Glycerol monostearate market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period (2024-2031).Glycerol Monostearate is used as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and stabiliser in various industries such as food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.

Market Dynamics

Elevating Demand: The Consumer Shift Towards Glycerol Monostearate

Consumer awareness regarding the benefits, applications, and safety profile of glycerol monostearate has driven its market demand. The glycerol monostearate is extensively used across food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. As consumers increasingly prioritize natural and plant-based ingredients, the inclination towards glycerol monostearate as a cleaner alternative to synthetic additives intensifies. This shift towards clean-label products amplifies the demand for glycerol monostearate, reflecting a broader consumer preference for transparency and natural solutions in the market.

Emerging Markets and Growth Opportunities: Unlocking Potential for Glycerol Monostearate

Emerging countries are offering untapped potential and substantial growth prospects for manufacturers and suppliers of glycerol monostearate. Regions like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are witnessing a surge in demand for processed foods, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals, propelled by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and evolving consumer lifestyles. This escalating trend fosters a burgeoning market for glycerol monostearate as a pivotal ingredient in these product categories. Additionally, as demographic shifts occur and consumers prioritize health-conscious choices, there is a mounting demand for products featuring functional ingredients like glycerol monostearate. Thus, emerging countries are offering ample growth opportunities for glycerol monostearate industry stakeholders to seize upon.

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global glycerol Monostearate market includes the following segments by purity, application, and end-use:

• Based on purity, the market is sub-segmented into <90% and >90%.

• Based on application, the market is sub-segmented into emulsifier, thickener and preservative.

• Based on end-use, the market is sub-segmented into food & beverages, personal care & cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Emulsifier is Projected to Emerge as the Largest Segment

Based on the application, the global glycerol monostearate market is sub-segmented into emulsifier, thickener and preservative. Among these, the emulsifier sub-segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. The primary factor supporting the segment's growth includes the increasing demand for clean-label products and natural ingredients, spurred by rising health consciousness among consumers. To meet the growing demand key players are making new product launches. For instance, in December 2023, Croda International Plc unveiled its latest production facility, Pastillator 4 (PSO4), located on Jurong Island, Singapore. This strategic initiative aims to cater to the growing market demand for esters and pastille format alkoxylates. With an investment of $16.4 million, the company is enhancing the site's capacity to 15,000 metric tons, showcasing its dedication to fulfilling the escalating market needs.

Food and Beverages Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The sub-segment of food and beverages holds a significant market share in the global glycerol monostearate market as it serves as a versatile emulsifier and stabilizer in a wide range of food and beverage products, including baked goods, dairy products, confectionery, and beverages. Its ability to improve texture, enhance shelf life, and maintain product consistency makes it a preferred ingredient for manufacturers seeking to meet consumer preferences for quality and convenience. Additionally, the growing consumer demand for clean-label and natural ingredients in food and beverages is driving the adoption of glycerol monostearate, as it is derived from natural sources such as vegetable oils and fats. With increasing health consciousness among consumers, there is a rising inclination towards products that are perceived as healthier and more natural, further fueling the demand for glycerol monostearate in this segment.

Regional Outlook

The global glycerol monostearate market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America). 

North America: Leading the Clean-Label Revolution with Glycerol Monostearate

North American countries are emerging as the fastest-growing due tothe trend towards clean-label products and natural ingredients such as increasing health consciousness among consumers. Glycerol monostearate, known for its versatility and clean-label appeal, is gaining significant traction in various industries such as food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Additionally, North America boasts advanced manufacturing capabilities and a strong research and development infrastructure, enabling the production of high-quality glycerol monostearate formulations. For instance, in February 2023, Unilever unveiled plans to construct a manufacturing facility in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, with a significant investment of $400 million. The facility aims to bolster Unilever's manufacturing capacity specifically for beauty and personal care products within the country. This strategic move is anticipated to drive the demand forglycerol monostearate as a crucial emulsifier in the production processes of cosmetics and personal care items.

Global Glycerol Monostearate Market Growth by Region 2024-2031

Asia-Pacific Holds Major Market Share

Among all the regions, Asia-Pacific holds a significant share due to rapid economic expansion, coupled with a burgeoning population and escalating urbanization rates, fosters heightened consumer demand across various industries and also has extensive industrialization, facilitating the production of diverse products such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items. 

Market Players Outlook

*Note: Major Players Sorted in No Particular Order.

The major companies serving the global glycerol Monostearatemarket include BASF SE, Wilmar International Ltd., 3M Co., Evonik Industries AG, Kao Corp. and others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in January 2023, Oleon N.V. announced plans to enhance the production capabilities of its isostearic acid and dimer acid facility situated in Ertvelde, Belgium. The company aims to double its capacity by 2024, with the upgraded unit expected to achieve a total production capacity of 14,125 tons.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2023and forecast to 2031.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global glycerol Monostearatemarket. Based on the availability of data, information related to new product launches, and relevant news is also available in the report.
• Analysis of business strategies by identifying the key market segments positioned for strong growth in the future.
• Analysis of market-entry and market expansion strategies.
• Competitive strategies by identifying ‘who-stands-where’ in the market.