Calcium Propionate Market

Market Overview

The demand for calcium propionate is growing at an exponential rate owing to its novel applications in baked foods, dairy products, and feed, among others. Calcium propionate (known as E282) is a type of organic salt, which is a crucial ingredient used to prolong the shelf-life of various food products as it is cost-effective when compared to other food additives. Increasing health concerns among people and changing lifestyles provide an impetus to the market growth. The rising working populace, coupled with increasing demand for ready-to-eat products, and surging use of calcium propionate in animal feed, bolster the market growth.

Market Dynamics

Benefits of Calcium Propionate to Drive Its Adoption among the Cattle Farmers

The burgeoning livestock sector has increased the demand for animal feed across the globe, which is considered as a positive factor for the market growth. Calcium propionate helps in increasing the nutritional value while preventing the growth of mold in the feed. The feed manufacturers consume higher volumes of calcium propionate as it can be added directly in the cow feed, and significantly helps in preventing milk fever and other infections in transition cows.  

Calcium propionate improves the digestibility of the feed, resulting in higher feed efficiency for the cattle farmers. It acts as an additional source of necessary calcium and minerals and is considered as an energy-rich substance for greater improvements in animal health. As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Brazil had the largest livestock production in 2019, followed by the Asia-Pacific region, with India accounting for 12% of the global share. 

The use of calcium propionate is approved and listed in the European Union Register of Feed Additives as E282 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. Leading market players are manufacturing calcium propionate that is in compliance with the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards. However, the need for approval from the government agencies for the use of calcium propionate in animal feed hampers market growth.

Rising Adoption of Calcium Propionate among the Vegan Population

Calcium propionate not only preserves the food but also contributes to a nutritional value in food products due to its rich calcium content. With the growing popularity of veganism and plant-based diets, the consumers are inclining towards the consumption of vegan foods, further driving the adoption of calcium hydroxide as it is considered as a vegan ingredient. For instance, up to 1% of the natural calcium propionic acid can be found in swiss cheese. Similarly, commercial calcium propionate is synthesized, making it vegan-friendly and is utilized for different applications.

Segmental Analysis

Ease of Use and Simple Incorporation to Drive the Demand for Dry Calcium Propionate 

The dry segment holds the highest market share as the food manufacturers prefer the dry form of calcium propionate for its ease of use and simple incorporation into the flour. The demand for dry calcium propionate is growing at a significant pace as it finds applications in numerous products, such as icing sugar, and can be incorporated in dairy products. The availability of finely powdered calcium propionate provides an impetus to the market growth. The liquid segment, on the other hand, holds a significant market share.  

Rapid Adoption of Calcium Propionate as a Food Preservative in Bakery Products

The bakery products segment dominates the market on account of increasing global consumption of bread and bakery products. The high-moisture content and airborne contamination encourage the growth of molds, causing food spoilage and foodborne diseases. The contamination cannot be eliminated, even after the adoption of higher hygienic standards. Changing climatic conditions and high storage temperatures accelerate the growth of mold in bakery products, further driving the demand for calcium propionate as a food preservative.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific: World’s Largest Consumer for Calcium Propionate 

Asia-Pacific’s calcium propionate market is currently in the growing phase and is expected to gain momentum during the forecast period. The development of the food industry in China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia are subsequently surging the demand for calcium propionate. Rapid economic development, changing consumer lifestyle, and increasing per capita income drives the regional market growth. Increasing awareness among the consumers regarding natural preservatives and safe food provides an impetus to the market growth. Apart from this, the increasing importance of calcium propionate in animal feed for enhanced nutritional value drives the market growth.

High Consumption of Bakery Products Drives Europe’s Market Growth

The demand for calcium propionate is growing at a steady pace across Europe on account of the higher consumption of bread and bakery products in the region. In Europe, the consumption of bread, cakes, assorted biscuits, patisserie, and other bakery products was estimated at nearly 55 million tons in 2018.

Calcium propionate is extensively used as a food additive as it improves the texture, volume, and shelf-life of bread and baked goods. Increasing consumption of sliced and wrapped bread in France and Germany is driving the adoption of calcium propionate. The region is also backed by the presence of leading players that are actively working to gain a competitive edge. The below-mentioned info-graph depicts the estimated market potential for the regions during the forecast period, 2020–2029.     

Recent Developments

• In March 2020, Niacet participated in the trade expo- Southern California IFT (Institute of Food Technologists) In Feb 2020, the company also attended the IPPE (International Production and Processing Expo)in Atlanta, to introduce its latest innovation.
• In January 2018, Kemin Industries, Inc. acquired its long-time distributor Agri-Marketing Corp for expanding its sales and manufacturing facilities in Canada  
• In Sept 2017, Addcon partnered with Blendtek Ingredients Inc. for the distribution of Addcon’s ammonium bicarbonate and calcium propionate. With the partnership, the company entered the North American market for the supply of the company’s unique baking products.

Calcium Propionate Market Segmentation

By Application

• Bakery Products
• Meat and Processed Meat
• Dairy Products
• Beverages
• Animal Feed

By Form

• Dry
  • Granules
  • Powder
  • Fine Powder
• Liquid

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• The Middle-East and Africa