Dive Brief:
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The global citric acid market is expected to have a 4.6% CAGR between 2016 and 2026, according to Future Market Insights.
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Consumer interest in the health benefits of plant-based, natural ingredients and cleaning products is driving worldwide demand for citric acid.
- Citric acid is also used to preserve and enhance the flavor and acidity of convenience foods and beverages, which will likely fuel future manufacturer demand.
Dive Insight:
A respectable share of citric acid growth will be seen in the grocery store as manufacturers, suppliers and governments address consumer desires for fewer artificial and excessively sweet contents.
Major producers of citric acid are China and India. Fortunately, the bulk of food-grade citric acid today is not dependent on citrus fruit – production of which could, decades down the road, be disrupted by global warming. Commercially-produced citric acid is sourced from molds and carbohydrates such as sucrose and molasses – both from corn, which is in plentiful supply.