South Korea Citric Acid Market Size was estimated at 68.21 (USD Million) in 2023. The South Korea Citric Acid Industry is expected to grow from 68.54(USD Million) in 2024 to 106.63 (USD Million) by 2035. The South Korea Citric Acid Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 4.1% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035)
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The South Korea Citric Acid Market is experiencing significant trends driven by a combination of consumer preferences and regulatory initiatives. There is a growing demand for natural and organic products as consumers become more health-conscious. This shift towards clean-label products is motivating manufacturers to use citric acid derived from natural sources in food and beverage applications. In addition, South Korea's focus on reducing artificial additives is encouraging industries to adopt citric acid as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer.
Moreover, the country's thriving food processing industry, along with its dynamic beverage sector, is creating ample opportunities for citric acid applications.Companies are exploring innovative uses of citric acid in areas such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where it serves as a pH regulator and stabilizer. The rise of plant-based food products also presents further avenues for exploration, as citric acid can enhance flavor profiles and improve shelf life. Recent trends in South Korea showcase increased investment in sustainable production processes.
This aligns with the government's push for eco-friendly practices and stricter regulations on harmful substances. The demand for bio-based citric acid is rising as companies aim to minimize their environmental footprint. Furthermore, advancements in fermentation technology are making it easier to produce citric acid sustainably, which could significantly impact supply chains in South Korea.Overall, the South Korea Citric Acid Market is shaped by a mixture of health trends, regulatory changes, and innovation, leading to a landscape that is keen on embracing sustainability and natural options as consumer preferences evolve.
South Korea Citric Acid Market Drivers
Increasing Demand for Natural Food Preservatives
The South Korea Citric Acid Market Industry is expanding rapidly due to rising customer demand for natural food preservatives over synthetic alternatives. According to research from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, there is a rising demand for clean-label products, which is encouraging producers to use natural ingredients. Citric acid, known for its inherent preservation characteristics, appeals to health-conscious customers.
This transition is obvious in the fact that the production of citric acid-containing food items has increased by around 25% over the previous five years, in line with the global trend toward healthy eating. Major food conglomerates, such as CJ CheilJedang, have altered their product lines to emphasize natural ingredients, which has increased market demand for citric acid. As more customers prefer citric acid-containing goods, the entire market is likely to increase steadily in the coming years.
Expansion of the Beverage Industry
The beverage sector in South Korea is on an upward trajectory, significantly impacting the South Korea Citric Acid Market Industry. Industry reports confirm that the non-alcoholic beverage market has recorded an annual growth rate of 7% from 2019 to 2022, primarily driven by the increasing consumption of soft drinks and energy beverages. Citric acid is a crucial ingredient in many of these products, serving both a flavoring and preservative function that enhances shelf life and taste.
Leading beverage companies, such as Lotte Chilsung Beverage, are increasingly incorporating citric acid in their formulations to meet consumer demand for refreshing and fruity flavors. This growth in the beverage sector is projected to continue, thereby fueling the demand for citric acid in South Korea.
Growth in the Pharmaceutical Sector
The pharmaceutical industry in South Korea is rapidly expanding, contributing positively to the South Korea Citric Acid Market Industry. The South Korean government has made substantial investments in the health sector, resulting in a 10% annual increase in pharmaceutical production over the last three years. Citric acid is widely used in the formulation of various medicines as an excipient and stabilizer.
With leading pharmaceutical companies such as Hanmi Pharmaceutical adopting citric acid in their drug formulations, the demand in the citric acid market is expected to rise correspondingly.The integration of citric acid in the pharmaceutical sector underscores its versatility, enhancing the growth prospects of the South Korea Citric Acid Market.
Environmental Regulations Favoring Biodegradable Alternatives
Stricter environmental regulations in South Korea aimed at promoting sustainable practices are driving the demand for biodegradable components, further aiding the South Korea Citric Acid Market Industry. The Korean government has implemented various policies to reduce plastic waste, encouraging industries to transition to eco-friendly materials. Citric acid, being biodegradable, is being increasingly adopted in various applications ranging from cleaning products to cosmetics as a safer alternative to synthetic chemicals.
Industry leaders, including LG Household & Health Care, are actively reformulating products to include citric acid in compliance with these regulations, leading to a noticeable increase in the demand for citric acid in the South Korean market. This regulatory shift towards sustainability is expected to bolster the market significantly in the foreseeable future.
The South Korea Citric Acid Market has demonstrated a compelling evolution, particularly within the Form segment, which includes concentrates such as Anhydrous and Liquid forms of citric acid. This segment is vital due to the versatile applications of citric acid, from food preservation to cosmetic formulations, thereby influencing diverse industries in South Korea. The trend towards natural preservatives and flavor enhancers in food products has driven a notable demand for citric acid, particularly in its liquid form, as it acts as a safer alternative to synthetic additives.South Korea, known for its high standards in food safety and quality, has seen increased utilization of liquid citric acid in beverages and sauces, aligning with consumer preferences for clean-label products.
Meanwhile, the anhydrous variant is favored in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and personal care, where stability and potency are prerequisites for manufacturing. Given the expanding food and beverage sector in South Korea, the importance of these forms continues to grow, with both forms contributing significantly to the overall growth of the South Korea Citric Acid Market.The market dynamics are also influenced by changing consumer habits toward healthier options and innovations in product development, which presents substantial opportunities for businesses involved in the production and supply of citric acid.
In summary, the South Korea Citric Acid Market's Form segment highlights the significance of both anhydrous and liquid citric acid forms, underpinned by a backdrop of increasing consumer demand for quality and natural solutions across various industries.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
The Function segment of the South Korea Citric Acid Market presents a diversified landscape with significant roles played by various applications. Acidulants are notably important as they provide the characteristic sour taste in many food and beverage products, thereby enhancing flavor profiles and preserving freshness, which resonates with the growing consumer preference for natural ingredients. Antioxidants, on the other hand, are crucial in prolonging the shelf-life and stability of products, addressing the demand for safer and longer-lasting food options in South Korea, where food safety is a central concern.
Preservatives contribute significantly to food preservation, aligning with trends focused on reducing food waste and extending product longevity. Flavoring agents serve to enhance product appeal, catering to a market that increasingly favors innovative flavors and culinary experiences. Overall, the Function segment of the South Korea Citric Acid Market showcases a robust interplay of trends driven by consumer needs for quality, safety, and taste, creating numerous opportunities for growth and development.
The South Korea Citric Acid Market showcases a robust and diversified landscape across various applications that play a critical role in multiple industries. In the Food and Beverages sector, citric acid is essential for flavor enhancement and preservation and as an acidulant, making it a staple in many products, thus driving demand significantly. The Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals segment utilizes citric acid for its efficacy in enhancing bioavailability and masking unpleasant tastes, contributing to its continued relevance in health products.Personal Care applications leverage citric acid for its role in skincare formulations, particularly for its pH-balancing properties and preservative qualities, which are increasingly favored among health-conscious consumers.
Other applications also encompass a variety of industrial uses, from cleaning agents to chelating agents, further underscoring the versatility of citric acid in South Korea's economy. The diverse application segments exhibit a strong correlation with market trends emphasizing health, wellness, and convenience, reflecting South Korea's focus on innovation in consumer products, which is likely to bolster the South Korea Citric Acid Market.As consumer preferences evolve, industries are expected to tailor their formulations, thereby fostering new opportunities for growth and expansion in the citric acid landscape.
The South Korea Citric Acid Market is characterized by a relatively competitive landscape, driven by the increasing demand for citric acid in various applications such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. As a vital organic acid, citric acid is widely utilized as a flavoring agent, preservative, and stabilizer, which has led to robust growth in this segment. The market dynamics are influenced by the presence of both local and international players, who are continuously innovating and adapting to consumer preferences and regulatory changes.
The competitive insights reveal that companies are focusing on enhancing their production capabilities, ensuring quality assurance, and exploring strategic collaborations to strengthen their foothold in the South Korean market.Tate & Lyle has established itself as a significant player in the South Korea Citric Acid Market due to its strong commitment to producing high-quality ingredients that cater to the needs of various industries. With an extensive portfolio that includes citric acid along with various other specialty ingredients, Tate & Lyle emphasizes sustainability and innovation. The company has bolstered its market presence through strategic partnerships and a supply chain optimized for efficiency and responsiveness to customer demands.
Furthermore, Tate & Lyle enjoys the advantage of its established brand reputation, which resonates well with consumers looking for reliable and effective citric acid solutions in their products across the South Korean market.Jiangxi Zhengbang Technology has also marked its presence in the South Korea Citric Acid Market, being known for its wide range of key products that include citric acid and various derivatives. The company aims to enhance its competitive edge by focusing on high production capacity and efficiency, which allows it to meet the growing demands in the South Korean market. Jiangxi Zhengbang Technology is notable for its investment in research and development, which fosters innovation and improvement in both product quality and applications.
Additionally, the company has been proactive in pursuing mergers and acquisitions to expand its market reach and enhance its operational capabilities within the region, further solidifying its position in the South Korean citric acid sector.
Key Companies in the South Korea Citric Acid Market Include
South Korea Citric Acid Market Industry Developments
Recent developments in the South Korea Citric Acid Market have highlighted a growing trend towards increased production capacity and innovation among key players. In 2023, companies such as CJ CheilJedang and Daesang Corporation have reported significant investments in technology upgrades aimed at enhancing yield efficiency and quality in citric acid production. The demand for citric acid across various sectors, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, continues to surge, contributing to positive market valuation growth. Notably, in March 2023, CJ CheilJedang announced plans to expand its citric acid manufacturing facility, focusing on sustainable practices and lower emissions, aligning with national environmental goals.
Over the past two to three years, other significant movements included a strategic partnership between Laiwu Zhanggou Group and Hyundai Biotech aimed at co-developing novel fermentation technologies, enhancing their competitive edge in the market. Acquisitions have also shaped the landscape; for instance, Shandong Fuyang Biotechnology's recent acquisition of a citric acid plant in South Korea has strengthened its regional presence. The changing dynamics in production and demand emphasize the increasing importance of these companies in the evolving citric acid sector within South Korea's market landscape.
Anhydrous
Liquid
Acidulant
Antioxidant
Preservative
Flavoring Agent
Food & Beverages
Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
Personal Care
Others
| Report Attribute/Metric Source: | Details |
| MARKET SIZE 2023 | 68.21(USD Million) |
| MARKET SIZE 2024 | 68.54(USD Million) |
| MARKET SIZE 2035 | 106.63(USD Million) |
| COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (CAGR) | 4.1% (2025 - 2035) |
| REPORT COVERAGE | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| BASE YEAR | 2024 |
| MARKET FORECAST PERIOD | 2025 - 2035 |
| HISTORICAL DATA | 2019 - 2024 |
| MARKET FORECAST UNITS | USD Million |
| KEY COMPANIES PROFILED | Tate & Lyle, Jiangxi Zhengbang Technology, Laiwu Zhanggou Group, Agrana Gruppe, Hyundai Biotech, Sichuan Jinguang Chemical, Suanfarma, CJ CheilJedang, Daesang Corporation, Shandong Fuyang Biotechnology, Kerry Group, Chizhou Tianrui Chemical, Anhui Conch Cement, Huangshan Jinhai Pulp & Paper |
| SEGMENTS COVERED | Form, Function, Application |
| KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES | Growing demand in food industry, Increasing use in pharmaceuticals, Expansion in personal care products, Rising applications in beverages, Adoption in eco-friendly cleaning products |
| KEY MARKET DYNAMICS | increasing food and beverage demand, rising health consciousness, expanding pharmaceutical applications, competitive pricing strategies, growing demand for natural preservatives |
| COUNTRIES COVERED | South Korea |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The South Korea Citric Acid Market is expected to be valued at 68.54 million USD in 2024.
By 2035, the South Korea Citric Acid Market is projected to reach a value of 106.63 million USD.
The South Korea Citric Acid Market is expected to experience a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2035.
In 2024, the Liquid form of citric acid is valued at 41.04 million USD, making it the highest segment.
The Anhydrous form of citric acid is expected to be valued at 42.14 million USD in 2035.
Major players in the South Korea Citric Acid Market include Tate & Lyle, CJ CheilJedang, and Daesang Corporation, among others.
The primary applications include food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care industries, contributing to market growth.
The Liquid form of citric acid is projected to reach 64.49 million USD by 2035.
The growth opportunities are driven by increasing demand in food preservation and rising health consciousness.
Challenges include fluctuating raw material prices and competition from alternative acids in various applications.
Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights.
Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report
Assistant Manager - Research High acumen in analyzing complex macro & micro markets with more than 6 years of work experience in the field of market research. by implementing her analytical skills in forecasting and estimation into market research reports, she has expertise in packaging, construction, and equipment domains. she handles a team size of 20-25 resources and ensures smooth running of the projects, associated marketing activities, and client servicing.
Get in Touch
© 2025 Market Research Future ® (Part of WantStats Reasearch And Media Pvt. Ltd.)
