Sorbates are food preservatives known for their high solubility in water and their ability to protect food from a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including food-borne pathogens.
The primary types of sorbates include sorbic acid, potassium sorbates, and other variants. Sorbic acid, a naturally occurring compound, is widely utilized as a food preservative to safeguard against molds, bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. It is particularly effective in preserving the safety and quality of low-moisture foods. Sorbates find applications in various sectors, including food, oils and fats, bakery and confectionery, dairy and frozen products, snacks, meat, poultry, seafood, beverages, and other related industries.
The sorbates market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides sorbates market statistics, including sorbates industry, global sorbates market size, regional shares, competitors with a sorbates market share, detailed sorbates market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the sorbates industry. This sorbates market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The sorbates market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $279.31 billion in 2024 to $298.82 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to consumer demand for longer shelf life, increased demand for processed and convenience foods, expansion of the food and beverage industry, growing awareness about food safety and preservation, rise in demand for natural and clean-label food products.
The sorbates market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $399.24 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for natural and organic food products, growing demand for food preservatives in developing countries, increasing demand for frozen and packaged food products, e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales, emerging markets. Major trends in the forecast period include technological advancements in food preservation techniques, research and development to create innovative sorbate solutions, customization of sorbate, clean label preservatives, sustainable packaging solutions.
The growing consumption of processed food worldwide is driving the expansion of the sorbates market. Factors such as busy lifestyles, changing eating habits among the global population, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased demand for packaged and ready-to-eat meals. Sorbates are utilized in processed foods to prolong their freshness. For example, the Fast-Food Statistics 2022 report indicates that in the U.S., 23% of adults consume fast food three or more times a week, while 34% of children aged 2 to 19 eat fast food daily, and 80% of Americans visit a fast-food outlet at least once a month. Consequently, the rising consumption of processed food is projected to drive the demand for sorbates in the coming years.
The growing consumer awareness of food safety is expected to drive the expansion of the sorbates market. This awareness refers to individuals' level of knowledge and concern regarding the safety and quality of the food they consume. As consumers become increasingly mindful of food quality and safety, there is a rising demand for effective food preservation methods that can extend product shelf life while preserving freshness and nutritional value. Sorbates, as a class of preservatives, are essential for achieving this goal by inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria in food products. For example, according to the European Food Safety Authority, an Italian government agency, there were 5,763 foodborne outbreaks reported in the EU in 2022, marking a 44% increase compared to 2021. Thus, the heightened consumer awareness of food safety will contribute to the growth of the sorbates market.
Leading companies in the sorbates market are increasingly focused on developing innovative products, such as natural potassium sorbate, to cater to the growing consumer demand for clean-label and natural food preservatives. Natural potassium sorbate is a naturally occurring compound derived from sorbic acid, primarily used as a food preservative to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast. It is well-regarded for its safety and efficacy in extending the shelf life of various food products and beverages. For example, in September 2024, Evident Ingredients, a Germany-based manufacturing company, introduced Evicide Potassium Sorbate Eco, which possesses strong antimicrobial properties to prevent the growth of fungi, yeast, and mold in personal care products. Its COSMOS approval makes it suitable for natural formulations, appealing to environmentally conscious brands. This product is ideal for use in shampoos, conditioners, and wet wipes, merging effectiveness with sustainability in the cosmetics industry.
Major companies in the sorbates market are adopting a strategic partnership approach to expand their product portfolios. Strategic partnerships involve leveraging each other's strengths and resources for mutual benefits. For example, in June 2023, Celanese Corporation, a US-based manufacturer of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate, partnered with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to establish a Food Ingredients joint venture named Nutrinova. This collaboration combines Mitsui's extensive holdings in the food value chain with Celanese's technology, product portfolio, and backward integration in the Food Ingredients business. Mitsui & Co., Ltd is a Japan-based general trading company.
In October 2023, SK Capital Partners, LP, a New York-based private investment firm, acquired J&K Ingredients, Inc. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is expected to help SK Capital expand its presence in the food and beverage industry by building an attractive ingredients platform. J&K Ingredients, Inc is a New Jersey-based company manufacturing high-quality, clean label ingredients, including sorbates, for the baking industry and other food sectors.
Major companies operating in the sorbates market include Nantong Acetic Acid Chemical Co.Ltd., Tengzhou Aolong Fine Chemical Co.Ltd., APAC Chemical Corporation, Zhejiang Bossen Technology Co.Ltd., Celanese Corporation, Sorbic International plc, FBC Industries Inc, Lubon Industry Co.Ltd., Wanglong Group Co.Ltd., Shandong Hongda Biotechnology Co.Ltd., Jinneng Science and Technology Company Ltd., Advanced Inorganics Inc., RuGao ChangJiang Food Co.Ltd., Daicel Corporation, A.M. Food Chemical Co. Limited, Farchemia Srl, Triveni Interchem Pvt. Ltd., Fine Organics Industries Pvt. Ltd., Bartek Ingredients Inc., Qiancheng Chemical Co.Ltd., Tharakan and Company, Tate & Lyle plc, Hangzhou Kalong Trade Co.Ltd., Ningbo Kodobio Chemical Co.Ltd., Auro Chemicals, Lianyungang Dongtai Food Ingredients Co.Ltd., Spectrum Chemical Mfg. Corp., I. G. Petrochemicals Ltd.
North America was the largest region in the sorbates market in 2024. The regions covered in the sorbates market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the sorbates market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.
The sorbates market consists of sales of oils and fats, bakery and confectionery, dairy and frozen products, snacks, meat, poultry, and seafood, beverages. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Sorbates Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on sorbates market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for sorbates ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The sorbates market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
Scope
Markets Covered:1) By Type: Sorbic Acid; Potassium Sorbate; Other Types
2) By Application: Food; Oils And Fats; Bakery And Confectionery; Dairy And Frozen Products; Snacks; Meat, Poultry, And Seafood; Beverages; Other Applications
Subsegments:
1) By Sorbic Acid: Food-Grade Sorbic Acid; Industrial-Grade Sorbic Acid; Sorbic Acid for Personal Care Products
2) By Potassium Sorbate: Food-Grade Potassium Sorbate; Industrial-Grade Potassium Sorbate; Potassium Sorbate for Personal Care Applications
3) By Other Types: Calcium Sorbate; Sodium Sorbate; Other Sorbate Derivatives
Companies Mentioned: Nantong Acetic Acid Chemical Co.Ltd.; Tengzhou Aolong Fine Chemical Co.Ltd.; APAC Chemical Corporation; Zhejiang Bossen Technology Co.Ltd.; Celanese Corporation