Sugar alcohol is known as sorbitol, and it has been recognised as a possible critical chemical intermediary that can be derived from biomass resources. It is utilised in several sectors as a sweetener, humectant, sequestrant, texturizer, stabiliser, and bulking agent, including the food and beverage industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the cosmetics and personal care industry, and others. As a key preservative, additive, and sweetener in the food business; as a carrier in the pharmaceutical industry; and as an emulsion stabiliser in the cosmetics sector, its usage varies depending on the application areas. Because of this, the market would experience significant expansion in the years to come.
The expansion of the sorbitol market is being fuelled by a rise in the number of consumers concerned about their health, an increase in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes, and an increase in consumer demand for sweets and processed goods. The WHO tell that the number of individuals living with diabetes has increased from 108 million in the year 1980 to 422 million in the year 2014. It was also discovered that the prevalence of diabetes has been increasing at a more rapid rate in middle-income and low-income nations, and it is anticipated that this would increase demand for sorbitol because it is used as a reduced-calorie alternative to sugar.
Sorbitol serves as a humectant, moisture-stabilizer, and texturizer, and is widely used in the manufacture of chocolate, baked products, and confectionery. The consumption of chocolate confectionery increased by 2% globally between 2013 and 2018, however it increased by 7.85% cumulatively in nations like China and India over the same time frame. Industry statistics show that between 2013 and 2018, the worldwide sales of baked products increased by 4.6 percent CAGR. In addition, sorbitol serves as a substitute feedstock for the production of propylene glycol, which finds use in a variety of products such unsaturated polyester resins, functional fluids, food and feed, cosmetics, and more.
As a nutritional supplement, many individuals are using sorbitol in their diets. It provides several nutritional advantages, which are contributing to the expansion of the sorbitol market. The increased level of awareness has resulted in a surge in demand for cosmetics and hygiene products that are made with organic or natural ingredients. It is also frequently utilised in the production of oral and dental care products, particularly in the United States.
In 2020, the Asia Pacific region led the market and generated more than 55.0 percent of global revenue. The region's sorbitol market is being driven by rising numbers of consumer markets that are expanding quickly and consumers who are becoming more health concerned. Sorbitol is utilised extensively in a variety of products, including chocolates, baked goods, and confectionery.
Because the region's food and beverage sector is well-established and constantly expanding and adapting to new ingredients, sorbitol is rapidly entering the market in Europe. Consumers in Europe use a significant amount of meat products in their diets. In Europe, processed meat products are the most popular food items.