Organic Acids Market by Type (Acetic Acid, Citric Acid, Formic Acid, Lactic Acid, Propionic Acid), Application (Food & Beverages, Feed, Industrial, Pharmaceutical, Agriculture), Source, Form, Function, and Region - Global Forecast to 2030

The organic acids market is estimated to be valued at USD 15.15 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 19.54 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. The market’s expansion is driven by rising demand for natural, bio-based, and clean-label ingredients, particularly in the food, beverage, and animal nutrition sectors. Growing consumer awareness of health and sustainability, coupled with the shift toward eco-friendly manufacturing processes, is propelling adoption globally. Moreover, technological innovations, such as bio-fermentation and circular production models, along with supportive regulatory frameworks in regions like Europe and North America, are enhancing market growth. As companies increasingly invest in low-carbon and renewable production methods, the organic acids industry is emerging as a key enabler of sustainable growth and innovation within the broader bio-based chemicals landscape.

“The livestock application segment is estimated to witness a significant share during the forecast period.”

The livestock segment is projected to have a significant share in the global organic acids market, driven by their extensive use as feed acidifiers, preservatives, and performance enhancers in animal nutrition. Organic acids such as formic, lactic, citric, and propionic acids play a crucial role in maintaining optimal gut health, improving nutrient absorption, and preventing microbial contamination in feed. The market is witnessing strategic advancements and product innovations aimed at supporting antibiotic-free and sustainable animal production. In January 2025, Cargill Incorporated launched a new organic-acid-based feed additive in the Asia Pacific region to enhance poultry gut health and feed efficiency. Similarly, in June 2024, Kemin Industries introduced FORMYL™, an advanced acidifier combining encapsulated calcium formate and citric acid to reduce pathogen load in swine. These developments highlight the pivotal role of organic acids in promoting animal performance, feed quality, and overall livestock productivity.

“The dry formulation segment is estimated to maintain robust growth.”

Dry forms of organic acids are gaining strong preference across food, feed, and agriculture applications due to their extended shelf life, ease of handling, and excellent compatibility with automated manufacturing and feeding systems. Their solid-state stability minimizes contamination risks, making them well-suited for integration into smart and closed-loop production environments. This demand is particularly high in the bakery, confectionery, and processed food industries, where dry organic acids help maintain product freshness, enhance flavor, and ensure microbial stability without the need for synthetic preservatives. Additionally, the dry form supports cost-effective storage and transportation, eliminating the need for specialized cold chains and improving logistical efficiency. As the global shift toward natural, clean-label, and sustainable ingredients accelerates, the dry organic acids segment is poised for steady growth. Technological advancements in encapsulation and controlled-release formulations are further enhancing their effectiveness, driving adoption across diverse sectors seeking efficient, stable, and eco-friendly solutions for food preservation and feed enhancement.

“Europe is estimated to grow at the second-highest CAGR in the organic acids market.”

Europe is estimated to grow at the second-highest CAGR in the global organic acids market during the forecast period, driven by expanding industrial applications, a strong focus on sustainability, and increased investments in bio-based chemical production. Major European players, such as BASF SE and Corbion N.V., are leading this transformation through innovations in low-carbon and circular manufacturing. BASF’s launch of Propionic Acid ZeroPCF in September 2022, featuring a cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of zero, underscores the region’s commitment to renewable raw materials and energy. Similarly, Corbion’s circular lactic acid plant in Thailand, announced by its Netherlands-based parent company, reflects Europe’s technological leadership in developing low-emission production models. The growing demand for organic acids in food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries, coupled with supportive policies under the European Green Deal, is propelling the region’s transition toward sustainable production. Additionally, the shift from petrochemical to fermentation-based processes positions Europe as a hub for eco-efficient organic acid manufacturing, solidifying its role as a key contributor to the market’s global expansion.

In-depth interviews were conducted with chief executive officers (CEOs), directors, and other executives from various key organizations operating in the organic acids market:

• By Company Type: Tier 1 - 25%, Tier 2 - 45%, and Tier 3 - 30%
• By Designation: Directors – 20%, Managers - 50%, Executives - 30%
• By Region: North America - 25%, Europe - 30%, Asia Pacific - 20%, South America - 15%, and Rest of the World (Middle East and Africa) - 10%

Prominent companies in the market include BASF SE (Germany), Cargill, Incorporated (US), Archer Daniels Midland Company (US), Celanese Corporation (US), Eastman Chemical Company (US), Corbion (Netherlands), Tate & Lyle PLC (UK), Koninklijke DSM N.V. (Netherlands), Henan Jindan Lactic Acid Technology Co., Ltd. (China), Myriant Corporation (US), Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG (Switzerland), and The Dow Chemical Company (US).

Research Coverage

This research report categorizes the organic acids market by type (acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, and others), application (food & beverages, feed, pharmaceutical, industrial, and agriculture), source (bio-based and synthetic), form (dry and liquid), function (acidulant, preservative, flavor enhancer, antioxidants, and pH control agents), and region. The scope of the report covers detailed information regarding the major factors, such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities, influencing the growth of the organic acids market. A detailed analysis of the key industry players has been done to provide insights into their business overview, solutions, and services; key strategies; contracts, partnerships, and agreements. The study includes new product & service launches, mergers & acquisitions, and recent developments associated with the organic acids market. This report also includes a competitive analysis of emerging startups in the organic acids market ecosystem.

Reasons to buy this report

The report will help market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall organic acids and the subsegments. It will also help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to better position their businesses and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.

The report provides insights into the following pointers:

1. In-depth Segmentation across Type, Source, and Application: This report offers an in-depth analysis of the organic acids market, categorizing it by type (acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, and others), application (food & beverages, feed, pharmaceutical, industrial, agriculture), source (bio-based and synthetic), form (dry and liquid), function (acidulant, preservative, flavor enhancer, antioxidants, and pH control agents). Such detailed segmentation enables stakeholders to pinpoint high-growth areas, optimize product development, and strategically position offerings along the supply chain.

2. Region-specific Insights with Focus on Emerging Markets: The report delivers in-depth regional and country-level analysis, highlighting growth opportunities in fast-expanding markets such as the Asia Pacific and South America. It examines regional policies, regulatory frameworks, and demand dynamics influencing the adoption of organic acids across various industries. Additionally, the study outlines investment trends and government initiatives promoting bio-based chemical production, offering valuable insights for companies aiming to expand, localize manufacturing, or strengthen their market presence in these high-potential regions.

3. Competitive Intelligence and Innovation Landscape: Comprehensive profiles of key players such as BASF SE, Corbion N.V., Cargill Incorporated, and Kemin Industries are included, detailing their strategic moves and technological innovations. The report tracks major developments, including new product launches, capacity expansions, mergers & acquisitions, and R&D initiatives, enabling stakeholders to benchmark performance and identify emerging innovation trends shaping the organic acids market.

4. Demand Forecasts Backed by Data-driven Methodologies: Market size estimations and growth projections up to 2030 are derived using robust top-down and bottom-up analytical approaches, validated through expert consultations and official trade data. These forecasts offer reliable insights for strategic investment planning, production expansion, and long-term opportunity assessment within the global organic acids industry. Show more