Introduction
WOOD-BASED FOOD ADDITIVES MARKET is a complex market with many kinds of types and the market size is also large. In 2023, the Wood-based Food Additives market is expected to be a market with a high growth potential, driven by the following macroeconomic factors: the technological development, the change of the regulatory framework, and the change of consumers' preferences. The development of extraction and processing technology has made the efficiency and quality of wood-based food additives. The stricter regulations on food hygiene and environmental protection have forced food manufacturers to use more natural and safe additives. Also, the growing demand for transparency and health-conscious products has driven companies to seek wood-based alternatives to synthetic additives. The trend of wood-based food additives is a trend that companies need to pay attention to, and the trend of the industry is that it is increasingly sustainable and consumer-oriented.
Top Trends
- Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Products
There is a growing demand for natural food preservatives, due to the desire of consumers for eco-friendly products. In order to meet this demand, companies like Cargill are investing in preservatives that are made from wood and thus have a lower impact on the environment. According to industry research, more than two-thirds of consumers prefer brands that place an emphasis on sustainability. This trend is leading manufacturers to develop biodegradable alternatives, which may also have an effect on their product lines and marketing strategies.
- Clean Label Movement
The trend towards clean labeling is growing, and the trend towards transparency in food ingredients is growing. This is reflected in the products that companies such as Tate & Lyle offer, e.g., in the form of wood-based, natural, and minimally processed ingredients. A study shows that 60 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for clean label products. This trend influences the formulation of products and the presentation of the origin and processing of ingredients.
- Health and Wellness Focus
Health and well-being are becoming more important, and wood-derived food additives are increasingly appreciated for their beneficial properties. Emsland, for example, is promoting the health benefits of its natural food additives. And consumers are responding. Research shows that 55 per cent are looking for healthier food. This trend is pushing manufacturers to improve their products and is likely to lead to new product categories based on health benefits.
- Technological Advancements in Production
Production technology has made the quality and efficiency of food additives derived from trees much better. Companies like DuPont have developed extraction methods that improve the yield and quality of the products. A recent study of the industry estimated that technological improvements can reduce the cost of production by as much as 20 percent. This will increase competition and the number of high-quality products available.
- Regulatory Support for Natural Ingredients
The natural components of foods are increasingly supported by governments, which has a considerable influence on the market. For example, the European Union has enacted regulations that favor natural food additives over synthetic ones. Statistics show that 75 percent of food producers have changed their formulations to comply with these regulations. This trend is expected to increase the demand for wood-derived food additives, which are both compliant and consumer-friendly.
- Customization and Personalization
A new trend is emerging: consumers are demanding a bespoke food experience. A number of companies are developing new products with the aim of meeting this demand. For example, the Kerry Group is developing a range of wood-based products for a particular food that it has identified. A survey has revealed that more than three-quarters of consumers are interested in a bespoke food experience. This trend is likely to lead to an increase in R&D expenditure and a shift towards more specialised products.
- Expansion of Plant-Based Alternatives
The demand for wood-based food additives as a substitute for animal-based food additives is rising. MGP is focusing on this growing market by supplying plant-based solutions. A study shows that half of consumers are reducing their meat consumption. This trend is causing manufacturers to be inventive and to widen their product range with plant-based solutions. This development will also reshape the market.
- Global Supply Chain Resilience
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need for a resilient food supply chain. ADM is investing in local sourcing of agro-industrial ingredients to reduce the risks. Reports show that 80% of food companies are rethinking their supply chain strategies. This trend will lead to closer collaboration and more industry-wide alliances to increase the resilience of the supply chain.
- Increased Investment in R&D
The number of research and development expenditures on wood-derived food additives has increased noticeably. The BASF company has spent a considerable amount of money on developing new products and improving the existing product range. Industry data show that research and development expenditures in the food industry have increased by 15% over the past year. This development is expected to accelerate the introduction of new products and new technologies, which will bring about a competitive advantage.
- Consumer Education and Awareness
But the need for consumer education regarding the benefits of wood-derived food additives is becoming increasingly important. The goal of the industry and its associations is to inform consumers about the benefits of these additives. According to the survey, about 70 percent of consumers are unaware of the benefits of natural food additives. This is an indication of the need for a shift in marketing strategies to focus on consumer education, which could lead to an increase in demand and acceptance.
Conclusion: Navigating the Wood-Derived Additives Landscape
Wood-derived food additives are characterized by high fragmentation, and both established and newcomers compete for market share. Regional trends point to a growing preference for sustainable and natural ingredients, which is pushing suppliers to adapt and to develop new products. The market is characterized by a strong legacy sector that can count on established supply chains and brands, while the newcomers can count on agility and a focus on sustainable and natural products to gain a foothold in niche markets. The strategic implications for suppliers are to invest in artificial intelligence for product development, automation for efficient production processes and agility for a quick reaction to changing customer needs. In the long run, it is those who focus on sustainability and technological integration that will be the ones to lead in this evolving market.