Citric Acid`Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Function (Acidulant, Antioxidant, Preservative, Flavoring Agent), By Form (Anhydrous Citric Acid, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Liquid Citric Acid), By Source (Natural Citric Acid, Fermentation-based Citric Acid), By Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Industrial Applications, Others), By Distribution Chanel (Direct, Indirect) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Citric Acid Market Size

The global citric acid market size was valued at USD 3,626.11 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 3,776.95 million in 2025 to USD 5,232.99 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

Citric acid is a weak organic acid naturally found in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes. It is a colorless, crystalline compound with a sour taste and is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a preservative, acidulant, and flavor enhancer. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in metabolism as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), which is essential for energy production in living organisms. Beyond food applications, it is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning agents due to its chelating properties, which help remove metal ions and prevent oxidation. The acid is also employed in industrial processes, including water treatment, and as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cleaning chemicals.

The global market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand from the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. The rising preference for natural preservatives and acidulants has expanded citric acid usage in food processing, carbonated drinks, and dairy products. Additionally, citric acid’s role as a pH regulator and flavor enhancer has fueled its demand in confectionery and ready-to-eat food items. The pharmaceutical sector also significantly contributes to market growth, as citric acid is used in effervescent tablets, anticoagulants, and vitamin supplements. Furthermore, it is increasingly used in biodegradable cleaning products, replacing traditional harsh chemicals due to its eco-friendly and non-toxic nature.

Current Market Trends

Multi-functional excipient

Citric acid is the most versatile organic acid utilized across multiple end-use industries, particularly in food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. The compound's function lies in its exceptional capabilities for shelf-life enhancement, pH buffering, and providing flavor and tartness at levels higher than phosphoric, tartaric, and lactic acids.

• Citric Acid recognition as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) compound by the United States Department of Agriculture has cemented its position as a preferred ingredient across industries.

It can form complexes with metal ions; the acid's extraordinary adaptability also extends to its use as a chelating agent and chemical intermediate in various industrial applications, where it serves as a clotting agent, emulsifier, and cleaning agent. Additionally, Citric acid is often added to packaged food and drinks. It helps keep canned and jarred foods fresh over long periods. It prevents some kinds of fresh-cut produce, such as sliced apples, from turning brown.

Citric Acid Market Growth Factors

Rising preference for clean labels and natural ingredients

The global movement toward clean-label ingredients has become a basic consumer demand, forcing the food sector to prioritize these factors when developing new products. Growing consumer awareness of the harmful health effects of artificial food additives, such as flavorings, colorants, texturizers, fat substitutes, and sweeteners, is causing this change.

• According to a survey by Nielsen, 75% of global consumers say they are willing to pay more for food production, which promises clean label attributes, such as being free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Manufacturers increasingly obtain citric acid from plant-based sources, such as citrus fruits, vegetables, and microbial seeds, in response to the industry's extensive clean label need. Initiatives to promote organic components in food and beverage products have been started by several groups.

• For instance, TowardsHealthyEating was launched by Organic India in 2022 to promote healthy eating practices among children. Walmart and other large stores joined this effort by announcing plans to use their Sustainability Hub to promote natural preservatives by 2025 and to work with suppliers to eliminate certified synthetic additives from food goods.

Rising demand for eco-friendly cleaning agents

Environmental concerns drive the shift towards eco-friendly cleaning agents, and citric acid is crucial in this transformation. Traditional cleaning agents contain chemicals that can harm both humans and the environment. An efficient yet eco-friendly substitute is citric acid, a naturally occurring and biodegradable chemical. Both industrial and domestic cleaning solutions, including soaps, detergents, and surface cleansers, include it. Strict government prohibitions against hazardous cleaning agents and growing consumer awareness of sustainable living practices have also strengthened the demand for eco-friendly products. The market is expanding due to more manufacturers moving to clean products.

Restraining Factors

Pricing fluctuations and quality control

Pricing can fluctuate due to raw material costs, production capacity, and supply chain disruptions. Companies often adopt strategic pricing models to mitigate these fluctuations, ensuring stability in their offerings. Quality control is equally vital, as it is used in sensitive industries like food, beverages, and cosmetics. Rigorous testing and adherence to international standards are necessary to maintain consistency and safety. Companies focus on robust production processes and certifications to ensure high-quality, pure citric acid while managing costs and market dynamics.

• For instance, in April 2024, according to the global ingredient show, 95% of citric acid in Russia came from China. According to industry experts, the price of citric acid increased by 59 percent by November, from USD 0.71 to USD 1.13 per kilogram, and producers started to issue warnings about a possible scarcity. As a result, final product prices increased by at least 15% to 20%.

Market Opportunity

Innovations in production methods

The opportunities for innovation in citric acid production are emerging with bio-based methods and sustainable sourcing. Traditionally produced through fermentation processes using sugar, recent advancements focus on utilizing renewable resources like agricultural waste or plant-based feedstocks. Bio-based production methods reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon footprints, and support the shift toward more sustainable practices.

Additionally, sustainable sourcing ensures that raw materials are responsibly sourced, minimizing environmental impact. These innovations offer the potential for cost-effective, eco-friendly production, meeting the growing demand for natural ingredients in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics while promoting sustainability.

• By 2025, Russia's domestic citric acid demands will start to be satisfied, and imports will essentially cease to exist by 2027. The construction of the Citron (Voronezh region) and Organic Acids (Tula region) plants is underway.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific: Dominant region with robust market share

Asia-Pacific remains the most significant and fastest-growing global citric acid market region, fueled by an expanding food and beverage sector and rising industrial applications. The region’s rapid urbanization, increasing disposable income, and changing dietary patterns contribute to higher consumption of processed foods, soft drinks, and ready-to-eat meals—all of which use citric acid as a preservative and acidity regulator.

China, India, and Indonesia are major production hubs, benefiting from cost-effective manufacturing, easy access to raw materials, and well-established supply chains. China, in particular, is the world's largest citric acid producer and exporter, supplying a significant portion of the global market. Moreover, the region’s strong export network allows citric acid to reach international markets efficiently.

• According to Worldometers.info, Asia's population is estimated to account for 59.05% of the global population in 2024, growing at an annual rate of 0.96%. This demographic expansion is expected to drive long-term demand for citric acid in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care applications.

North America: Increasing demand and government support fuel market growth

The North American market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising consumer demand for processed foods, functional beverages, and eco-friendly cleaning products. The region's strict food safety regulations and growing preference for natural preservatives further boost market expansion.

The U.S. and Canadian governments have introduced policies promoting bio-based and sustainable ingredients in food and industrial applications. The USDA and FDA regulate citric acid applications in the food industry, ensuring high safety and quality standards. Growing concerns about synthetic additives have prompted manufacturers to shift toward organic and naturally derived citric acid, further supporting market expansion.

Several key players are investing in production capacity and innovation to cater to the growing demand. For instance, in April 2021, Jungbunzlauer announced the expansion of its citric acid plant in Port Colborne, Canada. This expansion aims to meet the rising global demand for citric acid and citrate-based functional ingredients in food, beverages, and personal care products.

Countries Insights

• United States: The U.S. market is driven by rising demand for organic preservatives, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, and pharmaceutical applications. In October 2024, U.S. citric acid exports amounted to $4.57 million, marking a 31.6% increase from October 2023, while imports stood at $38.9 million, resulting in a trade deficit of $34.3 million. This indicates rising domestic demand and a reliance on international suppliers.
• China: China accounts for nearly 70% of the global market, maintaining its position as the world’s largest exporter. In May 2023, Shandong Ensign Industry Co., Ltd. completed its 400,000 t/a refined citric acid project and announced plans to expand capacity to 600,000 t/a, reinforcing China’s dominance in citric acid production. China's extensive export network supplies key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, ensuring global availability of citric acid.
• India: India’s market is expanding due to the increasing consumption of processed foods, soft drinks, and pharmaceutical products. According to the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the food services sector contributes 1.9% of India's GDP. It is projected to grow from INR 5.69 trillion (USD 68 billion) in 2024 to INR 7.76 trillion (USD 92 billion) by 2028, at a CAGR of 8.1%. This rapid growth in the food and beverage industry fuels the demand for citric acid as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer.
• Brazil: Brazil’s market is expanding beyond food applications into industrial cleaning and homecare sectors. In January 2023, Univar Solutions Inc. and Dow extended their partnership in Brazil to introduce new products, such as ACUSOL and SupraCare, for homecare and industrial cleaning. This expansion reflects the increasing use of citric acid in eco-friendly cleaning and industrial applications, reducing reliance on harsh synthetic chemicals.
• Canada: Canada is emerging as a key player in the global market, supported by increasing production capacity and export potential. In April 2021, Jungbunzlauer announced plans to expand its citric acid plant in Port Colborne, Canada, to meet rising global demand for citrate-based functional ingredients. The expansion is set to enhance Canada's production capabilities, reducing North America's dependency on imports while strengthening its position in international markets.

Citric Acid Market Segmentation Analysis

By Function

Acidulant function segment holds the highest market share. Citric acid is extensively used as an acidulant in the food and beverage industry. This widespread use is due to citric acid's ability to impart tartness, enhance flavor profiles, and act as a preservative in various products, including carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and juices. The growing consumer demand for processed foods and beverages has further strengthened the acidulant segment's position in the market.

By Form

The anhydrous citric acid segment continues to dominate the global market. This segment's prominence is attributed to its extensive use in the pharmaceutical industry as a pharmaceutical excipient and a flavoring agent in beverages, including carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks. The powder form of citric acid has applications in combination with bicarbonates to create effervescent fizzing effects, which pharmacists particularly value. Additionally, In the pharmaceutical business, anhydrous citric acid is an essential component of tablets because it successfully covers up the taste of medicinal components. Its adaptability is a dry substitute for vinegar or lemon juice in dry foods such as flavoring powders, seasoning salts, and crunchy snacks.

By Application

The food and beverage segment continues to dominate the global citric acid market. This substantial market presence is driven by citric acid's versatile applications across various food and beverage products, where it serves as a crucial food acidulant, food preservative, and food additive. Citric acid is used in carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and juices to impart tartness and maintain pH balance. The position of this segment has been further reinforced by the rising customer demand for processed foods, ready-to-drink beverages, and natural preservatives. Furthermore, citric acid is essential to the food and beverage sector because it improves flavor profiles, extends shelf life, and functions as an antioxidant in food products.

Source: Straits Research 

By Distribution Channel

The direct sales model is expected to dominate the market, capturing the largest revenue share. This approach allows manufacturers to bypass intermediaries and sell directly to customers through dedicated websites, retail stores, and business-to-business (B2B) channels. By streamlining the supply chain, manufacturers can reduce costs, maintain better control over pricing, and enhance customer relationships. Additionally, direct sales provide businesses with valuable consumer insights, enabling them to customize offerings, improve product quality, and respond swiftly to market demands.

Company Market Share

The Citric Acid market is fragmented due to numerous global and regional players across various industries. The market boasts a dynamic competitive landscape featuring well-established companies and emerging players. A trend is the consolidation of larger firms acquiring smaller competitors to expand their product offerings and strengthen their market presence. Additionally, strategic partnerships, collaborations, and business expansions are rising as businesses look to pool resources and foster innovation. Even with the fierce rivalry, there are plenty of openings for new competitors who can fill gaps in the market or offer unique value.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM): An emerging player in the market

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a human and animal nutrition company based in Chicago, Illinois, the US. Its product portfolio includes natural flavors and colors, health and nutrition products, vegetable oils, corn sweeteners, flour, animal feed, and biofuels. The company's acidulants leverage expertise in sourcing plant-based ingredients. AMD produces, transports, processes, stores, and merchandises agricultural products, commodities, and ingredients. The company uses oilseeds, corn, wheat, and other agricultural commodities to make food and beverage ingredients and other products. The business transports, stores, and cleans agricultural products such as corn, wheat, oilseeds, barley, oats, and milo. ADM also provides services like logistics, transportation, and farmer services. It operates in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

Recent Developments

• March 2024- During the Food Ingredients China 2024 event in Shanghai, Shandong Ensign Industry Co., Ltd. recognized UTS for achieving "TOP 3 sales of citric acid in Russia," underscoring their strong market presence in the region.

Analyst Opinion

As per our analyst, the global citric acid market has been experiencing steady growth due to its wide-ranging applications in food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning products. As a natural preservative and flavor enhancer, citric acid is in high demand across the global food industry. The increasing preference for natural ingredients and the shift towards healthier alternatives drive the market expansion.

Furthermore, citric acid’s use in various industries, such as personal care and household cleaning, is contributing to its rising consumption. Geographically, the Asia Pacific region leads in production and consumption, with significant growth expected from emerging economies due to industrialization and urbanization.