India Citric Acid Market

Market Overview:

The India citric acid market size reached 99,010 Tons in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 1,48,750 Tons by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.40% during 2025-2033. The growing food and beverage industry, rising demand for RTD beverages and processed foods, pharmaceutical applications, cosmetics utilization, and increasing consumer preference for natural ingredients are among the key factors driving the market growth.

Citric acid is a mild organic acid naturally found in citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, orange, and pomelo. It can also be produced synthetically through fermentation by Aspergillus Niger fungus. Citric acid offers numerous health benefits, such as detoxification, enhanced energy, and support for digestion and kidney function. As a result, it is widely employed in the food and beverage (F&B) sector as an additive, preservative, flavor enhancer, and coloring agent. Besides this, it is also preferred over phosphates in detergent manufacturing for its environmentally friendly water system formulation.

The market for citric acid in India is mainly driven by the bolstering growth of the F&B industry. Besides this, the increased demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages and processed foods due to rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and busy lifestyles is creating a positive outlook for market expansion. Moreover, citric acid's role in enhancing metabolism and nutrient absorption in medicines and health supplements is fueling the market growth. In addition to this, the largescale product employment in cosmetics and personal care items, such as facial masks, to promote skin tone, brightening, oiliness reduction, and dead skin cell regeneration is aiding in market expansion. Furthermore, the shift towards organic and natural products driven by the rise in awareness of the adverse impact of synthetic chemicals is expanding the applications of citric acid in detergents, coatings, adhesives, plastics, pharmaceuticals, clinical nutrition, and pet food, contributing to the market's growth trajectory.

India Citric Acid Market Trends/Drivers:

Expanding F&B industry

The F&B industry in India has been experiencing remarkable growth due to various factors, such as changing consumer preferences, increasing disposable incomes, urbanization, and a shift towards convenience-oriented lifestyles. As people become busier, there's a rising inclination towards packaged and processed foods that offer quick and easy consumption options. Citric acid, known for its versatile applications in the food sector, is extensively employed for providing taste enhancement, preservation, and texture improvement to a wide range of products. In addition to this, its sour taste and pH regulation properties are utilized in numerous food products such as beverages, confectionery, jams, and dairy products. As a result, the growth of the F&B industry, accompanied by the need for quality and shelf-life extension, has led to a substantial demand for citric acid.

Rising demand for RTD beverages and processed foods

The increasing demand for RTD beverages and processed foods, influenced by the fast-paced urban lifestyle and the need for on-the-go consumption options, represents one of the main factors impelling the market growth. With rapid urbanization and changing work dynamics, consumers are seeking convenient and easily accessible food and beverage choices. Citric acid's presence in these products helps maintain the desired flavor, color, and shelf life. Besides this, it acts as a natural preservative, ensuring that RTD beverages and processed foods remain safe and visually appealing for an extended period. Furthermore, citric acid's sour taste contributes to the overall taste profile of these products, making them more attractive to consumers. This trend is presenting lucrative opportunities for market expansion.

India Citric Acid Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the India citric acid market report, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on application and form.

Breakup by Application:

• Food and Beverages
• Household Detergents and Cleaners
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

Food and beverages represent the most popular application

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes food and beverages, household detergents and cleaners, pharmaceuticals, and others. According to the report, food and beverages represented the largest segment.

The increased use of citric acid in food and beverage applications as a natural acidulant to enhance the flavor profile of various products and contribute to pH regulation, ensuring consistent taste and texture, is creating a positive outlook for market growth. Moreover, its compatibility with a range of ingredients and the ability to act as a chelating agent makes it an essential component in food and beverage formulations. Furthermore, the demand for clean labels and natural ingredients is encouraging manufacturers to turn to citric acid as a versatile alternative to synthetic additives, thereby strengthening the market growth. In addition to this, its reputation as a safe and recognizable ingredient aligns with the rising consumer interest in healthier and more transparent food options. As a result, citric acid is extensively employed to help meet the changing demands of both consumers and manufacturers within the dynamic landscape of the food and beverage industry.

Breakup by Form:

• Anhydrous
• Liquid

Anhydrous dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the form. This includes anhydrous and liquid. According to the report, anhydrous represented the largest segment.

The escalating demand for anhydrous citric acid can be attributed to its unique properties that cater to the specific requirements of diverse industries. In the pharmaceutical sector, anhydrous citric acid's role in improving solubility and enhancing drug stability has led to its increased utilization in formulation development, aiding in market expansion. Concurrent with this, the absence of water molecules in anhydrous citric acid contributes to extended shelf life and enhanced stability in various applications, creating a favorable market outlook. Furthermore, industries such as cosmetics and personal care are incorporating anhydrous citric acid due to its effectiveness in adjusting pH levels and acting as a gentle exfoliant, promoting skin health, thereby bolstering the market growth. As the focus on product quality, efficacy, and sustainability intensifies across industries, anhydrous citric acid's versatile attributes align with these demands, driving its demand as a preferred ingredient in various formulations.

Breakup by Region:

• North India
• West and Central India
• South India
• East India

West and Central India exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest India citric acid market growth

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North, West and Central, South, and East India. According to the report, West and Central India represented the largest segment.

West and Central India are leading the India citric acid market due to several factors. The presence of a robust industrial base, particularly in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, facilitates the production and consumption of citric acid, commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning products. The region's favorable government policies and well-established infrastructure support the growth of industries that utilize citric acid. Moreover, the high population density in these areas leads to increased consumer demand for processed foods and beverages, where citric acid is a key ingredient. The strategic location of these regions also enables easy access to both domestic and international markets, fostering trade opportunities.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the Indian citric acid market is distinguished by the existence of several key players and a blend of domestic and international manufacturers. Established multinational companies bring technological expertise and extensive distribution networks, allowing them to maintain substantial market shares. Simultaneously, domestic players leverage their understanding of local preferences and cost-effective production capabilities. The market exhibits intense rivalry driven by factors including product quality, pricing strategies, and innovation. Companies strive to differentiate themselves by offering a diverse portfolio of citric acid grades tailored to varying applications, from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and personal care. As sustainability gains prominence, environmentally conscious practices and clean-label offerings are becoming pivotal in shaping competitive strategies and fostering consumer trust.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided.

India Citric Acid Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the India citric acid market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the India citric acid market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the India citric acid industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.