Beta Carotene Market

Market Definition

Beta carotene is a red-orange pigment commonly used as a food colorant, antioxidant, and dietary supplement. It serves as a precursor to vitamin A and is widely used across health and nutrition sectors. The market includes products derived from various sources such as synthetic materials, fruits and vegetables, algae, and fungi. 

It is available in powder and liquid forms and caters to different formulation and processing needs. The market serves a wide range of end-use industries, including food and beverages, dietary supplements, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics and personal care.

Beta Carotene Market Overview

The global beta carotene market size was valued at USD 420.1 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 441.9 million in 2025 to USD 662.0 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.95% during the forecast period. 

This growth is driven by the expansion of food and beverage processing facilities, especially in emerging markets where beta carotene is widely used as a colorant and nutrient fortifier in processed products. The growing preference for plant-based and gelatin-free formulations is influencing manufacturers to develop vegan beta carotene solutions that align with clean-label expectations.

Major companies operating in the beta carotene industry are Biotrend SA, BioExtract, Foodchem International Corporation, Denim Colourchem Limited, Lycored, Natura Vitalis Industries Pvt Ltd., Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd., Meteoric Biopharmaceuticals Limited, BASF, Superior Supplement Manufacturing, dsm-firmenich, Gangwal Healthcare Private Limited, Allied Biotech Corporation, Sensient Colors LLC, and EID.

Manufacturers focus on microencapsulation to enhance the stability and shelf life of beta carotene across food, beverage, and supplement applications. This improves color retention and prevents oxidation during processing and storage. 

It ensures effectiveness under varying pH levels, heat, and light conditions. By improving performance in complex formulations, microencapsulation supports broader use of beta carotene in high-demand categories.

• In March 2024, researchers from the National Technical University of Athens published a comparative study on spray-drying and freeze-drying microencapsulation of beta carotene using pullulan and whey protein isolate (WPI). They demonstrated that spray-dried microcapsules extended beta carotene’s half-life to approximately 336 hours, an 11-fold increase compared to non-encapsulated beta carotene, due to enhanced oxidative protection and a uniform structural matrix.

Key Highlights

1. The beta carotene industry size was valued at USD 420.1 million in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.95% from 2025 to 2032.
3. North America held a market share of 42.02% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 176.5 million.
4. The synthetic segment garnered USD 260.5 million in revenue in 2024.
5. The powder segment is expected to reach USD 456.7 million by 2032.
6. The food & beverages segment is expected to reach USD 269.4 million by 2032.
7. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.35% during the forecast period.

Market Driver

Expansion of Food and Beverage Processing Facilities Drives

The beta carotene market is driven by the expansion of food and beverage processing plants, particularly in emerging economies. As manufacturing capacity increases, the demand for natural additives such as beta carotene is rising across processed foods and beverages. Several producers are incorporating beta carotene as a colorant and a nutrient fortifier to meet clean-label requirements and enhance nutritional value. 

The expansion of manufacturing facilities is especially visible in Asia Pacific, where growing investments and supportive government policies are driving large-scale development in food and beverage processing. The expanding industrial base is strengthening the use of beta carotene across multiple product categories.

• In April 2024, PepsiCo India announced an investment of USD 151.9 million to establish a 22-acres flavor manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh. The facility aims to support beverage production under the 'In India, for India' vision. This new plant will significantly boost beverage processing capacity, in line with the expansion of food and beverage manufacturing, increasing the demand for beta carotene as a natural colorant and functional ingredient.

Market Challenge

High Production Costs of Natural Beta Carotene Limit Market Scalability

A major challenge the market faces is the high cost of manufacturing using natural sources such as algae, carrots, and other vegetables. The extraction and purification are resource-intensive and require advanced technology, which limits scalability and makes natural beta carotene less competitive compared to synthetic alternatives, especially in price-sensitive markets.

Therefore, manufacturers are investing in process optimization and biotechnological advancements to improve yield and reduce extraction costs. Some companies are also exploring low-cost feedstock and efficient cultivation techniques to enhance production efficiency and support broader market adoption.

Market Trend

Growing Preference for Plant-based and Gelatin-free Formulations

The beta carotene market is witnessing a shift toward plant-based and gelatin-free formulations. Manufacturers are responding to a considerable demand from vegan and vegetarian consumers by developing beta carotene products that are free from animal-derived ingredients. 

This includes the use of vegetable-based carriers and plant-origin stabilizers in both food and supplement applications. This shift supports clean-label positioning and enables companies to cater to a broader range of dietary preferences and cultural requirements.

• In March 2024, BASF participated in Food Ingredients China (FIC) 2024 to showcase innovations in sustainable nutrition. The company introduced a new gelatin-free Beta-Carotene 20% GFP product with enhanced stability, which supports the growing demand for plant-based and gelatin-free formulations.

Beta Carotene Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Source	Synthetic, Fruits & Vegetables, Algae & Fungi
By Form	Powder, Liquid
By End Use	Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care
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 Source (Synthetic, Fruits & Vegetables, and Algae & Fungi): The synthetic segment earned USD 260.5 million in 2024, due to its cost-effectiveness, high purity, and consistent quality for large-scale food and supplement applications.
• By Form (Powder, and Liquid): The powder segment held 70.12% of the market in 2024, attributed to its better stability, longer shelf life, and ease of incorporation into dry formulations.
• By End Use (Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, and Cosmetics & Personal Care): The food & beverages segment is projected to reach USD 269.4 million by 2032, owing to the rising demand for natural colorants and fortified food products with vitamin A benefits.

Beta Carotene Market Regional Analysis

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

The North America beta carotene market share stood at 42.02% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 176.5 million. This dominance is attributed to the high demand for dietary supplements and functional foods. 

The presence of established nutraceutical companies and a mature regulatory environment further support the integration of beta carotene into a wide range of products. Consistent product innovation and clear labeling practices have reinforced consumer trust and promoted the adoption of beta carotene products across the region.

Asia Pacific beta caroteneindustry is poised to grow at a significant CAGR of 6.35% over the forecast period. Growth is driven by the rapid expansion of the food and beverage industry, especially in major economies such as China and India. 

Manufacturers in these countries are adopting beta carotene as a natural colorant and pro-vitamin A additive in processed foods, beverages, and dairy alternatives. Growing investments in food processing infrastructure and favorable government initiatives for nutrition enhancement have further increased the adoption of beta carotene products in the region.

• In December 2024, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries announced a 30.19% increase in its budget, increasing it to approximately USD 395 million for 2024–25. The funding aims to accelerate the development of India’s food processing sector.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., beta carotene is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under 21 CFR § 182.5245, where it is classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a color additive and nutrient supplement in various food products.
• In Europe, beta carotene is regulated by the European Commission under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives, where it is approved as a colorant (E160a) and nutrient with specific maximum permitted levels based on food categories.
• In China, beta carotene is regulated by the National Health Commission (NHC) under the GB 2760 national food safety standards, which authorize its use as a food additive for coloring and vitamin A fortification within defined limits.
• In Japan, beta carotene is regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) under the Food Sanitation Act, where it is listed as a designated food additive for use as a coloring agent and nutrient, subject to purity and labeling standards.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the beta carotene industry are actively pursuing strategies focused on capacity expansion, product innovation, and regional diversification to strengthen their market position. Several manufacturers are investing in advanced extraction technologies to improve yield and quality from natural sources such as algae and vegetables. 

However other players optimize synthetic production processes to ensure cost efficiency and meet large-volume demand from the food and nutraceutical sectors. Companies are also enhancing their application development capabilities to support customized solutions for sectors like dietary supplements, functional foods, and cosmetics. These strategies collectively support market competitiveness and long-term growth.

List of Key Companies in Beta Carotene Market:

• Biotrend SA
• BioExtract
• Foodchem International Corporation
• Denim Colourchem Limited
• Lycored
• Natura Vitalis Industries Pvt Ltd.
• Zhejiang Medicine Co., Ltd.
• Meteoric Biopharmaceuticals Limited
• BASF
• Superior Supplement Manufacturing
• dsm-firmenich
• Gangwal Healthcare Private Limited
• Allied Biotech Corporation
• Sensient Colors LLC
• EID

Recent Developments (Product Launch)

• In November 2023, Divi’s Nutraceuticals presented new beta-carotene solutions at Food ingredients Europe 2023, which included silicon dioxide-free and naturally sourced formulations. The offerings support clean-label trends across supplements, beverages, and food applications.