According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Onion And Shallot Flavor Market is accounted for $57.52 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $76.2 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period. Onion and shallot flavor represents the distinct taste and aroma sourced from onions and shallots, widely utilized as natural or synthetic additives in food items to elevate savory dishes. These flavors offer a bold, slightly sweet, and aromatic profile that enhances the richness of various recipes such as soups, sauces, dressings, snacks, and pre-packaged meals. Available in multiple forms like oils, powders, extracts, and pastes, they serve the needs of both commercial food manufacturers and home cooks. Their ability to replicate the essence of fresh produce while ensuring ease of use and uniform flavor makes them essential in modern food formulation.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global onion production reached approximately 27 million metric tons in 2021, highlighting their significant contribution to food security and economic stability.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Expansion of global cuisines
The increasing popularity of international cuisines is driving demand for authentic flavor profiles, including onion and shallot notes. Global food chains and restaurants are incorporating these flavors in a wide variety of dishes. The trend toward fusion cuisine has further increased the usage of natural savory flavorings. Onion and shallot extracts are key ingredients in seasoning blends and ready-to-eat meals. Rising consumer preference for natural over synthetic flavors is reinforcing this growth trajectory.
Restraint:
Short shelf life of fresh ingredients
Fresh onions and shallots are prone to spoilage, affecting flavor quality and consistency. The perishability of these raw materials poses challenges for flavor formulation and storage. Transportation and storage limitations in emerging economies exacerbate post-harvest losses. This leads to increased reliance on preservatives, which contradicts the clean-label movement. Manufacturers must constantly navigate between shelf life and natural authenticity.
Opportunity:
Innovative product formats
The development of dehydrated powders, pastes, and encapsulated onion-shallot flavors presents growth avenues. These formats offer extended shelf life without compromising flavor integrity. Ready-to-cook and snack segments are particularly benefitting from such innovations. Food processors prefer these forms for their ease of blending and standardized dosing. Customized flavor solutions for plant-based and gourmet products also hold immense potential.
Threat:
Climate change impact
Unpredictable weather patterns are affecting onion and shallot yields globally. Irregular rainfall, droughts, and temperature anomalies disrupt the availability and price stability of raw materials. Lower harvest quality directly affects the sensory profile of derived flavors. Supply fluctuations can result in inconsistent product quality and higher manufacturing costs. Long-term climate shifts could force producers to alter sourcing strategies or reformulate products.
Covid-19 Impact:
The pandemic led to temporary closures of processing plants and disrupted global supply chains for flavor ingredients. Demand patterns also shifted with consumers cooking more at home, boosting retail demand for flavor enhancers. The rise in processed food consumption supported the market, especially in the ready-to-eat category. Flavor manufacturers had to adapt to rapid demand fluctuations and limited labor availability. E-commerce became a key channel for flavor retail and distribution during lockdowns.
The boiled segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The boiled segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period due to their widespread use in soups and sauces. Their mild, savory profile appeals to diverse culinary applications. Food processors prefer boiled flavors for consistent taste in bulk production. Consumer preference for comforting, home-style dishes supports segment growth. Versatility in both retail and industrial applications ensures market leadership.
The onion segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the onion segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate due to their universal appeal across cuisines. Rising demand for snacks and ready meals drives segment expansion. Innovations in onion-based seasonings attract health-conscious consumers. Increasing vegan and vegetarian diets boost onion flavor adoption.
Region with largest share:
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share driven by the region's strong culinary heritage, where onion and shallot flavors are integral to daily cooking across countries like India, China, Thailand, and Indonesia. The rapid expansion of the food and beverage industry, rising population, and growing demand for processed and convenience foods further fuel market expansion. Additionally, increasing urbanization, evolving taste preferences, and the availability of raw materials contribute to the region's leadership in the global flavor market landscape.
Region with highest CAGR:
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR due to growing preference for natural and clean-label food products among health-conscious consumers. The increasing popularity of ethnic cuisines and gourmet recipes incorporating onion and shallot flavors also drives demand. Additionally, innovations in flavor formulation and the rising consumption of processed and ready-to-eat foods further support market expansion. The United States, with its mature food processing sector and high disposable income, plays a central role in this growth, pushing the region toward rapid market acceleration.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Onion And Shallot Flavor Market include Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Azelis Group NV, Boardman Foods, Inc, Flavor Dynamics, Inc, Matrix Flavours & Fragrances Sdn Bhd, Mevive International Food Ingredients Pvt Ltd, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Stringer Flavour. Ltd, Symrise, T.Hasegawa USA Inc, Global Green Company, T&G Global, Vladam, River Point Farms and Baker & Murakami Produce.
Key Developments:
In January 2025, Sensient Technologies Corporation unveiled a new range of natural onion and shallot flavor extracts, catering to the growing demand for clean-label ingredients.
In January 2025: Ajinomoto Co., Inc., introduced a new umami-enhanced onion flavor extract for plant-based meat alternatives, boosting savory profiles in vegan products.
In December 2024, Symrise AG expanded its production facility in Germany to increase the output of its onion and shallot flavor compounds, addressing the rising global demand.
Product Types Covered:
• Boiled
• Fried
• Dehydrated
• Other Product Types
Sources Covered:
• Onion
• Shallot
Forms Covered:
• Liquid
• Dry
Categories Covered:
• Organic
• Conventional
• Other Categories
Applications Covered:
• Bakery Products
• Condiments
• Processed Foods and Snacks
• Other Applications
End Users Covered:
• Food Processing Industry
• Food Service Industry
• Households
• Other End Users
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, and 2032
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
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