Shortening Fats Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The global shortening fats market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.30% in the forecast period between 2025 and 2034, driven by the growing processed food industry.

Key Trends in the Market

Shortening fats refer to any type of fat that is solid at room temperature, such as butter, margarine, and lard. Shortening fats are used to make non-elastic pastries like cakes by preventing the development of a gluten matrix in baked foods. Foods like pastries can have a crumbly and crisp texture due to the usage of shortening fats.

• The global shortening fats market is expanding due to the functional dominance, improved formulations, and expanding uses of shortened fats. Shortening fats have a lubricating effect on food matrices and also have an impact on sensory qualities, particularly the texture and flavour. Shortening is commonly used in non-elastic pastries like cakes.
• During the forecast period, the global shortening fats market is expected to increase as a result of the rapid advancements in shortening fats. Different types of breads utilise speciality fats in varying degrees. In other types of breads, when fats are used at higher amounts they help prevent excess gluten production in the dough. The fats used in bread production are also known as ‘shortening’ since they result in a shorter bite and effortlessly melt-in-mouth texture.
• The expansion of the global market for shortening fats can also be attributed to macroeconomic reasons including the rise in middle-class households' disposable income, which is leading to an increase in consumer expenditure on baked goods and confectioneries. The prohibition of trans fats in the food business is one of the key trends in the market for shortening fats that has been observed. As a result, shortening fats are becoming more common as trans-fat and acid-free fats are utilised in confectionery food products.

Global Shortening Fats Market Segmentation

The report titled “Shortening Fats Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Vegetable Based
• Animal Based

Market Breakup by Application

• Confectionery
• Ice Cream
• Snacks
• Bakery
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Market Share by Application

The bakery applications of shortening fats are expected to hold a sizable market share. This expansion can be attributed to the daily increase in demand for bakery goods brought on by changing lifestyles, growing populations, and economic advancements. For the creation of bakery shortenings, fully hydrogenated soybean oil obtained from soybeans that contain no trans fats are often used as hard fat. Rapid urbanisation and the growing need for ready-to-eat or fast food products are further helping the shortening fats market growth.

In addition, the confectionery applications is anticipated to expand at a fast CAGR during the forecast period due to the extensive use of shortening fats in confectionery. Usage of shortening fats imparts their distinctive flavour and shortening characteristics. Shortening based on roasted whole soybeans and their flour as ingredients is also growing in use in regional confectionery products and snacks.

Market Share by Region

North America is expected to account for a significant share in the shortening fats market. The established bread industry in North America is fundamental for the region's expansion. Also, the consumers' preferences for healthy eating, particularly with regard to freshly baked items like bread, cake, pies, and other baked goods, is propelling the market growth in the region.

Over the course of the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit a fast growth rate. This is attributable to factors such as the significant consumption of confectionery goods and the region's dominant position in the confectionery sector. The expansion of the global shortening fats market in the Asia Pacific is further fuelled by the rising production and demand. China is a fastest-growing consumer market for shortening fats, particularly those sourced from soybeans.

Competitive Landscape

The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global shortening fats market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

Cargill, Incorporated

Cargill, Incorporated, headquartered in the United States and founded in 1865, has operations in the areas of refined oils, food ingredients, grain and oilseeds, cotton, animal nutrition, industrial specialties, and trade structured finance. Cargill sells popular consumer brands of edible oils such as Sunflower brand of hydrogenated fats, Nature Fresh, Gemini, Sweekar, Leonardo Olive Oil, and Rath.

Bunge Limited

Bunge Limited, was founded in 1818 in the Netherlands, and is currently headquartered in Missouri in the United States. The company is a major manufacturer and supplier of agricultural fertilisers as well as edible oil, milled rice, and wheat products. It is also a global leader in oilseed processing and a leading producer and supplier of speciality plant-based oils and fats.

Soren Srl

Soren Srl, an Italian company, has been in the food business since the 1960s. With headquarters in Corsico, Italy, the company specialises in the designing and building of automatic systems that are used for various food industry processes. The primary items that can be produced with Soren's technologies are ice cream, oils and fats, and pastries.

Other market players include Pristine Baking Solutions and AAK AB, among others.