Global Food-grade Glycerin Market Overview
The Food-grade Glycerin Market Size was estimated at 2.09 USD Billion in 2024. The Food-grade Glycerin Industry is expected to grow from 2.19 USD Billion in 2025 to 3.33 USD Billion by 2034. The Food-grade Glycerin Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 4.75% during the forecast period (2025 - 2034).
Key Food-grade Glycerin Market Trends Highlighted
The Food-grade Glycerin Market is driven by three main factors, which are discussed below. First, because of the growing inclination towards natural and organic personal care products, food-grade glycerin has found new applications as a humectant and emollient in skin and cosmetic products.
Moreover, increasing awareness among the population about the harmful nature of artificial chemicals has fueled the trend of using and developing more biodegradable alternatives, increasing the use of food-grade glycerin.
Furthermore, food-grade glycerin is also attracting new customers from the pharma and nutraceutical end-user industries due to increasing application in drug delivery and dietary products respectively.
The leading market players are engineering new applications of food-grade glycerin to make it catering more needs than the traditional ones. This involves utilizing it as sweeteners, thickeners and stabilizers for food and drinks and for industrial purposes such as paper and printing ink production.
Recent trends in the food-grade glycerin market include the growing popularity of plant-sourced palm-based glycerin attributed to the environmental concerns associated with animal-derived glycerin.
Further, the increasing need for high-purity glycerin in pharmacies via purging technology advancements and nutraceuticals are also key driver trends. Such trends are transforming the competitive environment, resulting in room for creativity and expansion.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Food-grade Glycerin Market Drivers
Rising Demand for Natural and Organic Food Products
The modern customer wants more and more to consume natural and organic food products as they consider them healthier and more sustainable. This tendency is boosting the demand for food-grade glycerin as it is characterized as a natural and non-toxic ingredient that can be used to produce numerous food products.
In particular, food-grade glycerin is known as an excellent humectant, sweetener, and thickener for a variety of food products, as well as a crucial ingredient in the production of baked goods, beverages, and confectionery.
Thus, as the interest of customers in natural and organic food products is only increasing, the demand for food-grade glycerin will continue to grow.
Growth of the Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry is one of the major consumers of food-grade glycerin. Glycerin is used as a solvent, humectant, and plasticizer in a number of pharmaceutical products, such as oral and topical drugs and suppositories.
The rising growth of the pharmaceutical industry is expected to be one of the major drivers of the food-grade glycerin market. In 2023, the global pharmaceutical market was estimated to be USD 1.27 trillion.
It is expected to register a CAGR rate of 5.3% from 2024 to 2030. The driving factors of the growth include rising chronic diseases, demand for biopharmaceuticals and increased healthcare facilities in emerging countries.
Increasing Use of Glycerin in Personal Care Products
Glycerin is also used in a wide range of personal care products, including soaps, lotions, and cosmetics. It is a humectant, which means that it helps to keep skin hydrated. It is also a good solvent and emollient, which makes it an ideal ingredient in many personal care products.
As such, the increased use of glycerin in these applications is likely to be a major driver of the food-grade glycerin market for years to come.
Food-grade Glycerin Market Segment Insights
Food-grade Glycerin Market Application Insights
The Food-grade Glycerin Market is classified by four major application types, specifically, food and beverage, personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial. The food and beverage segment dominated the market in 2023 and was the largest application area, with over 40% of revenue worldwide.
It is caused by a wide range of uses of glycerin in this segment, as it is used in food and beverages as a sweetener, a humectant, and a solvent. The personal care and cosmetics segment is expected to demonstrate high application growth.
The main factor contributing to this trend is the growing usage of glycerin in skin and hair care products. As has already been mentioned, such properties of glycerin as moisturizing and emollient effects are beneficial for skin and hair care products, such as soaps, bathing gels, lotions, creams, and shampoos.
Also, the pharmaceutical segment should exhibit a high growth of application. First of all, this trend is caused by the rising utilization of this product as a base for drugs and as a carrier substance for active pharmaceutical ingredients.
In the industrial segment, glycerin is used in the production of paints, coatings and adhesives. The main factor contributing to its higher growth over the hazed period is the high global industrialization and urbanization levels.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Food-grade Glycerin Market Type Insights
The Food-grade Glycerin Market is segmented by Type into Pure Glycerin, Dimers and Trimers, and High-Purity Glycerin. Pure Glycerin accounted for the largest share of the market in 2023 and is expected to continue to dominate the market throughout the forecast period.
The increasing demand for natural and organic food products is driving the growth of the Pure Glycerin segment. Dimers and Trimers is the second largest segment of the market and is expected to grow at a steady pace over the forecast period.
The growing demand for functional food and beverage products is driving the growth of the Dimers and Trimers segment. High-purity glycerin is the smallest segment of the market and is expected to grow at a moderate pace over the forecast period.
The growing demand for high-quality food and beverage products is driving the growth of the High-Purity Glycerin segment.
Food-grade Glycerin Market Source Insights
The source segment plays a crucial role in the Food-grade Glycerin Market. Animal fats and oils, as well as vegetable fats and oils, are the two primary sources of food-grade glycerin. Animal fats and oils held a dominant share of the market in 2023, valued at around 1.24 billion USD.
However, vegetable fats and oils are projected to exhibit a higher growth rate during the forecast period, owing to increasing consumer preference for plant-based products and growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal-derived ingredients.
By 2032, the vegetable fats and oils segment is expected to reach a valuation of approximately 1.12 billion USD. The market growth for both segments is driven by rising demand for food-grade glycerin in various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.
Food-grade Glycerin Market Packaging Insights
The packaging segment plays a pivotal role in the Food-grade Glycerin Market, shaping the overall market dynamics. Within this segment, 'Drums', 'Totes', and 'Bulk Containers' hold significant market shares.
Drums, widely used for storing and transporting food-grade glycerin, offer durability and cost-effectiveness. Totes, intermediate bulk containers, provide flexibility and efficiency in handling larger volumes.
Bulk Containers, designed for storing and dispensing large quantities of glycerin, optimize space utilization and streamline operations. The Food-grade Glycerin Market revenue for the Packaging segment is anticipated to reach USD 1.24 billion by 2024, exhibiting steady growth driven by increasing demand for packaged food products and the expansion of the food and beverage industry.
Food-grade Glycerin Market End User Insights
The end-user segment plays a pivotal role in driving the Food-grade Glycerin Market with diverse applications across a wide range of industries. Food and beverage manufacturers utilize food-grade glycerin as a humectant, sweetener, and solvent, contributing to its substantial share in the market.
The cosmetics industry also holds a significant portion, leveraging glycerin's moisturizing and emollient properties in skincare, hair care, and makeup products. Pharmaceutical companies employ glycerin in the production of syrups, elixirs, and suppositories due to its non-toxic and hypoallergenic nature.
Industrial users represent another key segment, utilizing glycerin in the manufacturing of paints, adhesives, and textiles, among other applications. The versatility and functionality of food-grade glycerin across these end-user segments are expected to drive its market growth in the coming years.
Food-grade Glycerin Market Regional Insights
The regional segmentation of the Food-grade Glycerin Market offers valuable insights into market growth and key trends. North America holds a significant share of the market, driven by increasing demand from the food and beverage industry and growing awareness of the benefits of food-grade glycerin.
Europe is another major market with a growing focus on natural and organic products. The APAC region is expected to witness substantial growth, fueled by rising disposable incomes and changing lifestyles.
South America and MEA offer emerging opportunities, with expanding food processing industries and increasing demand for value-added products.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Food-grade Glycerin Market Key Players And Competitive Insights
Major players in the Food-grade Glycerin Market are constantly striving to gain a competitive edge through product innovation, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions. They invest heavily in research and development to expand their product portfolio and cater to the evolving needs of consumers.
Leading Food-grade Glycerin Market players focus on developing sustainable and eco-friendly products to meet growing environmental concerns. Partnerships and collaborations with distributors and suppliers help companies optimize their supply chain and distribution networks, ensuring efficient product delivery.
The Food-grade Glycerin Market is witnessing a trend toward consolidation, with larger companies acquiring smaller players to strengthen their market position. Cargill, Incorporated is a leading player in the Food-grade Glycerin Market, with a global presence and a diverse product portfolio.
The company has a strong focus on sustainability and invests in renewable energy sources and waste reduction initiatives. Cargill's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a reputation for providing reliable and high-performance products. The company's extensive distribution network ensures timely delivery to customers worldwide.
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is another prominent player in the Food-grade Glycerin Market. ADM is known for its extensive agricultural network and its commitment to sustainable farming practices.
The company's Food-grade Glycerin business is supported by its global supply chain and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. ADM focuses on providing customized solutions to meet the specific requirements of its customers in various industries.
Key Companies in the Food-grade Glycerin Market Include
- Merck KGaA
- Sasol
- Innospec
- Archer Daniels Midland
- ADM
- Evonik Industries
- Lonza
- Stepan Company
- Dow
- Procter Gamble
- Croda
- Wilmar International
- BASF NewparaCargill
- Yongan Group
Food grade Glycerin Industry Developments
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Q2 2024: Wilmar International opens new food-grade glycerin production facility in Indonesia Wilmar International announced the opening of a new facility dedicated to the production of food-grade glycerin in Gresik, Indonesia, aiming to meet rising demand from the food and beverage sector in Southeast Asia.
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Q1 2024: Cargill expands food-grade glycerin capacity at US plant Cargill completed an expansion of its food-grade glycerin production line at its Iowa facility, increasing output to support growing demand from North American food manufacturers.
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Q2 2024: ADM and Tate & Lyle announce partnership to develop sustainable food-grade glycerin ADM and Tate & Lyle entered a strategic partnership to co-develop and market sustainable, plant-based food-grade glycerin for use in bakery and beverage applications.
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Q3 2024: IOI Corporation acquires majority stake in European food-grade glycerin producer IOI Corporation Berhad acquired a 60% stake in a leading European food-grade glycerin manufacturer, expanding its footprint in the high-purity ingredients market.
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Q2 2025: BASF launches new bio-based food-grade glycerin product line BASF introduced a new line of bio-based food-grade glycerin products, targeting food and beverage companies seeking sustainable ingredient solutions.
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Q1 2025: Dow appoints new head of food-grade glycerin business unit Dow announced the appointment of Maria Chen as the new global head of its food-grade glycerin business unit, effective March 2025.
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Q2 2024: Evonik secures major supply contract for food-grade glycerin with Nestlé Evonik Industries signed a multi-year supply agreement to provide food-grade glycerin to Nestlé for use in its global food and beverage operations.
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Q3 2024: Sasol completes upgrade of food-grade glycerin plant in South Africa Sasol completed a major upgrade of its Durban plant, increasing capacity and purity levels of its food-grade glycerin to serve both domestic and export markets.
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Q1 2025: GlyEco raises $25 million in Series B funding to expand food-grade glycerin production GlyEco secured $25 million in Series B funding to scale up its food-grade glycerin manufacturing capabilities and invest in new purification technologies.
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Q2 2025: ADM receives regulatory approval for new food-grade glycerin plant in Brazil ADM received final regulatory clearance to begin operations at its new food-grade glycerin facility in São Paulo state, Brazil, with production slated to start in late 2025.
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Q1 2024: Wilmar International signs partnership with Unilever for sustainable food-grade glycerin supply Wilmar International entered a long-term partnership with Unilever to supply sustainably sourced food-grade glycerin for use in Unilever’s global food brands.
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Q3 2025: Musim Mas opens new R&D center for food-grade glycerin innovation in Singapore Musim Mas inaugurated a research and development center in Singapore focused on developing new applications and improving the quality of food-grade glycerin.
Food-grade Glycerin Market Segmentation Insights
Food-grade Glycerin Market Application Outlook
- Food and Beverage
- Personal Care and Cosmetics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Industrial
Food-grade Glycerin Market Type Outlook
- Pure Glycerin
- Dimers and Trimers
- High-Purity Glycerin
Food-grade Glycerin Market Source Outlook
- Animal fats and oils
- Vegetable fats and oils
Food-grade Glycerin Market Packaging Outlook
- Drums
- Totes
- Bulk Containers
Food-grade Glycerin Market End User Outlook
- Food and beverage manufacturers
- Cosmetics manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Industrial users
Food-grade Glycerin Market Regional Outlook
- North America
- Europe
- South America
- Asia-Pacific
- Middle East and
| Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2024 |
2.09(USD Billion) |
| Market Size 2025 |
2.19(USD Billion) |
| Market Size 2035 |
3.33(USD Billion) |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
4.75% (2025 - 2034) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Base Year |
2024 |
| Market Forecast Period |
2025 - 2034 |
| Historical Data |
2020 - 2024 |
| Market Forecast Units |
USD Billion |
| Key Companies Profiled |
Merck KGaA, Sasol, Innospec, Archer Daniels Midland, ADM, Evonik Industries, Lonza, Stepan Company, Dow, Procter Gamble, Croda, Wilmar International, BASF NewparaCargill, Yongan Group |
| Segments Covered |
Application, Type, Source, Packaging, End User, Regional |
| Key Market Opportunities |
Rising Demand from the Food and Beverage Industry Growing Health Consciousness Expansion of Biodiesel Production Technological Advancements in Glycerin Production Increasing Adoption in Personal Care and Pharmaceuticals |
| Key Market Dynamics |
Growing demand expanding applications technological advancements regulatory changes the competitive environment |
| Countries Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
The Food-grade Glycerin Market is expected to reach a value of USD 3.33 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.75% during the forecast period (2025-2034).
North American region is expected to hold the largest market share, owing to the increasing demand from end-use industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.
Food-grade Glycerin finds applications in various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial applications such as solvents, lubricants, and adhesives.
Key players in the Food-grade Glycerin Market include Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated, Evonik Industries AG, Godrej Industries Limited, and Solvay.
The growth of the Food-grade Glycerin Market is attributed to factors such as the increasing demand from the food and beverage industry, the rising popularity of natural and organic products, and the growing awareness of the health benefits associated with glycerin.
The Food-grade Glycerin Market faces challenges such as the volatility in raw material prices, the availability of substitutes, and stringent regulatory requirements.
Emerging trends in the Food-grade Glycerin Market include the development of sustainable and eco-friendly production processes, the use of glycerin as a biofuel, and the growing demand for glycerin derivatives.
The Food-grade Glycerin Market is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand from various end-use industries.
Key strategies adopted by players in the Food-grade Glycerin Market include capacity expansion, product innovation, and strategic partnerships.
Opportunities for new entrants in the Food-grade Glycerin Market lie in the growing demand for natural and organic products, the development of sustainable production processes, and the expansion into emerging markets.
