Fructose Market

Market Overview

The global fructose market size was valued at USD 6.3 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 10.47 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Fructose is classified as a monosaccharide, which is a specific type of sugar. Fructose provides four calories per gram, just like other sugars. Fructose is also known as 'fruit sugar' because it is the main sugar found naturally in many types of fruit. It occurs naturally in various plant-based foods, which include honey, sugar beet, sugar cane, and vegetables.

Fructose is also present in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a common ingredient in carbonated beverages, sweetened beverages, confectionery, processed baked goods, and condiments. Fructose, a naturally occurring carbohydrate, possesses the highest degree of sweetness among all naturally derived carbohydrates. It exhibits a sweetness intensity ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 times greater than sucrose, commonly known as table sugar.

Market Dynamics

Global Fructose Market Drivers:

Increasing Demand in Food and Beverages Industry

The product's low glycaemic index (GI) compared to table sugar is expected to stimulate its demand in the food and beverages sector. Fructose's physical and chemical properties make it especially attractive to the food sector. It is hygroscopic, i.e., it attracts water, promotes condensation, and is very soluble at low temperatures. This makes it an excellent humidifying ingredient for bakery products, biscuits, and confectionery, driving the market growth.

Fruit sugars are used to manufacture nutrition bars, soft, moist biscuits, low-calorie snacks, and other products. Low glycaemic carbohydrate foods can be beneficial for those with diabetes, as they can help to prevent blood sugar levels from spiking. Sugar-sweetened beverages, encompassing carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, fruit-based beverages, and sports and energy drinks, represent the diet's primary contributor of added sugars. There are opportunities for market expansion as fructose can be incorporated into functional products such as energy drinks, sports nutrition, and dietary supplements.

Technological Advancements

Technological improvements have enhanced fructose production processes, making them more cost-effective and scalable. Modern enzymatic and microbial processes have been developed to convert glucose to fructose, leading to higher yields and reduced production costs. In addition, technological advancements have been made in the manufacturing processes of various fructose derivatives, including crystalline fructose and high fructose syrup. This diversification broadened the range of applications in food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

Global Fructose Market Restraint:

Health Implications

Some individuals have trouble absorbing fructose in large doses, while others cannot absorb any fructose at all. It is advised that those affected keep an eye on or restrict their intake of fructose and avoid it entirely in the case of the uncommon genetic disorder known as hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). Individuals with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) are advised to abstain from consuming food items and drinks that contain fructose, sucrose, or the sugar alcohol sorbitol due to their inability to metabolize these sugars. Some areas govern fructose consumption by legal requirements and limitations.

Market expansion might be hampered by government regulations pertaining to using and labeling products containing fructose. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) can potentially induce gastrointestinal discomforts, like gas and bloating, due to its ability to serve as a nutrient source for the endogenous gut bacteria responsible for gas production. One effective strategy for reducing gas production in the body is to refrain from consuming food items that contain substantial quantities of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Instead, it is recommended to choose beverages such as 100% fruit juice and water.

Global Fructose Market Opportunities:

Rising Health Awareness and Emerging Application in Pharmaceuticals Industry

Fructose is less toxic, does not cause weight gain, and can be extracted in crystalline and liquid forms. In this regard, the market has been growing due to the increase in consumer preference for low-calorie, low-fat, and low-sugar processed foods. It is also a substitute for white sugar in daily diets to maintain physical fitness, which is projected to drive market growth. Based on their capacity to increase blood sugar levels, carbohydrates are grouped according to the glycaemic index (G.I.). It has since gained popularity as a method of choosing foods to lower the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, fructose exhibits a comparatively diminished Glycaemic Index (GI). Glucose has a glycemic index (GI) value of 100, while fructose exhibits a GI value of 25. Research has shown that consuming low-glycaemic index foods can facilitate weight reduction and effectively control type 2 diabetes. In light of this observation, the fructose market is predicted to grow substantially over the projected period. Fructose is finding potential applications in pharmaceutical compositions and personal care products such as skincare and oral care. These emerging applications represent new opportunities for the market to grow.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global fructose market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global fructose market shareholder and is predicted to grow significantly during the forecast period. The North American region accounted for over 50% of the global market due to key players' presence and packaged food and beverages consumption in the US and Canada. Regarding their metabolism and health effects, there is controversy and confusion about fructose, sucrose, and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). These concerns have often resulted from speculation based on limited data or animal studies.

In addition, the industry's growth has been facilitated by the widespread consumption of packaged beverages in the region, including juices, sports drinks, and carbonated soft drinks. Nevertheless, there is an observable trend among consumers in this region towards adopting organic products, which is anticipated to potentially exert a detrimental influence on product demand.

Europe is expected to expand at a significant rate over the forecast period. The United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain collectively possess the most significant market share within this particular region. There is a trend in health consciousness promoting fructose as a healthier alternative to traditional sugars. The European food and beverages industry is expanding, providing lucrative opportunities for fructose applications in functional foods. However, various regulations and guidelines regarding its use, labeling, and safety may hinder its growth in the region.

The Asia-Pacific region represents lucrative growth opportunities for the fructose market over the forecast period. Fructose is becoming more affordable due to rising healthcare investment by the major players in the Asia-Pacific region. This will bring up new business opportunities in the region that manufactures and distribute fructose. Asia-Pacific is undergoing rapid urbanization and changing consumer lifestyles, leading to changes in dietary preferences. The demand for convenience foods and beverages has also increased along with the growth of the urban population. Fructose is a versatile sweetener to satisfy changing consumer preferences in various processed foods, drinks, and snacks. Fructose is used as a sweetener in various processed foods to enhance taste and extend shelf life, contributing to the growth of the fructose market.

Segmental Analysis

The global fructose market is bifurcated into product and application.

Based on the product, the global fructose market is divided into high fructose corn syrup, fructose syrups, and fructose solids. 

The high fructose corn syrup segment is the highest contributor to the market share and is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. High fructose corn syrup is becoming increasingly popular with consumers due to its ability to improve the quality, taste, texture, and color of various foods, beverages, and syrups. High fructose syrup is usually preferred by producers because of its liquid state, making it cheaper to produce than other sweeteners. It has been found that the sweetener's price doubles when table sugar is used instead of high fructose syrup in soft drinks.

Based on application, the global fructose market is divided into food and beverages, dairy products, confectionery, bakery and cereals, pharmaceuticals, and others.

The food and beverages segment owns the largest market share and is anticipated to expand significantly during the forecast period. Fructose is used as a sweetener in the food and beverage industry for juices, creams, energy drinks, soft drinks, and coffee. The growing consumption of coffee globally is also facilitating this segment's market growth. Prominent corporations that incorporate fructose in their products encompass Coca-Cola, Tropicana, Pepsi, and additional entities involved in the production of concentrates. In addition, the processed food industry is undergoing rapid innovation and development. The segment's market growth is likely driven by the increasing popularity of snacks, desserts, meals, and bakery products during the forecast period.

Recent Developments

• November 2022- Nestlé announced its intention to implement a comprehensive global prohibition on advertising targeting individuals under 16 for specific high-sugar products (effective July 2023). In the interim, the European Club of Childhood Dieticians (CEDE) has issued a call to action regarding Nutri-Score, in light of findings from a study published in Nutrients. The study indicates that products labeled with D and E on the Nutri-Score scale fall below the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for ultra-processed foods.