Hydrocolloids are polysaccharides, proteins, or synthetic polymers that are used in food products to thicken, stabilize, emulsify and gel solutions. Some common hydrocolloids used in the food include gelatin, pectin, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, and locust bean gum. These hydrocolloids are important additives that allow for texture engineering in foods. They improve mouthfeel, control viscosity and help stabilize emulsions. The hydrocolloid in India has seen tremendous growth over the past decade to meet the rising domestic and export demand for these additives.
Growth Of The India Hydrocolloids
The growing Indian food processing has led to a rise in demand for hydrocolloids from sectors such as bakery, dairy, confectionery, sauces and dressings. As Indians adopt Western-style fast and processed foods, the need for ingredients that provide textural appeal has surged. This has greatly benefited the hydrocolloid in India. Various gum-based and starch-based texturisers are increasingly being used in products like yogurt, cheese spreads, dairy desserts and fruit preparations. The booming beverage is another major consumer of hydrocolloids which are used for thickening and stabilization purposes in juices, carbonated drinks and RTD teas/coffees. The domestic hydrocolloid is projected to record a CAGR of over 7% in the next five years due to rapid urbanization, changing lifestyles and rising disposable incomes.
Growth Of India Hydrocolloids Export
Indian hydrocolloid manufacturers are aggressively promoting their offerings in overseasas well. Major export destinations include North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Exports have grown tremendously over the past decade due to competitive pricing and adequate quality standards maintained by Indian players. The Middle Eastern has emerged as a key area in recent times, accounting for over 15% of total exports currently. This is attributed to strong trade relations as well as similarities between Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines which utilize gum-based thickeners and stabilizers extensively. Stringent regulations in developedpose a challenge but major manufacturers are investing heavily in R&D and certification to penetrate regions like the EU and the US. Analysts project that hydrocolloid exports from India could touch 150,000 MT by 2025.
Raw Material Sourcing
Locally sourced raw materials provide Indian hydrocolloid producers with a significant competitive edge over global competitors. For example, India is one of the largest guar gum producers in the world. Guar splits sourced from guar cultivators within the country make up a major portion of the raw material requirements for domestic and exported guar gum. Other indigenous materials like gum karaya, plant gums and seaweed extracts also ensure steady domestic availability. However, factors like varying crop yields and international price fluctuations pose risks which manufacturers try to mitigate via long-term supply contracts and inventory management. With raw material accounting for 50-60% of total costs, assured sourcing at competitive rates has been a key enabler for the expansion.
Key Players
Major players in India's hydrocolloid include Hindustan Gum & Chemicals Ltd, Aquagel Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Kappa Carrageenan Pvt Ltd, Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd and KM Herman. These companies offer a diverse range of hydrocolloids and textures tailored for food, cosmetic and industrial applications. R&D is a major focus area as they endeavor to develop novel products and functionalities. Companies are also actively improving production efficiencies through upgraded plant and machinery. Contract manufacturing alliances have become quite prevalent to meet fluctuating and specialized customer demands. Moreover, with hydrocolloid exports driving growth, larger players are making strategic forays into sectors like organic guar gum to leverage new export opportunities. In the coming years, consolidation and greater integration across the supply chain can be expected.
The India hydrocolloids has immense potential driven by robust domestic consumption as well as dynamic exports. With new product innovations and regional expansions on the anvil, manufacturers are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Meanwhile, securing consistent raw material supplies and meeting stringent global safety standards will require ongoing efforts. Overall, factors like fiscal support from the government, growth in allied user industries and focus on value-added segments indicate a very bright future for this sunrise sector of the Indian economy.
Get more insights on this topic: https://www.trendingwebwire.com/india-hydrocolloids-the-emerging-sector-in-food/
Author Bio:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. (LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Comments
0 comment