Lecithin Market

Lecithin Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

Worldwide revenue from the sales of lecithin is expected to reach US$ 1.71 billion in 2024. The global lecithin market has been projected to increase at a CAGR of 6.9% to climb to a value of US$ 3.33 billion by the end of 2034.

Use of phospholipids and lecithin in the medical field has been rising at a significant pace. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, including excessive cholesterol, eczema, liver and gallbladder disease, depression, and anxiety. Because of its capacity to generate choline, which has a variety of uses including facilitating the movement of fat, controlling metabolism, preserving cells, and supporting the transmission of information via neurons.

There is an increasing desire to eat products that come from natural sources. As lecithin is found in large quantities in foods like eggs, peanuts, and red meat, it is never in short supply. Broad applications combined with widespread availability therefore offer the industry a lot of potential, contributing to the overall expansion of the lecithin market size.

Lecithin is an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening ingredient used in many food and beverage items. It is obtained from sunflowers, soybeans, and other sources. Its uses are mostly limited to baked items, dairy products, and confections. Lecithin is also utilized as an ingredient to improve the texture and stability of medicinal and cosmetic goods.

The lecithin market has grown consistently over time, driven by the rising demand for organic and useful components. Customers are looking for items with natural components as they become more health-aware. Need for lecithin in food and beverage items has increased as a result. The lecithin market has expanded as a result of increased consumer demand for convenience meals as well as a growing interest in natural and clean-label products, leading to lecithin market growth.

Since lecithin has emulsifying qualities that make it a beneficial component in a variety of dairy products, the demand for it in the dairy products business is growing quickly. Combining two chemicals that do not usually go together, like water and oil, can be beneficial. Lecithin is used in dairy products to give them a consistent, smooth texture, keep them from separating, and increase their stability.

Dairy products such as chocolate milk, ice cream, cheese, and butter frequently include lecithin. It contributes to the smooth and creamy texture of chocolate milk and ice cream. Lecithin enhances the emulsification of proteins and fats in cheese and butter. The development of a smoother and more spreadable product is the outcome.

Report Attribute	Detail
Lecithin Market Size (2024E)	US$ 1.71 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 3.33 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.9% CAGR
Canada Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	5.8% CAGR
China Market Value (2034F)	US$ 607.6 Million
North America Market Share (2024E)	22.6%
East Asia Market Share (2034F)	25.7%
Key Companies Profiled	Bunge Limited; Haneil Soyatech Pvt. Ltd.; GIIAVA (India) Pvt. Ltd.; Lipoid GmbH; Orison Chemicals Limited; Foodchem International Corporation; Wilmar International Limited; Lecico GmbH; Sodrugestvo Group S.A; DuPont, Inc.; Imcopa Food Ingredients B.V.; Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd.; Sun Nutrafoods; Clarkson Specialty Lecithins.

What leading to New Sales Opportunities for Suppliers of Lecithin?

“High Preference for Natural Food Additives and Clean-Label Products”

The market for natural fruit and vegetable additives is driven by rising consumer awareness of the negative consequences of consuming chemical compounds and the availability of natural or organic substances as alternatives. Consumers now mark out "natural" and "additive-free" on their checklists when purchasing food and beverage items.

Because of growing consumer awareness, ingredient labeling has become required in the United States and the European Union. Customers seek goods with natural components that taste well and are lower in calories. This is a key lecithin market trend that players are capitalizing on. While consumers have shown support for artificial or non-organic components and they have been widely available in the market, natural alternatives must be used to replace these artificial ingredients.

Since there is a growing market for natural food additives, producers are introducing a range of products with natural components that have the potential to boost sales. Since lecithin is a naturally occurring food emulsifier, the industry is likely to use it more frequently, which will propel its expansion.

“Global Shift toward Low-Fat Products”

Marketing efforts are designed to emphasize the usage of low-fat goods and their purported health benefits since the trend of customer demand for these products is quickly increasing. The rise in processed food production and innovation across nearly every industry, including dairy, meat products, and bakery & confectionery items, are the main drivers for the demand for low-fat products.

Asia also offers a cost advantage when it comes to lecithin processing. Increased demand and cheap manufacturing costs are two important factors that are benefitting lecithin providers.

What Challenges are Limiting the Sales Growth of Lecithin?

“Fluctuating Raw Material Prices Coupled with Wide Availability of Synthetic Alternatives”

Preference for synthetic emulsifiers over natural emulsifiers like lecithin and phospholipid, such as sorbitan esters, stearoyl lactylates, and polyglycerol esters, despite their significant role in food safety and shelf-life extension, is proving to be a challenge for market players. Resources found in nature are few. Lecithin and phospholipids are examples of natural emulsifiers that have not yet been produced on a larger scale, nor have their manufacturing procedures been made commercially viable.

For the manufacturing of lecithin and phospholipids, manufacturers employ egg as well as plant sources such as rapeseed, soy, and sunflower. Many of these basic ingredients are accessible. However, producers' profit margin is hampered by volatility in raw material prices. Producers, particularly those in the food industry, need affordable, high-quality lecithin.

Country-wise Analysis

Lecithin is majorly derived from soya beans and eggs and is finding widespread adoption worldwide due to people’s changing lifestyles.

Why Has Lecithin Gained Popularity in the Cosmetics Industry in the United States?

“Increasing Preference for Natural Ingredients and Effective Skincare Solutions”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 278.1 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 520.3 Million

In the United States, lecithin is gaining popularity in the cosmetics sector, especially within skin care products. Additionally, lecithin aids in emulsification by lowering the surface tension of the materials being emulsified. Major skincare and personal care product manufacturers are entering this market, potentially boosting the production of lecithin and phospholipids.

Why is There Growing Demand for Lecithin in China?

“Strong Emphasis on Preventive Healthcare”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 303.6 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.2% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 607.6 Million

Health-conscious consumers in the country are seeking diverse dietary supplements to maintain and enhance their overall well-being. Consequently, in China, lecithin consumption is being by a high focus on preventive healthcare and extensive endorsements and marketing of lifestyle enhancement products across the country.

Category-wise Evaluation

The market is segmented into nature, type, form, application, and function. Unrefined, refined, and liquid are types of lecithin. Consumers are majorly choosing unrefined and refined lecithin for various applications.

What Makes GMO Lecithin Increasingly Favored by End Users?

“Adaptability and Versatility of GMO Lecithin to Meet Diverse Needs in Food Industry”

Attribute	GMO
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 1.11 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.8% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 2.16 Billion

The GMO variant is poised to occupy a leading lecithin market share. While lecithin exists in various forms, genetically modified organism (GMO) lecithin is increasingly favored by end users for its versatility. End consumers utilize GMO lecithin extensively across diverse applications, particularly in the food industry as a dispersing agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various products.

Which Type of Lecithin Has Become Popular for Day-to-Day Usage?

“Rising Demand for Refined Lecithin Due to its Superior Quality and Purity”

Attribute	Refined Lecithin
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 947.3 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.9% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.84 Billion

Refined lecithin is being more widely used in daily life, which is driving up sales all around the world. Refined lecithin has many uses in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Refined lecithin is quickly rising to the top as a preferred option among many businesses and customers due to its improved quality and purity. Because of its many uses and advantageous qualities, demand for refined lecithin is rising at a significant pace.

Market Rivalry

Key players in the lecithin industry are focusing on introducing new product lines such as egg yolk lecithin and sunflower lecithin.

• In November 2022, Novastell unveiled a range of lecithin granules intended for use in applications related to food and drink. Soycithin G97 IP is a traditional soy lecithin that is completely traceable and non-GMO, unlike Suncithin G96, which is made from sunflower lecithin and is also non-GMO and allergen-free.
• Lecico promptly addressed the Salmonella outbreak in lecithin-based food additives in Belgium in July 2022.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key lecithin manufacturers positioned across the world, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in this new market report.

Key Segments of Lecithin Market Research

• By Nature :

  • GMO
  • Non-GMO

• By Type of Product :

  • Unrefined Lecithin
    • Soya bean Lecithin
    • Sun Flower Lecithin
    • Rapeseed Lecithin
    • Others
  • Refined Lecithin
  • Chemically Modified Lecithin

• By Form :

  • Powder
  • Granules
  • Liquid Lecithin

• By Function :

  • Emulsifiers
  • Dispersing Agents
  • Surfactants

• By Application :

  • Bakery & Confectionery
  • Dairy Products
  • Infant & Dietetic Food Products
  • Meat & Poultry Items
  • Instant Foods And Other Processed Foods
  • Dietary Supplements & Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmetic Industry
  • Animal Feed

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Eastern Europe
  • Western Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa