Food Preservatives Market

Market Definition

The market focuses on substances added during food processing to delay spoilage, prevent microbial growth, and maintain safety. It includes synthetic and natural compounds used in meat, dairy, bakery, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals. These preservatives are formulated based on the chemical nature of food, pH levels, and shelf life needs.

Methods such as curing, fermentation, and chemical preservation are widely used. Applications span across packaged foods, industrial production, and institutional kitchens. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of key drivers, emerging trends, and the competitive landscape expected to influence the market over the forecast period.

Food Preservatives Market Overview

The global food preservatives market size was valued at USD 4,010.0 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 4,207.9 billion in 2024 to USD 6,176.1 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.63% during the forecast period.

Market expansion is driven by rising demand for packaged and ready-to-eat foods, particularly in urban areas where convenience drives consumption. Technological advancements in preservation methods are enabling longer shelf life and better product stability without compromising food quality or safety.

Major companies operating in the food preservatives industry are Cargill, Incorporated, Kerry Group Plc, BASF, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Kemin Industries, Inc., Celanese Corporation, Corbion N.V., Dupont, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Tate & Lyle PLC, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Eastman Chemical Company, Galactic S.A., and Lallemand Inc.

The expanding meat, poultry, and seafood industries are contributing significantly to the growth of the market. These products are highly perishable and require effective preservation to maintain quality and safety.

Preservatives such as nitrites, sorbates, and natural antimicrobials are used to extend shelf life and prevent bacterial growth. Rising global consumption of animal-based protein continues to boost the need for advanced preservation technologies across the cold chain and packaged meat segments.

• According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s October 2024 report, global chicken meat production is projected to increase by nearly 2% in 2025, reaching a record of 104.9 million tons. Key producers such as China, the United States, Turkey, the European Union, Brazil, and Mexico are all expected to contribute to this growth. Global exports are also anticipated to rise by 2%, reaching an all-time high of 13.8 million tons.

Key Highlights

1. The food preservatives industry size was valued at USD 4,010.0 billion in 2023.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.63% from 2024 to 2031.
3. North America held a market share of 33.40% in 2023, valued at USD 1,339.3 billion.
4. The synthetic preservatives segment garnered USD 2,643.0 billion in revenue in 2023.
5. The sorbates segment is expected to reach USD 1,063.6 billion by 2031.
6. The bakery products segment secured the largest revenue share of 21.80% in 2023.
7. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.19% over the forecast period.

Market Driver

"Increasing Demand for Packaged and Ready-to-Eat Foods"

The rising consumption of packaged and ready-to-eat food products is a major factor fueling the growth of the food preservatives market. Urbanization and evolving consumer lifestyles have reduced the frequency of home-cooked meals, creating a strong demand for shelf-stable foods.

Preservatives help maintain product integrity and prevent spoilage during extended storage and transport, making them essential in processed food manufacturing. This shift in eating patterns continues to expand the commercial need for reliable preservation solutions.

• In July 2023, BioVeritas, a Texas-based startup, developed a clean-label mould inhibitor using a proprietary upcycling and fermentation process. The inhibitor, derived from upcycled biomass, has been shown to be as effective as traditional petrochemical-based ingredients in preserving the flavor and texture of baked goods. The company is seeking GRAS status and plans to establish its first commercial plant in 2026, targeting the North American baked goods industry.

Market Challenge

"Consumer Concerns Over Artificial Additives"

A significant challenge hampering the expansion of the food preservatives market is the growing consumer concern over the use of artificial additives and their potential health risks. As demand for clean-label and natural products rises, many consumers are becoming increasingly cautious about preservatives in their food.

To address this challenge, key players are focusing on developing natural, plant-based preservatives and clean-label alternatives. Innovations in biotechnology and the use of organic, non-synthetic preservatives are becoming common strategies.

Companies are also transparent in their ingredient labeling, promoting the safety and natural origin of their preservatives to meet the preferences of health-conscious consumers.

Market Trend

"Technological Advancements in Preservation Methods"

Innovations in preservation techniques such as encapsulation, controlled-release systems, and bio-based antimicrobials are propelling the progress of the food preservatives market. These advanced methods improve the functionality and safety of preservatives without compromising food quality.

Manufacturers are investing in R&D to develop new formulations that offer longer shelf life, greater microbial resistance, and compatibility with various food matrices. These advancements are improving efficiency and helping producers meet regulatory and consumer expectations.

• In December 2024, Researchers at Chungnam National University in South Korea developed an edible biofilm combining chitosan and gallic acid. This biofilm enhances mechanical strength, offers improved antioxidant properties, and exhibits antibacterial activity, leading to extended shelf life and reduced food waste during transportation and storage.

Food Preservatives Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Type	Synthetic Preservatives, Natural Preservatives
By Compound	Sorbates, Benzoates, Propionates, Nitrites & Nitrates, Sulfites, Natural Extracts, Others
By Application	Bakery Products, Meat, Poultry & Seafood, Dairy Products, Beverages, Snacks, Ready-to-Eat Meals, Others
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation

• By Type (Synthetic Preservatives and Natural Preservatives): The synthetic preservatives segment earned USD 2,643.0 billion in 2023 due to their cost-effectiveness, longer shelf life, and ability to preserve food products more efficiently compared to natural alternatives.
• By Compound (Sorbates, Benzoates, Propionates, Nitrites & Nitrates, Sulfites, Natural Extracts, and Others): The sorbates segment held a share of 18.50% in 2023, fueled by its effectiveness in inhibiting microbial growth, extended shelf life, and widespread consumer acceptance for use in various food products, including beverages, dairy, and baked goods.
• By Application (Bakery Products, Meat, Poultry & Seafood, Dairy Products, Beverages, Snacks, Ready-to-Eat Meals, and Others): The bakery products segment is projected to reach USD 1,380.7 billion by 2031, propelled by the high demand for extended shelf life, freshness retention, and flavor stability in baked goods.

Food Preservatives Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

The North America food preservatives market share stood at around 33.40% in 2023, with a valuation of USD 1,339.3 billion. This expansion is facilitated by growing demand for convenience foods, including ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and processed items.

The need for longer shelf life products in supermarkets and retail chains contributes significantly to this growth. Moreover, rising organic food consumption, combined with the need for effective preservation, is boosting demand for food preservatives. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to natural and organic-certified preservatives to meet this growing demand.

Asia Pacific food preservatives industry is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.19% over the forecast period. The rise of modern retail channels, including supermarkets and e-commerce platforms, is significantly impacting the market in Asia Pacific.  

The growing trend of online food purchases in Asia requires manufacturers to prioritize product freshness during transportation. Furthermore, the meat and seafood industries in Asia Pacific are expanding rapidly, creating a robust demand for preservatives.

Meat and seafood are highly perishable products that require effective preservation to ensure they reach consumers in optimal condition. As the consumption of meat and seafood rises, particularly in developing economies, the use of preservatives to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life becomes crucial.

• According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, per capita beef consumption is projected to grow by 4% in South Korea, 12% in Vietnam, and 11% in Malaysia between 2022 and 2029. During the same timeframe, pork consumption per person is expected to rise by 2% in South Korea, while China and Vietnam are anticipated to see a significant increase of 22%.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the regulation of food preservatives under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The 1958 Food Additives Amendment introduced the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) designation, allowing certain substances to bypass pre-market approval if deemed safe by qualified experts. However, recent critiques have highlighted concerns over the self-affirmation process under GRAS, prompting calls for increased transparency and stricter oversight. Notably, the FDA has taken steps to ban specific additives linked to health risks. For instance, Red No. 3, a synthetic dye, was banned in 2024 due to cancer concerns, with manufacturers given until 2027 to comply.
• China's National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) oversee food additive regulations. The GB 2760-2024 standard, implemented in February 2025, outlines permissible food additives and their usage levels. This standard includes revisions to definitions and usage requirements for certain preservatives, reflecting China's ongoing efforts to enhance food safety.
• Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) regulates food additives under the Food Sanitation Act. The country employs a positive list system, permitting only designated additives deemed safe. Japan categorizes preservatives into "designated additives," "existing food additives," "natural flavoring agents," and "ordinary foods used as food additives," each with specific usage standards.

Competitive Landscape

Leading players in the food preservatives industry are increasingly focusing on developing eco-friendly preservative solutions to meet growing environmental and consumer safety standards. This shift reflects a broader effort to reduce the environmental impact of food packaging and preservation methods.

Companies are investing in sustainable materials and cleaner formulations that align with regulatory trends and public demand for safer food products. These strategic developments are boosting market growth by fostering innovation and improving the appeal of preservative technologies.

• In November 2023, Freund Corporation introduced Antimold-Mild EF, the industry’s first eco-friendly food preservative that uses Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s biodegradable resin “BioPBS” as its packaging material. Antimold-Mild consists of powdered ethanol in a packet. When placed with items such as bread or confectionery, the ethanol gradually evaporates, releasing gas that inhibits microbial activity and mold growth, thus preserving the freshness and quality of food products.

List of Key Companies in Food Preservatives Market

• Cargill, Incorporated
• Kerry Group Plc
• BASF
• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
• Kemin Industries, Inc.
• Celanese Corporation
• Corbion N.V.
• Dupont 
• Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG
• Tate & Lyle PLC.
• Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
• Eastman Chemical Company
• Galactic S.A.
• Lallemand Inc.

Recent Developments (Product Launch)

• In November 2024, Syensqo introduced Riza, a fully plant-based line of antioxidants and flavoring agents sourced from rosemary. Rosemary’s natural antioxidant properties help extend the stability of omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA, while also supporting flavor retention, color preservation, and overall product shelf life. The Riza range includes both pure rosemary extracts and blended formulations, offered in powder and liquid forms, with varying concentrations of carnosic acid to suit different application needs.