Food Grade Phosphoric Acid Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global food grade phosphoric acid market was valued at USD 2.58 Billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.40% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 3.60 Billion by 2034. Expanding application of phosphoric acid in functional beverages for mineral fortification is unlocking fresh opportunities in both developed and emerging consumer markets.

The surging demand for safe acidity regulators across processed food and beverage sectors is also driving the market growth. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved phosphoric acid as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in August 2021, creating strong confidence among food processors. According to the food grade phosphoric acid market analysis, ultra-processed food consumption has reached 58% of total calorie intake in 2024, amplifying demand for stabilizers and preservatives. With similar dietary shifts in emerging economies, the compound is emerging as a core enabler of global food safety standards.

Another catalyst is the rise in phosphate-based fortification programs targeting nutrition security. On March 12, 2024, China's National Health Commission (NHC) announced a series of new food safety standards including one for food contact adhesives. Such policy alignments, coupled with shifting consumer habits, are creating a global market where phosphoric acid is becoming a critical enabler of shelf-life extension, texture stabilization, and food integrity.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

June 2025

A tender to purchase up to 12,000t of phosphoric acid solution was offered by Fact, an Indian fertilizer manufacturer and importer. FACT’s large-scale phosphoric acid tender in India highlights rising demand and supply chain opportunities for food-grade producers in a region with expanding processed food consumption.

April 2025

Regulation (EU) 2024/1185, which was released by the European Union (EU), updated the approval of phosphoric acid as a feed supplement for all animals. This ruling represents a significant turning point in animal nutrition and is based on the guidelines established by the European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003. This food grade phosphoric acid market development reinforces regulatory acceptance, boosting its cross-industry applications and strengthening market confidence for food-grade uses.

December 2023

The first shipment of Food Grade Phosphoric Acid (85%) was sent out by Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd. (GACL) virtually in front of Shri Swaroop P. IAS, GACL's managing director, and other top officials. This underscores India’s growing domestic production capacity, enhancing global supply reliability and competitiveness in international markets.

January 2023

The shares of Febex, the European market leader for phosphoric acid in the electronics sector, were successfully acquired from Arkema by Prayon, a major player in phosphorus chemistry globally. Prayon’s acquisition of Febex from Arkema expands its capabilities in high-purity phosphoric acid, strengthening its portfolio and supporting innovation for food and beverage-grade applications.

Fortified Beverage Expansion Driving Phosphoric Acid Utilization

The fortified beverage market has become a significant engine of growth for food grade phosphoric acid. Global fortified drink sales is booming, with phosphate-based minerals widely used for stability and fortification. Leading beverage companies, such as PepsiCo, are expanding electrolyte beverages enriched with phosphate salts to maintain mineral balance. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) cleared new guidelines for mineral fortification in functional drinks in January 2024, opening up new food grade phosphoric acid market opportunities. The ability of phosphoric acid to act as both an acidity regulator and a mineral carrier positions it as a core enabler of next-gen beverage formulations.

Rising Clean Label Strategies with Transparent Acidulants

Consumer expectations for clean-label and transparent additives are reshaping procurement strategies in food manufacturing. Food grade phosphoric acid, when derived from purified sources, fits into the “clean acidulant” portfolio that multinational processors prefer. According to the food grade phosphoric acid industry analysis, 54% of North American consumers in 2021 checked ingredient labels for chemical-sounding additives, compelling companies to justify choices. Companies like Nestlé are highlighting phosphoric acid in their sustainability reports as a safer and more traceable acidity regulator compared to synthetic blends. Regulatory pressure from the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy also encourages safer disclosure of additives, directly favoring phosphoric acid with proven food safety certifications.

Government-Led Food Security Initiatives Elevating Phosphate Demand

Public programs aimed at combating malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency are boosting reliance on phosphate compounds in food processing. UNICEF’s Global Fortification Data Exchange reported that over 85 countries now have food fortification legislation, with many incorporating phosphate salts for mineral stability. In Latin America, Brazil is increasingly emphasizing phosphates for calcium and phosphorus supplementation. Such interventions reinforce phosphoric acid’s importance not only as a processing aid but also as a public health enabler, expanding food grade phosphoric acid demand from global institutional buyers and government-driven procurement channels.

Sustainable Production Pathways for Food Grade Phosphoric Acid

Sustainability in food chemicals is emerging as a strong differentiation lever. Companies such as OCP Group in Morocco and Prayon in Belgium are investing in cleaner extraction technologies that reduce environmental footprints of phosphoric acid production. In December 2022, OCP inaugurated a pilot facility integrating renewable energy to refine food-grade phosphates, lowering carbon intensity significantly. The European Commission’s Green Deal also encourages such transitions through funding support for low-carbon food chemicals, boosting growth in the food grade phosphoric acid market. For B2B buyers under ESG scrutiny, the availability of sustainably sourced phosphoric acid strengthens its competitive appeal compared to conventional additives.

Strategic Mergers and Investments Reshaping Supply Networks

Consolidation in the phosphate and food additive industries is reshaping global supply chains. Companies like Innophos Holdings are expanding into food-grade phosphate facilities in Mexico, ensuring supply security for North American clients. Similarly, Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL) increased investments in Asia-Pacific, targeting high-demand beverage manufacturing hubs like Vietnam and Indonesia. These food grade phosphoric acid market expansions not only address demand surges but also mitigate risks tied to geopolitical phosphate shortages. Such developments illustrate how phosphoric acid is evolving into a high-value strategic asset in food processing, supported by multinational investments and regional capacity-building projects.

Global Food Grade Phosphoric Acid Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Global Food Grade Phosphoric Acid Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Application

• Food
• Beverage
• Pharmaceutical

Key Insight: The food grade phosphoric acid market finds applications across food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Food remains the largest contributor, owing to shelf-life and texture needs, while beverages grow rapidly due to fortification. The pharmaceuticals industry, on the other hand, leverages phosphoric acid in buffering agents and excipients. All these applications demonstrate diversified demand streams, insulating the market from dependency on any one vertical and creating a balanced ecosystem for manufacturers.

Market Breakup by Region

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

Key Insight: The market is well-diversified across Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific dominates the food grade phosphoric acid market revenue due to processed food demand, the North American market growth accelerates with fortified beverages, while Europe benefits from regulatory clarity. Latin America and Middle East and Africa show increasing uptake with expanding packaged food sectors.

Global Food Grade Phosphoric Acid Market Share

Food applications secured the largest share of the market due to shelf-life stability

Food applications dominate the market, particularly in bakery and dairy processing. Phosphoric acid’s role in regulating acidity enhances texture, preserves freshness, and ensures microbial safety. According to the USDA, phosphate additives remain crucial for stabilizing cheese and baked goods, both fast-growing packaged categories. The surging demand for processed dairy snacks in North America and Asia has created steady uptake. Large manufacturers, including Kraft Heinz and Danone, continue to rely on phosphoric acid in proprietary formulations to maintain consistency across global markets, solidifying food applications’ position in the market.

The beverage industry is projected to witness the fastest growth in food grade phosphoric acid consumption, driven by energy drinks, carbonated beverages, and fortified hydration products. Brands such as Coca-Cola have consistently used phosphoric acid in cola products, while newer entrants are leveraging it in sports nutrition beverages. The rising middle-class population in Asia-Pacific and health-conscious youth in Europe create strong demand waves, making beverages a growth hotspot for manufacturers of food-grade phosphoric acid.

Global Food Grade Phosphoric Acid Market Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific secures significant share of the market due to expanding processed food consumption

Asia-Pacific leads the market, driven by surging processed food demand in China, India, and Southeast Asia. China’s regulatory modernization supporting food-grade phosphate production also enhances domestic availability. Multinational corporations are increasingly expanding supply partnerships across this region to meet high-volume B2B demand, securing Asia-Pacific’s position as the largest regional contributor.

North America is witnessing the fastest food grade phosphoric acid market growth, primarily from fortified beverages and functional food trends. Beverage brands in the United States and Canada are aggressively scaling electrolyte, protein, and carbonated product lines that rely on phosphoric acid as both preservative and fortifier. Regulatory assurance from the FDA further boosts adoption, ensuring reliable acceptance among manufacturers and enabling North America to emerge as the fastest-growing regional market.

Competitive Landscape

Leading food grade phosphoric acid market players are focusing on developing cleaner extraction methods, fortification-focused solutions, and region-specific partnerships to strengthen their supply chains. Opportunities lie in expanding into fast-growing markets such as fortified beverages in North America and processed food in Asia-Pacific. Additionally, investments in renewable-powered refining plants and digital monitoring platforms are helping suppliers meet global ESG benchmarks.

Food grade phosphoric acid companies are also diversifying with eco-friendly production technologies and collaborating with governments on food safety programs. With increasing consumer scrutiny over ingredient sourcing, transparency and traceability have become competitive differentiators that are shaping procurement decisions across industries. Partnerships with nutraceutical and functional food manufacturers are further broadening application portfolios, creating long-term demand visibility.

Brenntag SE

Established in 1874 and headquartered in Germany, Brenntag SE is a leading chemical distributor serving the food grade phosphoric acid market through its global supply chain network. The company focuses on specialty food chemicals, emphasizing purity and quality certifications demanded by multinational food and beverage clients.

Arkema Group

Arkema Group, founded in 2004 and headquartered in France, is a diversified chemicals company with a strong focus on sustainable production of food-grade additives. The company leverages advanced purification technologies to ensure high-quality phosphoric acid suitable for sensitive food and beverage applications. Arkema invests heavily in R&D, particularly in developing lower-carbon production pathways and renewable-based chemical sourcing.

Guangxi Qinzhou Capital Success Chemical Co. Ltd

Established in 2005 and headquartered in China, Guangxi Qinzhou Capital Success Chemical Co. Ltd specializes in phosphoric acid manufacturing with a growing focus on food-grade applications. The company leverages its proximity to raw phosphate resources in Guangxi to ensure cost-effective production.

OCP SA

Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Morocco, OCP SA is the world’s largest phosphate producer and a significant player in food-grade phosphoric acid. The company integrates vertically from mining to refining, ensuring end-to-end supply security. Its growing partnerships with food ingredient companies in Europe and Africa showcase its ability to align with global ESG standards while expanding into fast-growing fortified food markets.

Another key player in the market is Grasim Industries Limited among others.

Key Highlights of the Global Food Grade Phosphoric Acid Market Report:

• Breakthrough insights into sustainable refining technologies and eco-friendly phosphate sourcing initiatives.
• Comprehensive profiling of global and regional players reshaping food additive supply chains.
• Regional outlook mapping growth hot spots in fortified beverages and processed foods.
• Investment-driven analysis highlighting ESG-compliant production opportunities and cross-border partnerships in food security programs.

Why Rely on Expert Market Research?

• Decades of expertise spanning global food additives and functional ingredients sectors.
• Tailor-made intelligence enabling clients to capture niche opportunities across beverages, food, and nutraceutical markets.
• Multi-layered methodology combining regulatory monitoring, trade data analysis, and executive-level interviews.
• Actionable foresight powered by advanced scenario modeling tools that translate market complexity into clear strategic decisions.