The global sorbitol market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 5.2% during the forecast period. Sorbitol is mainly derived from corn, seaweed, fruits, and berries and is primarily used as a sweetener, flavoring agent, humectant, and diuretic dehydrating agent for various applications such as food & beverage, cosmetics & personal care, and pharmaceuticals. For instance, in the food industry, it is added to prevent the food from drying and aging and to extend the shelf-life of products as well as effectively prevent the precipitation of sugar. The growth of the sorbitol market is being fueled by the increased consumption of sugar-based goods. Furthermore, rising obesity and diabetes rates are forcing people to choose sorbitol over regular sugar, boosting the sorbitol market. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 463 million adults were living with diabetes in 2019. However, sorbitol is a carbohydrate and can increase blood sugar levels if consumed in excess, although the human body metabolizes sorbitol.

Impact of COVID-19 on Sorbitol Market

COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the sorbitol market as there was a decrease in the sales for several foods and beverages products owing to the lockdown enforcement placed by governments to contain COVID spreading. Production facilities around the world were subjected to restrictions, thereby decreasing the production and supply to the end-user applications. restrictions imposed by various nations to contain COVID had also affected the entire supply chain which has impacted the sorbitol market. 

Segmental Outlook 

The global sorbitol market is segmented based on the product and end-use. Based on product, the market is segmented into liquid, and crystal. Further, based on end-use, the market is classified into personal care, chemical, food, and pharmaceuticals. 

Global Sorbitol Market Share by End-Use, 2021 (%)

The food segment is projected to have dominating share in the global sorbitol market 

Among end-use, the food segment is estimated to have significant CAGR in the sorbitol market. Sorbitol is a sweetener that is commonly added to foods to substitute the need for refined sugar. In addition to providing sweetness, sorbitol serves as a texturizing and anti-crystallization agent in the production of ice cream and bakery products. It is commonly used to extend the shelf life of various confectionery and bakery products while maintaining their freshness and color and also it is used in the preparation of canned fruit. The food segment is expected to dominate the market over the forecast period, with the rise of the food and beverage industry, as applications for the product are expanding in the industry. Moreover, sorbitol finds application in surfactants, wherein surfactant acts as a stabilizing agent for a variety of food products, such as bread, ice cream, and cakes. Additionally, the surfactants help in maintaining the viscosity and the texture of the food products and extending shelf life.

Regional Outlooks

The global sorbitol market is further segmented based on geography including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The European region is projected to have a significant CAGR in the global market owing to the region's well-established food and beverage industry, which is constantly growing and adapting to new ingredients. The market in Europe is expected to exhibit high growth opportunities owing to the role of the product as a substitute for sugar in sugar-based foods and beverages as well as meat products as sorbitol prevents the charring of meat.

Global Sorbitol Market Growth, by region 2022-2028

Asia-Pacific is Projected to Have a Significant Share in the Global Sorbitol Market During The Forecast Period. 

Geographically, Asia-Pacific is estimated to dominate the global sorbitol market by accounting significant share during the forecast period. The market for sorbitol in the region is being driven by an increase in health-conscious consumers, as well as a growth in the number of fast-growing consumer markets. Sorbitol is used widely in a variety of applications, including chocolates, baked goods, and confectionery. Further, the changing lifestyles of the general public, along with urbanization in developing countries, have spurred demand for the product, with end-users progressively adopting it to meet consumer demand. In the Asia Pacific, sorbitol is widely used for non-food applications; for instance, Japan is a significant importer of the product for the oral care sector. Moreover, the region has an Indonesian market that is home to the second-largest producers of starch sweeteners and sorbitol.  

Market Players Outlook

The key players of the sorbitol market include Cargill Inc, Merck KGaA, DuPont Inc, Archer Daniels Midland Company, American International Foods Inc., SPI Pharma Inc among others. The market players are considerably contributing to the market growth by the adoption of various strategies including mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and new product launches, to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in December 2016, Archer Daniels Midland Company announced today that it will significantly expand the overall grind and finishing capacity for sweeteners and starches at its corn wet mill facilities in Turkey and Bulgaria. As a result of increasing production capacity and expanding their capabilities, they will be able to offer their customers an expanded range of sweeteners and starches as the demand from food and paper markets in Turkey and the Middle East continues to grow.

The Report Covers

• Market value data analysis of 2021 and forecast to 2028.
• Annualized market revenues ($ million) for each market segment.
• Country-wise analysis of major geographical regions.
• Key companies operating in the global sorbitol market
• 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.