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Global demand for antioxidants in food reaches $390m
Chemical antioxidants are cheaper than their natural counterparts but as consumers demand fewer chemical products in their diet so manufacturers and ingredients specialists are responding to this need. Safety is also issue with regard to chemical antioxidants, which has also contributed to the growth in demand for natural antioxidants. BHT and BHA are two of the main chemical antioxidants that have been used for many years although recently they have been linked to allergic reactions, and in some cases cancer in animals.
According to RTS Resource, the global value of antioxidants in all food totalled $390m in 2005 which represents volume usage of 30,000 tonnes. Of this total, Western Europe represents a 25% share (US$100m) although the biggest market is the United States (US$125m) which accounts for one third of global value.
Although the Western European market for antioxidants is now slowing due to a certain level of saturation, RTS forecasts an increase in volume usage of 0.8% per year to 2010. Value is expected to grow at a higher rate as demand for antioxidants is expected to drive up the price.