Natural Food Preservatives Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Type, by Function, by Application : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033

Key Market Dynamics 

The rise in preference for vegan products is significantly increasing the natural food preservatives market size for natural food preservatives. According to a 2021 report by The Good Food Institute, the U.S. plant-based food market grew by 27% in 2020, reaching $7 billion in sales. As consumers increasingly adopt vegan diets for health, ethical, and environmental reasons, the food industry is expanding its range of plant-based offerings. Vegan products, which highlight clean labels and natural ingredients, require effective preservation solutions to maintain freshness and safety without compromising their natural appeal. This has led to a growing reliance on natural preservatives, aligning with the vegan ethos of avoiding artificial and animal-derived additives. Vegan foods, such as plant-based meats and dairy alternatives, often contain high moisture content, making them susceptible to microbial growth and spoilage. To address this challenge, manufacturers are turning to natural preservatives like citrus extracts, rosemary oil, and fermented ingredients, which offer antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.  

The cost and availability of natural ingredients significantly restrain the market demand for natural food preservatives. Natural preservatives often come from plant extracts, essential oils, and fermentation processes, which can be more expensive to produce, and source compared to synthetic alternatives. For instance, rosemary extract, a popular natural preservative, can cost significantly more than artificial preservatives due to the cultivation and extraction processes involved. This higher cost can deter manufacturers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, from adopting natural preservatives, thereby limiting market growth. Availability is another critical issue. Natural ingredients are subject to agricultural conditions, which can be unpredictable. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) , global food prices reached a ten-year high in 2021 owing to adverse weather conditions and supply chain disruptions. These challenges in sourcing consistent and affordable natural ingredients create a barrier for manufacturers aiming to switch to natural preservatives, making it difficult to meet the rising consumer demand for clean-label and natural products. This supply instability, coupled with high costs, significantly hampers the widespread adoption of natural food preservatives in the market. 

Advancements in food processing technologies create significant opportunities for the natural food preservatives market share. Innovative techniques such as high-pressure processing (HPP) , pulsed electric fields (PEF) , and ultrasound-assisted extraction are revolutionizing the way natural preservatives are produced and applied. These technologies enhance the extraction efficiency and preservation properties of natural compounds, making them more viable and cost-effective for widespread use. For instance, HPP can extend the shelf life of food by inactivating pathogens and spoilage organisms without the need for high temperatures, thus preserving the natural quality and nutritional value of the food. Moreover, the development of nanoencapsulation techniques allows for the targeted delivery and controlled release of natural preservatives, improving their effectiveness and reducing the required quantities. According to a study published in the journal "Food Research International, " the use of nanotechnology in food preservation can enhance the stability and solubility of natural preservatives, making them more effective in various food matrices and increases natural food preservatives market growth. These technological advancements not only improve the efficacy of natural preservatives but also reduce costs, making them more competitive with synthetic alternatives. 

Differences Between Preservatives and Additives

Differences Between Preservatives and Additives

Market Segmentation 

The natural food preservatives market is segmented into type, function, application and region. On the basis of type, the market is divided into salt, sugar, oil, honey, citric acid, vinegar and others. As per function, the market is bifurcated into antimicrobial, antioxidants and others. Based on application, the market is divided into sea food, meat & poultry, bakery, dairy, snacks, beverages, fruits and vegetables and others. Region wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. 

Regional/Country Market Outlook 

The North American region’s market for natural food preservatives is driven by several key growth factors. Increasing consumer awareness about health and wellness has significantly increased the demand for natural and clean-label food products, leading manufacturers to seek out natural preservatives as alternatives to synthetic ones. The rising incidence of foodborne illnesses and stringent food safety regulations further amplify the necessity for effective natural preservatives. Innovations in food technology and the development of more efficient and versatile natural preservative solutions are also contributing to market growth. The popularity of organic and minimally processed foods, coupled with the expanding retail sector and e-commerce platforms, provides a broader market reach for products containing natural preservatives. Additionally, the emphasis on sustainability and environmental impact has encouraged the adoption of natural preservatives, which are perceived as more eco-friendly. Leading companies in the region are investing in research and development to explore novel natural preservative sources, such as plant extracts, essential oils, and microbial-derived compounds, enhancing the efficacy and application range of these preservatives. 

Industry Trends 

• The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reported that organic fruits and vegetables, which frequently use natural preservatives, continue to lead the market in organic food sales and natural food preservatives market forecast. The increased acreage for organic fruits and nuts, which grew by 76% between 2011 and 2021, supports the rising demand for natural preservatives used in these products. 

• Sales data for natural food preservatives in 2022 and 2023 show a notable trend of increasing demand. According to the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) , consumer interest in organic and natural products, including preservatives, has been growing steadily. Organic food sales, which often include products with natural preservatives, surpassed $22 billion in 2022, highlighting the broader trend towards natural and organic food consumption. 

Competitive Landscape 

The major players operating in the natural food preservatives market include Cargill, Inc, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Kerry Group plc, Royal DSM, BASF SE, Corbion, Associated British Foods Plc, Camlin Fine Sciences Inc, JustLong and DSM. 

Recent Key Strategies and Developments 

• On October 27, 2022 - Royal DSM launched DelvoONE, its first all-in-one culture portfolio for fermented milk created using an AI collaboration platform. This innovation is designed to enhance food preservation while optimizing production processes. 

• On June 23, 2022 - Cargill acquired plant-based phytogenic additives firm Delacon. 

Key Sources Referred 

1. CapsCanada 

2. Natural Ingredient Resource Center 

3. Internation Journal of Creative Research Thoughts 

4. Journal Of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 

5. International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences 

6. 12taste 

7. BAKERpedia 

8. National Institute for Food Control 

9. IndiaTimes 

10. Journal of Antimicrobial Agents 

11. BTSA 

12. BleedGreen 

13. BIO Web Conferences 

14. Food Additives & Ingredients Association (FAIA)  

15. International Food Additives Council (IFAC)

Key Benefits For Stakeholders

• This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the natural food preservatives market analysis from 2024 to 2033 to identify the prevailing natural food preservatives market opportunities.
• The market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
• Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.
• In-depth analysis of the natural food preservatives market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
• Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market.
• Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players.
• The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global natural food preservatives market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies.