Glucose Syrup Market

Market Overview

The global glucose syrup market size was valued at USD 3.81 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 6.18 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.54% during the forecast period (2024–2032). In recent years, there has been a rise in the consumption of chocolate and confectioners owing to the joy they provide. Glucose syrup, a mandatory component of these products, is estimated to experience an increased demand, thereby boosting the global market growth. Moreover, as people worldwide are becoming more health-conscious, there is a rise in the demand for low-sugar and sugar-free glucose syrup, which is estimated to present lucrative opportunities for market players to innovate different products.

Glucose syrup is a sweet, thick liquid created from the hydrolysis of starch, typically corn, wheat, or potatoes. During hydrolysis, enzymes break down the starch molecules into simpler sugars, predominantly glucose. This process results in a viscous syrup with a high glucose concentration, making it a popular sweetening agent in food production.

Glucose syrup is commonly used in various food products such as candies, baked goods, soft drinks, and processed foods to improve sweetness, texture, and shelf life. Its ability to prevent crystallization and retain moisture makes it valuable in confectionery and baking. However, excessive consumption of glucose syrup, particularly its high-fructose variants, has been associated with health concerns like obesity and diabetes.

Highlights

• Food-grade dominates the grade segment
• Wine dominates the application segment
• Asia-Pacific is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Glucose Syrup Market Drivers

Rapidly Growing Consumption of Sugar and Chocolate Confectionary 

The confectionery industry is experiencing significant global expansion, especially among adults. This is due to the key industry participants' growing quantity of product advancements. The manufacturers are conducting trials with novel varieties of confectionery to enhance their revenue in both the local market and globally. In sugar-based confectionery, the essential components are glucose syrups, sucrose, and inverted sugars.

The success of these products in the marketplace is also influenced by consumers' psychological and historical connections to them. As per the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), chocolate immediately brings joy and comfort and helps alleviate negative moods or unpleasant emotions. During the new year, Christmas, and Valentine's Week, there is a significant increase in demand for traditional attachments such as chocolate and other sugar products. This is due to the growing trend of presenting confectionery products as gifts to loved ones. Hence, increasing sugar and chocolate confectionery consumption will drive market expansion.

Glucose Syrup Market Restraint

Health Concerns and Regulatory Challenges 

The glucose syrup market is significantly restrained by climbing health concerns and stringent regulatory measures. The public's knowledge of the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption is growing, as is the need for healthier substitutes. These health risks include obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA and WHO advocate for reduced sugar intake and have implemented guidelines and regulations to limit sugar content in food and beverages. Moreover, several countries have introduced sugar taxes to curb consumption. These regulatory challenges are compelling manufacturers to reformulate products and comply with health standards, which can be costly and complex. Such measures are expected to slow down the market growth for glucose syrup as consumers and producers shift towards healthier, low-sugar alternatives.

Glucose Syrup Market Opportunities

Innovation in Low-Sugar and Sugar-Free Products 

The shift towards healthier eating habits allows glucose syrup manufacturers to innovate and develop low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives. The market can capitalize on the growing trend of health-conscious consumers who prefer products with reduced sugar content. Thus, the demand for natural and alternative sweeteners is rising, and manufacturers investing in research and development of healthier glucose syrup variants stand to gain a competitive edge and launch low-sugar glucose syrups to meet client demand and enhance their market standing.

For instance, in November 2020, Ingredion, an American business specializing in glucose-related products, launched a low-sugar glucose syrup that is both stable and delicious. The low-sugar glucose syrup is manufactured using maize as a catalyst. Moreover, the company would provide these steady, sugary, low-sugar glucose syrups in various items, such as chewy candies, lollipops, hard-boiled candy, jellies, and gummies. This enhances the color and stability of the final product, reducing stickiness and the formation of sugar crystals. Such advancements are anticipated to create opportunities for market growth.

Regional Analysis

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

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global glucose syrup market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing robust growth in the glucose syrup market, propelled by the rapid development of the food and beverage industry, increasing urbanization, and rising disposable incomes. This region is emerging as a significant market due to its large and increasing population, which drives the demand for processed foods and beverages. The shift towards Western dietary habits and the expansion of retail chains further contribute to market growth.

China's glucose syrup market dominates the regional market, thanks to its massive consumer base and booming food and beverage industry. The nation's rapid economic growth has led to increased consumer spending power, resulting in higher demand for convenience foods, confectioneries, and soft drinks, all of which extensively use glucose syrup. For instance, in August 2022, the China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA) released a report stating that China's prepared food market experienced a year-on-year growth of 24.1% in 2021, reaching around 310 billion yuan (approximately ¥6.2 trillion). The report also indicated that the market will grow at a rate of over 20% per year, reaching approximately 830 billion yuan (approximately ¥16.6 trillion) by 2025, highlighting the potential for glucose syrup market expansion.

The Indian glucose syrup market is driven by its massive food processing sector, which is one of the largest in the world, and government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana aim to boost food processing capabilities, indirectly fostering glucose syrup market growth. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry in India, a major consumer of glucose syrup, is witnessing significant expansion. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, India's pharmaceutical market is expected to reach USD 100 billion by 2025, indicating a substantial demand for glucose syrup in pharmaceutical formulations.

Consequently, all these factors are estimated to boost the Asia-Pacific glucose syrup market growth.

The North American glucose syrup market is a prominent segment of the global market, driven by the region's well-established F&B industry and increasing demand for convenience foods. The market is characterized by high consumer awareness and stringent regulatory standards that impact production and consumption patterns.

The United States glucose syrup market is robust and continues to grow, fueled by the high consumption of processed and ready-to-eat foods. Approximately 70% of the American diet consists of processed foods, which often contain glucose syrup. The presence of major players such as Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland Company further strengthens the market. The pharmaceutical industry's expansion, which utilizes glucose syrup in various formulations, also contributes to the market's growth. However, increasing health awareness and regulatory efforts to curb sugar intake poses challenges that manufacturers must navigate through innovation and product diversification.

Canada's glucose syrup market, though smaller in scale than the US, exhibits steady growth driven by similar factors, including a robust food processing industry and rising demand for convenience foods. The Canadian market benefits from stringent quality standards and a strong focus on health and nutrition, encouraging manufacturers to innovate with healthier alternatives and low-sugar variants. The confectionery and bakery sectors are significant contributors to market demand, with glucose syrup being a preferred ingredient due to its functional properties. According to Statista, Canada's Confectionery market is expected to experience a growth rate of 3.82% between 2024 and 2028, reaching a market volume of USD 8.41 billion by 2028. This is expected to boost the regional market growth.

Thus, the factors above are estimated to boost the North American glucose syrup market.

Segmental Analysis

The global glucose syrup market is bifurcated into grade, source, and application.

Based on grade, the global glucose syrup market is segmented into food, pharmaceutical, industrial, and other grades. 

The food-grade segment held the largest market share. The food-grade segment of the glucose syrup market is the largest and most significant, driven by its high use in the food and beverage industry. Food-grade glucose syrup is a key ingredient in confectionery, bakery products, beverages, and dairy items. Its properties, such as providing sweetness, enhancing flavor, improving texture, and extending shelf life, make it indispensable in these applications. The rising need for convenience foods and ready-to-eat products has further propelled the consumption of food-grade glucose syrup.

Moreover, the rising trend of consuming on-the-go snacks and the increasing popularity of sweetened beverages contribute to the segment's growth. The food grade segment also benefits from ongoing innovations, including the development of healthier and low-sugar formulations to meet consumer preferences and regulatory standards.

Based on the source, the global glucose syrup market is bifurcated into corn, wheat, potatoes, and others.

The corn segment of the glucose syrup market is pivotal, accounting for a significant share of the industry's revenue. Corn is the primary source of glucose syrup production due to its abundance, cost-effectiveness, and high starch content. The United States, China, and Brazil are among the leading producers of corn, contributing substantially to the global supply chain. The corn segment's growth is further bolstered by the efficient extraction and refining processes that yield high-quality glucose syrup suitable for various applications in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors.

Moreover, advancements in corn cultivation techniques and genetic engineering have enhanced crop yields, ensuring a steady supply of raw material for glucose syrup production. The corn segment's resilience and adaptability to market dynamics make it a cornerstone of the glucose syrup industry, driving innovation and sustainable growth.

Based on application, the global glucose syrup market is bifurcated into sweetening agents, wine, and others. 

The wine segment dominates the highest market share. Glucose syrup is increasingly used in the wine industry, particularly during fermentation. It acts as a fermentable sugar source, aiding yeast in changing sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This addition can enhance the wine's body, texture, and sweetness balance, especially in wines requiring a higher residual sugar content, such as dessert wines. Moreover, glucose syrup can help stabilize the wine, preventing crystallization and improving shelf life. Its use allows winemakers to control the fermentation process more precisely, ensuring consistent quality and flavor profiles. Glucose syrup is particularly valuable in regions with variable grape quality, providing a reliable sugar source to achieve desired alcohol levels and flavor consistency across different vintages.

Recent Developments

• October 2023- Meijer supermarkets started offering Wholesome Yum's Zero Sugar Maple Syrup. Maya Krampf, a campaigner for nutritious eating and sugar reduction, initially established Wholesome Yum as a platform for simple and healthy recipes with ten or fewer ingredients. She later expanded the brand to include a range of products that are completely free of sugar.
• May 2023- Ciranda introduced a new range of syrups with lower sugar content for consumers. According to the company, the available flavors of reduced-sugar syrup are agave and tapioca, which can be used as alternatives to standard syrups.

Analyst’s Perspective

As per our research analyst, glucose syrup remains an essential component in the food sector, with its adaptability and functionality driving its widespread use. The industry’s ability to innovate and respond to consumer trends will be key to navigating the challenges and leveraging the opportunities in this market landscape. Also, the advancements in biotechnology and production processes have enhanced the quality and functionality of glucose syrup. The push towards sustainable and non-GMO products offers a significant opportunity for innovation in the production processes of glucose syrup.