows and doors. Natural thickeners are used as additives in these sealants to improve their performance and sustainability. Overall, the natural thickeners market is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for sustainable and healthier alternatives in various industries.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion " for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.
The food and beverages segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market encompasses a range of organic food products that offer health benefits, including plant-based alternatives, clean label products, gluten-free foods, and vegan foods. These thickeners, available in powder, liquid, and gel forms, serve as essential thickening, stabilizing, gelling, and emulsifying agents in food and beverage applications. Polysaccharides, proteins, and lipid-based thickeners are commonly used, with plant-based alternatives gaining popularity due to their sustainability and ethical considerations. Innovative thickeners are increasingly used in personal care applications, while in the construction sector, they contribute to energy savings by enhancing insulation in windows through double and triple glazing, reducing energy costs, carbon footprint, and temperature loss.
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The food and beverages segment accounted for USD 2.39 billion in 2018. In construction activities, natural thickeners are used in silicone sealants and hot melt sealants for residential and non-residential buildings, providing an aesthetic finish and contributing to energy efficiency. Raw material prices and availability remain critical factors influencing market growth. As the demand for natural thickeners continues to rise, research and development efforts are focused on producing cost-effective, high-performance, and eco-friendly alternatives, ensuring long-term market sustainability.
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APAC is estimated to contribute 49% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for thermal insulation and noise mitigation in various industries. Advanced technology and Energy Star certified products are driving the market for food thickeners in sectors such as beverages, puddings, sauces, and bakery items. These thickeners, including gelatin, starches, vegetable gums like agar-agar, lignin, pectin, gums, and locust bean gum, play a crucial role in enhancing the viscosity and texture of these products. Convenience foods, healthy eating trends, and the growing popularity of hydrocolloids are further boosting market growth. The baking industry, non-alcoholic beverages, and confectionery sectors are major consumers of these thickeners. E-commerce platforms and the increasing availability of dietary products, organic foods, and animal-based thickeners are also contributing to market expansion.
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
The increasing adoption of nutritional dietary natural thickeners is notably driving market growth. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing consumer preference for organic food products and health benefits. With a focus on low-fat and calorie diets, food manufacturers are turning to natural and plant-based thickeners such as agar-agar, pectin, and alginate. These thickeners offer nutritional value and are free from artificial additives. Additionally, the demand for clean label products and vegan foods is driving the market for plant-based thickeners. In the food and beverage industry, natural thickeners are used in various forms, including powder, liquid, and gel, to act as thickening, stabilizing, gelling, and emulsifying agents.
In personal care applications, they serve as effective alternatives to synthetic thickeners. The rising trend of sustainability is also influencing the market, with a growing preference for sustainable thickeners derived from polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. In the construction sector, natural thickeners are used in insulating glass windows and energy-efficient buildings to improve heat transfer and reduce energy costs. The market for natural thickeners is further fuelled by the increasing demand for gluten-free and vegan foods, with cornstarch and tapioca starch being popular choices. The environmental impact of natural thickeners, including their carbon footprint and raw material prices, is also a key consideration. Innovative thickeners continue to emerge, offering potential energy savings and temperature loss reductions in various industries. Thus, such factors are driving the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The increasing launches of plant based thickeners is the key trend in the market. The global market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing consumer preference for organic food products and clean label ingredients. Companies are responding to this trend by introducing new, sustainable thickeners derived from plant-based sources. For instance, Ingredion Inc. launched HOMECRAFT pulse flours and starches in February 2024, which are derived from lentils, chickpeas, and yellow peas. These clean-label thickeners offer both thickening and texturizing benefits, making them suitable for various food and beverage applications. Similarly, Tate and Lyle introduced PROMITA F200, a plant-based thickener designed for dairy alternatives. This innovative product enhances the texture and mouthfeel of plant-based yogurts, beverages, and desserts, catering to the growing demand for vegan and gluten-free foods. Natural thickeners are available in various forms, including powder, liquid, and gel, and are used as thickening agents, stabilizing agents, gelling agents, and emulsifying agents in food and beverage production.
In addition to food and beverages, natural thickeners find applications in personal care products, construction activities, and insulating materials such as insulating glass windows and energy-efficient buildings. These thickeners are derived from polysaccharides, proteins, lipid-based sources, and plant-based sources, offering sustainable alternatives to animal-based thickeners. The use of natural thickeners in various industries contributes to energy savings, temperature loss reduction, and a lower carbon footprint, making them an essential component in mitigating climate change. The construction sectors, particularly in residential and non-residential buildings, use natural thickeners in silicone sealants and hot melt sealants for improved aesthetic finish and energy efficiency. Despite their benefits, raw material prices continue to be a challenge for market growth. However, the increasing awareness of the environmental and health benefits of natural thickeners is expected to drive market demand and innovation in the coming years. Thus, such trends will shape the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The fluctuating raw material prices of natural thickeners is the major challenge that affects the growth of the market. The global market faces challenges due to the volatile prices of raw materials derived from organic food products, such as guar gum, xanthan gum, pectin, and agar. These thickeners, which are popular for their health benefits and use in clean label products, are primarily sourced from plant or microbial origins. Factors like agricultural conditions, climate change, and geopolitical issues significantly impact their availability and cost. For instance, guar gum, extracted from guar beans primarily grown in India and Pakistan, is susceptible to price fluctuations due to adverse weather conditions. In Q1 2024, guar gum prices experienced considerable volatility. Natural thickeners are widely used in food and beverages, as well as personal care applications, available in various forms like powder, liquid, and gel. They serve multiple functions as thickening agents, stabilizing agents, gelling agents, and emulsifying agents.
Further, the market also includes innovative thickeners used in industries outside food and beverages, such as insulating glass windows, energy-efficient buildings, and construction activities. However, the market's growth is influenced by raw material prices, energy savings, temperature loss, and construction sectors' carbon footprint. In response to these challenges, there is a growing trend towards sustainable thickeners, such as plant-based alternatives, and the development of animal-based and lipid-based thickeners. This shift aims to reduce the market's reliance on traditional sources and mitigate the impact of raw material price fluctuations. Additionally, the market is exploring the use of natural thickeners in niche applications, such as insulating glass windows and energy-efficient buildings, to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint. The use of natural thickeners in construction activities, particularly in sealants like silicone and hot melt, is also gaining popularity due to their ability to improve temperature loss and provide an aesthetic finish in both residential and non-residential applications. Hence, the above factors will impede the growth of the market during the forecast period.
The market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
Archer Daniels Midland Co. - The company offers natural thickeners products and solutions such as ADM OptiXan 40-Xanthan Gum.
The market research and growth report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for organic food products and clean label products. Consumers are increasingly preferring plant-based alternatives in food and beverages, including gluten-free foods and vegan options. Natural thickeners, derived from polysaccharides, proteins, and lipid-based sources, offer health benefits, supply chain, and meet the clean label requirement. In the personal care industry, natural thickeners are used in various forms such as powder, liquid, and gel, to enhance the texture and consistency of products. Sustainable thickeners, including plant-based and animal-based alternatives, are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly nature. The construction industry is also adopting natural thickeners as innovative solutions for insulating glass windows and energy-efficient buildings. These thickeners help reduce energy costs, temperature loss, and carbon footprint by improving insulation and reducing the need for heating and cooling. Raw material prices and availability are key factors impacting the natural thickeners market. The market is expected to grow in the residential and non-residential sectors, with applications in heat transfer, energy savings, and climate change mitigation through double and triple glazing, silicone sealants, and hot melt sealants. Natural thickeners offer a sustainable solution to various industries, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
219 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018 - 2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.63% |
Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 2.23 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
5.53 |
Regional analysis |
APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 49% |
Key countries |
China, US, Germany, India, and UK |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Archer Daniels Midland Co., Ashland Inc., Avlast Hydrocolloids, Cargill Inc., Compania Espanola de Algas Marinas S.A., CP Kelco US Inc., Fiberstar Inc., Glanbia plc, Ingredion Inc., Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Lamberti SpA, Lonza Group Ltd., NEXIRA, Roquette Freres SA, Scott Bader Co. Ltd., SEPPIC SA, Silvateam Spa, Tate and Lyle PLC, and The Lubrizol Corp. |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for the market forecast period |
Customization purview |
If our market report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Technavio Analysis
3 Market Landscape
4 Market Sizing
5 Historic Market Size
6 Qualitative Analysis
7 Five Forces Analysis
8 Market Segmentation by Application
9 Market Segmentation by Type
10 Customer Landscape
11 Geographic Landscape
12 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
13 Competitive Landscape
14 Competitive Analysis
15 Appendix
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