The global calcium propionate market was estimated to be valued at USD 340.71 million in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 580.52 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.10% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The global calcium propionate market is driven by its growing demand from the bakery industry, which is widely utilized as a mold inhibitor. Moreover, calcium propionate is a highly safe compound recognized by several regulatory authorities for its safety. The growing consumer awareness of using such safe substances in their food products further augments the market expansion.
Calcium propionate is a preservative categorized as a food additive. Calcium propionate is represented by the chemical formula Ca(C2H5COO)2 and is the compound formed by combining calcium with propionic acid. Calcium propionate functions as a preservative by impeding the proliferation of molds and certain bacteria in food products. It exhibits considerable efficacy against molds frequently encountered in bread and other baked products.
Calcium propionate is identified on food product ingredient labels by its specific name, "calcium propionate," or by its assigned E number, E282. It is frequently employed in a range of bakery products, including bread, rolls, and cakes, to inhibit mold growth and prolong the products' shelf life. In addition to its food applications, calcium propionate can also be utilized in animal feed to inhibit the proliferation of mold in feedstuffs.
Bakery products are significant consumers of calcium propionate due to their susceptibility to deterioration caused by mold and bacteria. Calcium propionate is a preservative in bakery products such as bread, cakes, pastries, pies, and muffins to increase their shelf life and preserve freshness and quality. Moreover, the global bakery products market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2032, as stated in a report by Straits Research. This growth can be attributed to shifting consumer preferences, rising disposable income, and urbanization. The increasing consumer demand for baked goods is anticipated to drive the demand for calcium propionate as a preservative.
Consumers are becoming more aware and conscientious regarding the safety and cleanliness of their food products. They seek natural and organic food products devoid of detrimental chemicals and additives. The Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have classified calcium propionate as a safe and natural ingredient.
Additionally, it has received approval from the World Health Organization (WHO), Codex Alimentarius, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Calcium propionate does not impact the taste, color, or texture of food products, and it does not negatively impact human health. As a result, manufacturers and consumers favor calcium propionate as a food preservative, propelling the expansion of the global market.
Calcium propionate encounters competition from alternative food preservatives, including sodium propionate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and parabens. The advantages and disadvantages of these preservatives compared to calcium propionate vary based on the food products' specific type, quality, and intended use. For example, sodium propionate has more solubility and efficacy than calcium propionate under acidic conditions. Potassium sorbate demonstrates superior effectiveness against yeast and molds compared to calcium propionate. Similarly, sodium benzoate displays greater efficacy against bacteria than calcium propionate.
Furthermore, prominent corporations are introducing novel and environmentally friendly substitutes for calcium propionate. For instance, in July 2023, the food technology startup BioVeritas, LLC, introduced a mold inhibitor with a clean label at IFT FIRST, the Institute of Food Technologists' annual meeting. The ingredient, derived from cultured vegetable oil, is produced using a unique upcycling method. It serves as a substitute for calcium propionate in baked food products without causing significant changes in texture or flavor. Hence, the presence of alternative options could impede the expansion of the calcium propionate market.
Calcium propionate has many purposes, functioning as both a preservative in human food products and as a source of calcium and a mold inhibitor in animal feed. Calcium propionate enhances well-being, milk production, and egg quality in animals. It also hinders mold and bacteria proliferation, preventing the spoiling and wasting of animal feed. The growing need for animal feed is anticipated to generate opportunities for the calcium propionate market.
With the global population experiencing exponential expansion, there is an associated increase in meat consumption on a global scale. FAO forecasts indicate that the worldwide consumption of chicken, pigmeat, beef, and sheep meat is projected to rise by 15%, 11%, 10%, and 15% by 2032, respectively. Moreover, there is expected to be a 2% rise in global meat consumption per person. The need for dietary supplements like calcium propionate has grown dramatically along with the rise in meat consumption. This is because calcium propionate is essential for improving animal well-being and output.
| Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 6.1% |
| Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 340.71 million |
| Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 580.52 million |
| Largest Market | Asia-Pacific | Fastest Growing Market | NA |
Based on region, the global calcium propionate market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
Asia-Pacific is the most significant global calcium propionate market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The region is witnessing rapid growth in the calcium propionate market due to a growing population, urbanization, more disposable income, and a rising demand for bakery products. According to the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific area is home to 60% of the world's population, more than 4.3 billion people. Similarly, according to the World Bank Data, the East Asia and Pacific region is seeing the fastest rate of urbanization worldwide, with an average annual urbanization rate of 3 percent. Moreover, as per the United Nations, the urban population in Asia is estimated to witness a 50% surge, equivalent to an extra 1.2 billion people, by the year 2050. The growing urbanization of this vast population has resulted in the adoption of Western lifestyles.
Furthermore, the fast-paced nature of urban life is commonly linked to busy schedules, which is predicted to increase demand for baked products in this region. This will enhance the growth of the calcium propionate market. Moreover, the hot and humid climate commonly seen in emerging nations such as India and China can lead to the deterioration of animal feed due to the favorable conditions it provides for mold growth. Consequently, this is expected to boost the need for calcium propionate in these places. According to the All-India Weather Summary and Forecast bulletin published by the India Meteorological Department, a significant number of regions in India, notably 22 states and Union Territories, experienced higher than usual maximum temperatures in April 2023. These factors are expected to enhance the expansion of the regional market.
In North America, calcium propionate has a sizable customer base due to the region's high consumption of processed and packaged foods, especially bakery items. The United States is the dominant nation in the region, given its status as one of the world's top manufacturers and consumers of bakery products. According to Statista, people in the United States consume a substantial amount of bread yearly. The bread consumption in the United States totals 6.64 billion kilos, equivalent to 19.84 kg per person. Apart from bread, Americans consume a substantial quantity of cake and pastry products, specifically 8.6 billion kilograms in 2022.
Furthermore, the North American region is experiencing substantial growth due to increasing meat consumption. According to a report given by Statista, North America had the highest per capita meat consumption from 2020 to 2022, averaging 78.6 kg per person. Moreover, there is a persistent commitment to conducting cutting-edge research in animal nutrition to maximize animal output and improve feed compositions. The adoption of these innovative approaches and the region's commitment to technological advancement strengthen the market acceptability of products like calcium propionate, thereby solidifying North America's prominent position in the market.
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The global calcium propionate market is segmented by form and application.
Based on form, the global calcium propionate market is divided into dry and liquid calcium propionate.
The dry calcium propionate segment owns the highest market share. The dry segment dominates the market since food manufacturers like the dry form of calcium propionate due to its convenience and easy integration into flour. The dry form is also more stable and productive than its liquid counterpart. Moreover, the market for dry calcium propionate is experiencing substantial growth due to its utilization in many goods, including icing sugar, and its ability to be integrated into dairy products. Calcium propionate, in the form of fine powder, encourages business growth.
Based on application, the global calcium propionate market is segmented into bakery products, dairy products, meat and processed meat, beverages, animal feed, and others.
The bakery segment dominates the global market. The bakery products segment is dominant due to the increasing global demand for bread and bakery products. The presence of excessive moisture and airborne pollutants promotes the proliferation of molds, leading to the deterioration of food quality and the occurrence of foodborne illnesses. The contamination persists despite the use of enhanced hygienic standards. Mold growth in bakery products is expedited by changing climatic conditions and high storage temperatures, increasing the need for calcium propionate as a food preservative. Calcium propionate acts not only as a preservative but also as a dough conditioner. It can augment the potency and flexibility of the dough, thus enhancing the texture and structure of the ultimate baked product.
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