The global citric acid regulators market revenue was around US$ 1.9 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach US$ 3.1 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032.
Citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits, limes, and others naturally produce citric acid regulators (INS 330 or E330). Aspergillus Niger and Candida Lipolytic (Y-1095), two fungi that produce more citric acid than other yeasts on the market, are used to artificially synthesize it. There are two types of citric acid: monohydrate and anhydrous. The most popular acidulant for giving food and drinks a sour taste is citric acid, either anhydrous or monohydrate. It can also be used as a coloring agent, pH indicator, preservative, and antioxidant.
Factors Influencing Market Growth
- A rise in sales of packaged food fuels the demand for citric acid regulators, as citric acid is used in packaged food to preserve it for a long time. This is driving the market's growth.
- There is an increased replacement of sodium phosphate with citric acid in the preservation of meat and dairy products. This is increasing the demand for citric acid regulators, thus propelling market growth.
- There is a rising popularity of flavored carbonated drinks in which citric acid regulators are used as preservers. This will increase the demand for citric acid regulators, thus expanding the market.
- Overconsumption of these regulators leads to health issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This may hinder the market's growth.
Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 impacted the market negatively. The government's stringent regulations aimed at curbing the disease's spread, along with its limitations on trade, imports, and transportation, impeded the progress of production and processing operations. Disruptions in the supply chain made it more difficult to obtain machinery and raw materials. During that time, the governments of several nations classified different industries as essential or non-essential. As long as they complied with the US government's declaration that their operations were "essentials," a few food additive companies were allowed to keep running their businesses and taking orders. Customers of some businesses that were considered "non-essential" were unable to make purchases during the government-mandated shutdown, which had a negative impact on the demand for those products. With the introduction of vaccines, COVID-19's intensity sharply declined, and industry businesses began to progressively resume their regular operations.
Regional Insights
Asia-Pacific dominated the market in 2023. The existence of food and beverage operations in the region is largely responsible for the global market's dominance, and the growing demand for these products each year drives up demand for citric acid regulators and the market. The region's consumers acknowledge the consumption of packaged foods as they help to save time and replenish hunger. China is the nation that produces the most citric acid worldwide and accounts for the largest portion of its exports. As a result, these factors are likely to drive the market growth in the region.
Leading Competitors
- Koninklijke DSM N.V.
- E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
- Tate & Lyle
- Shandong Ensign Industry Co., Ltd.
- COFCO
- ATP GROUP
- Foodchem International Corporation
- TTCA, Co., LTD
- Archer Daniels Midland Company
- RZBC GROUP CO., LTD.
- Gadot Biochemical Industries Ltd.
- Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG
- Citribel NV
- BASF SE
- Kenko Corporation
- Cargill, Incorporated
- F.B.C Industries, Inc.
- Chemelco International B.V.
- Huangshi Xinghua Biochemical Co, Ltd.
- Merck Group KGaA
- Other Prominent Players

Segmentation Analysis
The global citric acid regulators market segmentation focuses on application, form, and region.
Segmentation based on Application
- Food
- Sauces and Jams
- Meat Products
- Dairy products
- Ready to eat meals
- Others
- Beverage
- Soft drink and Sodas
- Juices
- Wines
- Energy and Sports Drinks
Segmentation based on Form
- Monohydrate
- Anhydrous
Segmentation based on Region
- North America
- The U.S.
- Canada
- Europe
- UK
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Rest Of Asia-Pacific
- LAMEA
- Latin America
- Middle East
- Africa