May 2025
The global citrus pectin market size was estimated at USD 564.09 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 574.81 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 680.91 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 1.90% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The increasing preference for plant-based and natural food ingredients is the key factor driving the growth of the market. Also, rising demand for dietary fibres coupled with the versatility of citrus pectin in different applications can fuel market growth further.
The market refers to the industry that encompasses the production, distribution, and application of pectin extracted from various citrus fruits. Citrus pectin is a polysaccharide, mainly found in the fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. It is a natural fiber that helps fruits to retain their shape and gives them their structure. Apart from food and feed, Citrus Pectin is a major player in the bioplastics and biofuel sectors. It is used in the production of bioethanol, using its carbohydrate-rich combination for energy-convenient fermentation.
Governments in different countries are supporting the market through regulatory frameworks and by promoting R&D coupled with facilitating the use of citrus by products. Food safety standards and regulatory approvals, especially for safe and natural additives, fuel demand for citrus pectin. However, Regulations associated with the certification and labelling of food products, such as those containing pectin, can help consumers make firm decisions and increase demand.
The "Food and Inns" company located in Mumbai is a good example of the company starting pectin production from mango waste, providing a plant-based gelatine option and minimizing dependence on imported pectin. This initiative is compatible with the government's aim of promoting sustainable practices and decreasing import dependence.
Citrus pectin has earned substantial popularity in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries due to its various health benefits. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which has a substantial impact on digestive health, sugar levels, and overall cholesterol levels. Furthermore, citrus pectin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a crucial ingredient for dietary supplements and functional foods, creating lucrative opportunities in the citrus pectin market soon.
The market is already confronting the concerns associated with supply chain disruptions which is the major factor hampering the market expansion. Citrus pectin is extracted from citrus peels and is rarer than apple pectin, affected by climate changes, market fluctuations, and crop diseases such as greening. Moreover, transportation costs and geopolitical trade restrictions also promote price volatility.
North America dominated the citrus pectin market in 2024.
The dominance of the region can be attributed to the growing consumer preference for natural, clean-label, and healthier food and beverage products. Additionally, the functional properties of citrus pectin like improving stability, texture, and consistency, make it a crucial ingredient in many applications including jams, jellies dairy products, impacting the overall market demand align with the clean-label movement.
Citrus Pectin Market in the United States
In North America, the US led the market owing to the increasing demand for citrus pectin from, the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and personal care industries. Also, this demand is particularly being propelled due to the increased utilization of citrus pectin in the pharma industry for the preparation of cholesterol-lowering supplements and drug delivery systems.
Asia Pacific expecting the fastest growth during the predicted period.
The growth of the region can be linked to the strong presence of food and beverage industries in emerging countries such as China and India coupled with the rising consumer demand for organic food ingredients. Furthermore, the region boasts a diverse and large food and beverage industry, with pectin being a crucial ingredient in different applications.
Europe is expected to grow at the notable rate over the forecast period. The growth of the region can be credited to the surge in the number of health-conscious consumers along with the increasing demand for functional food ingredients. In addition, the higher disposable incomes in the major countries in the region enable consumers to choose more convenience-oriented and premium food products, which mainly incorporate citrus fiber.
Citrus Pectin Market of UK
In Europe, the UK dominated the market in 2024, due to an increasing trend for sugar-free and low-sugar food formulations which is optimizing the demand for the use of citrus pectin as a sugar substitute and fat replacer in confectionery applications. The demand from personal care and pharmaceutical industries is increasing because of pectin's emulsifying and thickening characteristics driving market growth in the country soon.
Who are the Top 5 Sugar Producing Countries in the World? (2024)
Top Sugar Producers | Total production (metric tons) |
Brazil | 43 million metric tons |
India | 35.5 million metric tons |
European Union | 15.58 million metric tons |
China | 11 million metric tons |
Thailand | 10.24 million metric tons |
(Source: Tradeimex)
The food-beverages segment dominated the citrus pectin market in 2024.
The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for dietary fibers and natural thickening agents. In addition, this segment is a major end-use area for citrus pectin, especially in areas such as bakery, confectionery, and fruit-based products. Citrus pectin can be utilized in beverages to offer stability, and texture and improve the mouthfeel.
The Nutraceutical segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period.
The growth of the segment can be credited to the growing consumer demand for functional and natural food ingredients. Citrus pectin has been recognized for its role in digestive health and dietary fiber which makes it an important ingredient in nutraceuticals. Citrus pectin is increasingly being utilized in supplements designed to enhance digestive health and overall well-being.
The high methoxyl pectin segment held the largest citrus pectin market share in 2024.
The dominance of the segment can be linked to the increasing demand for high methoxyl pectin from the food industry. mainly in jellies and jams, where it is used for its gelling properties. Additionally, high-methoxyl pectin forms gels in the presence of acid and sugar, which makes it crucial for conventional preserves and confectionery products.
Low methoxyl pectin is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period.
The growth of the segment can be driven by its capability to gel in a low-sugar atmosphere, appealing to dietary products and health-conscious consumers. Also, Low-methoxyl pectin can also help to extend the shelf life of food products by stabilizing them, minimizing the need for preservatives. It enables manufacturers to create healthier options with less fat content and reduced calories.
The citrus peel segment led the citrus pectin market in 2024.
The dominance of the segment is owning to its rich pectin content, which is used widely in food and beverage applications. Citrus peels are a major source of antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases and cell damage. Citrus peels also possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties. Citrus peels are a major source of flavonoids.
Apple's pomace segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate over the foreseeable future.
The growth of the segment is due to the surge in apple processing activities, offering a suitable route for pectin extraction. The benefits of apple pomace include enhanced digestion, antioxidant activity, and potential for blood sugar control, which makes it a potential food ingredient with functional properties.
The online distribution channel segment dominated the citrus pectin market in 2024.
The dominance of the segment can be driven by a surge in the trend of e-commerce which has led to a substantial role in the online distribution channel. Moreover, the growing demand for natural food additives coupled with the rising use of pectin in functional foods can impact positive segment growth further.
The offline segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the projected period.
The growth of the segment can be credited to the increasing preference for retail shopping of citrus pectin products by consumers. The segment is distinguished by the physical buying of citrus pectin products from conventional retail locations like pharmacies, grocery stores, and specialty food shops.
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