North America Sorbitol Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The North America sorbitol market was valued at USD 475.10 Million in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a valuation of USD 811.54 Million by 2034.

In North America, the US is the leading sorbitol market and is the second largest producer of sorbitol in the world after China. The polyol is currently derived entirely from corn in the US. Thus, the sorbitol market in the country is highly dependent on the climate of its corn production. The US is a leading corn producer globally and represents nearly 36% of the global corn output. In the period of 2017-2018, the country produced 371 million metric tons of corn. Although, globally, the feedstock used in the production of sorbitol is dependent on the regional availability of specific feedstock like corn, wheat or cassava, overall, corn remains a leading feedstock. Almost 1.04 billion metric tons of corn was produced in the world between 2017 to 2018. The output is expected to witness a healthy growth in the coming years, providing an impetus to the global market growth of sorbitol.

Globally, sorbitol finds the majority of its end-uses in toothpastes, and foods and beverages. It is also extensively used in the manufacture of Vitamin C. The toothpaste end-use segment is expected to witness a healthy growth in the forecast period, especially in the emerging economies. The sorbitol industry is projected to be driven by its growing use as a sugar-substitute due to the rising awareness about sugar-related health complications like obesity and type-2 diabetes. Almost 13% of the global population was obese in 2016, according to the WHO, while type-2 diabetes has seen a significant increase in the last three decades.

Market Segmentation

Sorbitol is a polyol or a sugar alcohol like xylitol and mannitol. In nature, it is found in fruits like apples and peaches, and plants like seaweed and corn, among other substances. It can also be manufactured artificially through the hydrogenation of D-glucose to form D-sorbitol. The polyol is found either as a liquid or as a powder. It is widely used in the following sectors:

Market Breakup by Type

• Liquid
• Powder

Market Breakup by Application

• Pharmaceuticals
• Toothpaste
• Food & Confectionaries
• Cosmetics & Toiletries
• Industrial Surfactants
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• United States of America
• Canada

Market Analysis

The North America sorbitol market is being driven by its steadily growing food and beverage industry with the consumers looking for products with less sugar or no sugar. In 2017, nearly 37.7% of the US population was deemed to be obese. To curb the rise of obesity among its population, the government is seeking to discourage consumers from products with high sugar content. Policies like the sugary beverage tax or soda tax in major cities in the US is also providing further impetus to the sorbitol market growth as the polyol is extensively used in diet sodas and sugar-free juices. The rise in the economy and the expected increase in the high-income class population in the region is also propelling the sorbitol market forward.

Sorbitol is used as a sweetener, humectant, stabiliser, emulsifier and softener in home and personal care products. The projected steady growth of the oral care segment in the region is expected to add to the industry growth of the polyol with it being used extensively in toothpastes as a sweetener. It is also used in toothpastes to keep them from drying out. North America is a leading cosmetics market globally, and the industry is also projected to grow in the forecast period, driving the sorbitol industry further. The rising demand for premium and organic cosmetics products from consumers with higher disposable incomes is aiding the market. The expected growth in the overall polyol industry will also drive the North America sorbitol market due to their expanding use in the personal care and pharmaceutical sectors in the US.

Globally, the US is a leading producer as well as a leading consumer of sorbitol. The country also exports its surplus production, making it a significant exporter of the polyol along with countries like China, India, Germany, and Indonesia. The industry is highly concentrated in the country with the three largest manufacturers producing over 90% of the total sorbitol output.

Competitive Landscape

The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the North America sorbitol market, looking into their capacity, market share, and latest developments like mergers and acquisitions, plant turnarounds, and capacity expansions:

• Roquette Frères SA
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Ingredion, Incorporated
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Tereos Starch & Sweeteners

The report provides an insight into the market by giving an overview of the manufacturing process as well as a value chain analysis. An analysis of Porter’s Five Forces has also been given along with a SWOT analysis of the market.