Benzoic acid is colorless and crystalline organic chemical that belongs to the family of carboxylic acids. In laboratories, benzoic acid is manufactured by the oxidation of toluene at high temperatures using salts of cobalt and manganese as catalysts. It is soluble in alcohols, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, and water. It possesses anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Some natural sources of benzoic acid include cinnamon, cloves, stone fruits, berries, mushrooms, radishes, onion, garlic, cashews, almonds, milk, and cheese. It is employed in various industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, meat, and dairy products, among others.
Benzoic acid is used as a preservative in packaged, ready-to-eat, and canned food items such as jams, fruit juices, pickles, aerated drinks, sparkling drinks, and others. The growing demand for such food items among consumers globally is expected to propel the benzoic acid market. It does not alter the taste and aroma of the food to which it is added for preservation purposes. Moreover, benzoic acid is easily available and affordable, which makes it a popular choice over other alternatives among the end-users. This has led to an increase in the usage of benzoic acid in several end-use industries.
Benzoic acid is used in the manufacturing of antifungal ointments, which are applied to the skin to cure skin irritation, fungal infections, ringworms, insect bites, and anti-aging burns. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), around 1.7 million people die from serious fungal infections each year, which account for over 150 million cases worldwide. Hence, an increase in demand for antifungal ointment due to an increase in fungal infection cases, is giving rise to the demand for benzoic acid. Furthermore, the surge in demand for benzoic acid in the manufacturing of artificial flavors and fragrances is anticipated to escalate the growth of the benzoic acid market.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on numerous industries, as the supply chain and distribution were disturbed in a severe way, which led to various technical and financial problems. Likewise, the benzoic acid market also faced severe challenges, owing to its wide applications in various end-use industries. The lockdown forced processed food and beverage manufacturers to suspend manufacturing activities due to reduced labor supply, irrespective of consumer demand. However, during the crisis, the usage of benzoic acid escalated in the pharmaceutical industry, as it plays an important role in curing anti-fungal diseases.
Based on application, the benzoic acid market is segmented into benzoyl chloride, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, benzoate plasticizers, benzyl benzoate, alkyd resin, feed additives, and others. The extensive usage of benzoyl chloride in the preparation of resins, dyes, drugs, plasticizers, lubricants, and insect repellants is expected to drive the market over the forecast period.
Major players operating in the benzoic acid market are undertaking different strategies such as product launches, mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions, and geographical expansion. For instance, in February 2021, a German-based specialty chemicals company, LANXESS acquired Emerald Kalama, a U.S.-based specialty chemicals company. This strategy has aided LANXESS to strengthen its position in preservatives industry.
By Application
Sodium Benzoate
Potassium Benzoate
Benzyl Benzoate
Benzoate Plasticizers
Alkyd Resin
Benzoyl Chloride
Feed Additives
Others
By End-Use
Chemical
Food & Beverage
Bakery and Confectionery
Meat Products
Beverage
Sauces / Dips / Salad Dressings
Dairy Products
Others
Pharmaceuticals
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Others
By Region
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa
Key Players
Merck KGaA
THE CHEMICAL COMPANY
Chemcrux企业有限公司
I G Petrochemicals Ltd.
LANXESS
Hemadri Chemicals
Ganesh Benzoplast Limited
Eastman Chemical Company
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
GFS Chemicals Inc.
Spectrum Chemical
"The quality of research they have done for us has been excellent."