Market Trends of Food Thickener Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Food Thickener Market according to our research experts:
Rising demand for agar thickening agent in bakery & confectionery products
Demand for thickening agents such as agar has been witnessed with an increasing trend, in the bakery and confectionery industry, due to the ability of agar gels to withstand high temperatures, agar is gaining prominence as a stabilizer and thickener in pie fillings, icings, and meringues. Some agars, especially those extracted from Gracilaria chilensis, are extensively used for confectionery with high sugar content, such as fruit candies. Since agar is tasteless and does not interfere with the flavors of foodstuffs, its usage in food and beverage products rises extensively.
Europe and Asia-Pacific to drive the global food thickening market
The Europe and Asia-Pacific region holds the highest share in the food thickener market and is estimated to increase at the fastest rate, during the forecast period. The region is driven by the increasing volume consumption of various types of food thickeners. The food & beverage manufacturers are focusing on product innovation, health aspects, and improving functional characteristics of their end-product such as texture, flavor, and other organoleptic properties. Also, rising consumer demand for healthy and low-fat food is further boosting the growth in these regions. Germany dominated the European food thickeners market, and China, Japan, and India in the Asia-Pacific region in 2016, in terms of both value and volume.