Sucrose Esters Market Summary

The global sucrose esters market size was estimated at USD 82.50 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 116.09 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% in terms of revenue from 2024 to 2030. The sucrose esters market is primarily driven by rising demand across multiple industries such as food, personal care, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, where sucrose esters serve as essential components in formulation and production processes. Their multifunctional properties, such as excellent emulsification, stabilization, and dispersion, make them highly valuable in enhancing product quality and texture across end-use industries. The increasing preference for natural and plant-based ingredients further boosts the adoption of sucrose esters in various applications.

Sucrose esters are food additives derived from the esterification of sucrose and fatty acids. They function as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and surfactants in a wide range of food and beverage products, including bakery items, dairy products, and confectionery. These esters are produced by combining sucrose with fatty acids derived from vegetable oils such as palm, soybean, and coconut. The esterification process results in the creation of sucrose fatty acid esters, which are non-natural surfactants that provide excellent solubility, stability, and foaming properties, making them suitable for both food and industrial uses. The growing focus on clean-label and multifunctional ingredients is further propelling their market demand.

Key Market Trends & Insights

  • Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for a 45.6% share in 2023. The strong presence of food processing industries, coupled with rapid industrialization and growing consumer preference for processed and convenience foods, has significantly contributed to regional growth. Increasing investments by manufacturers and the availability of raw materials in countries such as China, Japan, and India are further supporting market expansion across the region.
  • China dominated the market and accounted for a market share of 38.70% in 2023. The country’s leadership in the sucrose esters market can be attributed to its vast production capacity, growing demand for processed foods, and expanding pharmaceutical and personal care sectors. The country’s well-established manufacturing base and continuous advancements in production technologies are also fostering sustained growth.
  • Based on form insights and trends, the powder segment dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 59.1% in 2023. Powdered sucrose esters are preferred due to their ease of handling, longer shelf life, and excellent dispersibility, making them suitable for a wide range of food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. Their ability to enhance texture and stability in emulsions and creams further supports their strong market position.
  • In terms of application insights and trends, food products dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 69.20% in 2023. The growing use of sucrose esters in bakery, confectionery, dairy, and beverage applications to improve taste, texture, and appearance has been a major driver for this segment. Additionally, the increasing demand for low-fat and clean-label food products has encouraged food manufacturers to incorporate sucrose esters as functional additives.

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Market Size & Forecast

  • 2023 Market Size: USD 82.50 Million
  • 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 116.09 Million
  • CAGR (2024-2030): 5.0%
  • Asia Pacific: Largest market in 2023

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some of the key players operating in the global sucrose esters market include

  • BASF SE is a globally recognized German chemical company that operates as the largest chemical producer in the world. The company operates through six main business segments, namely, industrial solutions, chemicals, materials, surface technologies, agricultural solutions, and nutrition and care. Its diverse portfolio encompasses a wide array of chemical products such as performance products, plastics, functional solutions, and others. One of the company’s main areas of expertise is the production of sucrose esters and its related products, which are utilized in the food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed industries.
  • Evonik Industries AG five business divisions include specialty additives, nutrition & care, smart materials, performance materials, and technology & infrastructure. The company’s products are used in various industries including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, polymer, and animal feed, among others. It has a presence in more than 100 countries.

Croda International and Mitsubishi Chemicals Holding Corporation are some of the emerging market participants in the global sucrose esters market.

  • Croda International offers its products to various markets such as agriculture, food, pharmaceutical, fragrances, water treatment, lubricant, wood & furniture, textile, electronics, automotive, and beauty & personal care, among others. The company also offers crop protection products, adjuvants, chemical biostimulants, seed enhancement products, specialty additives for agricultural films, and animal health products. It has 30 manufacturing sites globally and has several sales offices and laboratories across the globe.
  • Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. is a Japanese company that produces a wide range of chemicals, including natural gas, aromatic, specialty, and information & advanced materials. The company has a strong global presence, using its upstream and downstream products. Mitsubishi has methanol production facilities in various locations, including Trinadad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and Brunei.

Key Players

  • Evonik Industries AG
  • Sisterna
  • Croda International
  • Alfa Chemicals
  • P&G Chemicals
  • Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation
  • BASF SE
  • Stearinerie Dubois
  • FELDA IFFCO

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Conclusion

The sucrose esters market is expected to witness steady growth driven by the increasing adoption of natural and multifunctional ingredients in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. The rising demand for high-quality emulsifiers and stabilizers in processed foods, coupled with expanding use in personal care and healthcare formulations, continues to enhance market prospects. Asia Pacific, led by China, will remain a key growth region due to abundant raw materials and growing industrial output. Technological innovations in production processes and the shift toward sustainable, plant-based raw materials will further shape the future trajectory of the global sucrose esters market.