The global sorbitol market was valued at approximately USD 1.66 billion in 2022 and is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is primarily fueled by the increasing demand for diabetic and dietetic food and beverages. As consumers increasingly prefer sorbitol as a sugar substitute in food products, market demand is expected to significantly rise in the coming years. Additionally, sorbitol is gaining traction in oral care products, as it is metabolized more slowly than other sugar alcohols, helping to prevent dental issues such as cavities and tooth decay. These benefits are anticipated to contribute positively to the industry’s growth during the forecast period. Furthermore, the trend of relocating production facilities to the Asia Pacific region, where production and labor costs are lower, has resulted in reduced prices for sorbitol, thereby boosting demand for its non-food applications.

A key factor driving the market is the increasing need for nutritive sweeteners within the food and beverage sector. Regulatory approvals from safety organizations like the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for sorbitol’s use in medications and baked goods are expected to further stimulate the market in the United States. Sorbitol is also utilized as a humectant in pharmaceutical products, supporting market growth in a country that houses one of the largest pharmaceutical industries globally. As a result, demand for sorbitol is projected to rise throughout the forecast period.

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The growing use of sorbitol in chocolates and confectionery products, due to its desirable textural, moisture-retaining, and non-carcinogenic properties, is likely to positively impact overall market demand. Sorbitol's chemical stability and relative inertness make it easy to incorporate into various food products without adversely affecting recipes. Its unique texture-enhancing qualities have led to diverse applications, including in the cosmetics industry.

Application Segmentation Insights

The diabetic and dietetic food and beverage segment dominated the market, holding over 35% of the revenue share in 2022. The rising global consumption of functional foods, combined with economies of scale, has resulted in lower manufacturing costs for major producers, creating new opportunities for the future growth of sorbitol. However, the gradual increase in demand for alternative sweeteners, such as maltitol and xylitol, may pose a challenge to the market, as these can be used as substitutes for sorbitol.

Sorbitol is also applied in surfactants as detergents, dispersants, emulsifiers, and agents for wetting and foaming. Biobased surfactants are increasingly being utilized in the food processing industry. Surfactants act as stabilizing agents for a variety of food products, including bread, ice cream, and cakes. They help maintain the viscosity and texture of food products while extending shelf life. Consequently, the growth of the food processing industry is expected to drive demand for biobased surfactant products during the forecast period.

The Vitamin C application segment is anticipated to experience the highest growth rate over the forecast period. Vitamin C is primarily synthesized using two manufacturing processes: the Reichstein Grussner process and the two-step fermentation process. Both processes utilize sorbitol as a primary starting material for the production of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). The two-step fermentation process is predominantly employed by Chinese manufacturers due to its lower production costs.

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