Citrus Pectin Market Report

In the application segment, citrus pectin not only leads the market for the food industry but also increases market share in cosmetics. The thinning and gelling properties of pectin allow for better textures in cosmetic products, from serums to creams. There is a rapid rise in the vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics market. Citrus pectin, as a botanical component, meets the needs of this increasing desire. Progress in extraction and processing methods is resulting in the manufacture of more effective citrus pectin ingredients with enhanced capabilities for use in cosmetics.

For example, ‘GENU pHresh’ is the pectin derived from citrus peel that is obtained from renewable natural sources and is a key ingredient in cosmetic products manufactured by CP Kelco U.S., Inc. which manufactures products like lotions and creams, shaving products, sun care, hair care, and deodorant products that offer a soothing effect on the skin. Apart from that, advances in technology for extracting and purifying citrus pectin are making it possible to create high-quality citrus pectin with enhanced functionality and performance. In addition, the growing trend towards natural and clean-label ingredients further drives the application of citrus pectin in the cosmetic industry.

The side effects and consumer preference for citrus pectin hamper market growth for the citrus pectin market. In consumer preference, few consumers are allergic to citrus-derived products, so such consumers are unable to consume foods made up of citrus pectin as a major ingredient. As per the analysis conducted in Europe by the NIH, it provides data that concludes the lifetime prevalence of citrus fruit self-reported food allergies was highest at 18.1%, while the point prevalence of chocolate was 10.1%. In addition to that, studies have shown that pectin can bind to beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A found in many fruits and vegetables. This binding can reduce the amount of beta-carotene the body absorbs during digestion.

The production of citrus fruit relies on pectin; therefore, fluctuations in raw material prices during different seasons can lead to increased expenses. Moreover, because pectin is expensive, consumers and end-user industries are turning to hydrocolloids. The increased accessibility of gelatin, which offers greater nutritional advantages, is predicted to hinder market expansion. Pectin substitutes that offer similar or improved nutritional benefits at competitive prices provide a financially feasible alternative for end-user sectors while hampering market expansion.

Major players in the market utilize marketing strategies focused on introducing new products, merging with others, and purchasing additional businesses to grow their customer base and broaden their product offerings. In January 2024, H&F Italy S.r.l. was established in Milan in late 2023. The Italian market will be represented by the subsidiary on behalf of the H&F Group starting in 2024. This will further strengthen the relationship between the H&F Group and Italian customers. Moreover, in January 2023, Fiberstar, Inc., a leader in citrus fiber innovation, introduced the Citri-Fi 400 series, a new line of organic citrus fibers. Responding to the growing demand for natural and sustainable food ingredients, these fibers are derived from the citrus juicing process and offer both insoluble and soluble fibers. With its native pectin intact, Citri-Fi 400 enhances texture, stability, and nutrition across a wide range of food and beverages, including bakery items, dairy products, sauces, and plant-based foods.

Furthermore, in March 2022, CP Kelco U.S., Inc., an established nature-based ingredient solutions company, and food ingredient startup Shiru, Inc. introduced a new collaboration to boost the path to a sustainable food system by discovering and developing next-generation plant-based proteins with precision fermentation technology.

Europe maintains a dominant position in the citrus pectin market. Europe has a rich food processing history and a solid foundation. This results in a significant need for pectin as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent in a range of food items such as jams, jellies, yogurts, and confectioneries. European consumers are becoming more health-focused and place importance on using natural ingredients. Pectin is an ideal choice, being a natural thickener extracted from citrus fruits. This demand for pectin in Europe is influenced by consumer preference. Additionally, CP Kelco in Großenbrode and Cargill in Malchin possess some of the most advanced pectin manufacturing facilities globally. Sophisticated manufacturing processes enable the pectin industry to swiftly and adaptably meet customer demands. Germany's food processing sector utilizes both high-value, heavily processed components and low-value, minimally processed components.

Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to experience the most rapid growth in the global citrus pectin market throughout the predicted time frame. According to the National Health Commission, the use of pectin in China is regulated by Regulation GB 2760-2024, which states that there are no set maximum levels for pectin usage in foods and that it can be used without limitations. Therefore, it defines the approved varieties of food additives, their permissible uses in various food groups, and establishes the highest allowable levels of utilization. This guarantees the safety of food and protects consumers. This regulatory framework further strengthens the demand for citrus pectin.

The need for pectin is expected to increase because pectin is used as a natural texturizer in creams, oils, and ointments. Because of the influence of luxurious lifestyles and a strong interest in fashion in the primary and secondary cities of China, women are paying more attention to the effectiveness of skincare products. This has increased the need for pectin, which serves as a skin-friendly thickener and stabilizer in skincare by helping to stabilize suspensions, emulsions, and foams.