Beta-Carotene Market Size and Share
Beta-Carotene Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The global beta-carotene market value is estimated to be USD 433.55 million in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 572.02 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.7%. This growth is driven by government fortification programs in developing countries and regulations supporting natural food ingredients in developed markets. The increasing consumer preference for natural ingredients and rising health consciousness contribute to market expansion. The FDA's permanent classification of beta-carotene as a certified color additive and EFSA's updated safety protocols reinforce market stability through natural sourcing and quality standards. Additionally, the growing application of beta-carotene in dietary supplements, food and beverages, and animal feed sectors further supports market development. The rising awareness of vitamin A deficiency and the subsequent need for fortification programs in emerging economies create substantial opportunities for market growth.
Key Report Takeaways
- By nature, the synthetic segment held a 47.95% share of the beta-carotene market in 2024, whereas the natural segment is projected to expand at a 7.52% CAGR through 2030.
- By form, powder products accounted for 72.82% share of the beta-carotene market in 2024; liquid variants are expected to grow at a 7.02% CAGR between 2025-2030.
- By application, food and beverage led with a 37.70% contribution to the beta-carotene market in 2024, while dietary supplements are set to post the fastest 6.89% CAGR to 2030.
- By geography, Europe commanded a 31.19% share of the global market in 2024; Asia-Pacific is forecast to expand the beta-carotene market at a 7.73% CAGR over the same horizon.
Global Beta-Carotene Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Surging Demand for Natural Food Colorants in Functional Food and Beverage | +1.1% | Global, with strongest impact in North America and Europe | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Increasing Consumer Inclination Towards Plant Based Beta Carotene Supplements | +0.8% | APAC core, spill-over to North America | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Fortification Initiatives by Governments Encouraging Use in Staple Foods | +1.0% | APAC and Middle East, emerging gains in Sub-Saharan Africa | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Strategic Partnership Among Supplier and Food and Beverage Giants Enhancing Market Reach | +0.5% | Global | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Surge in Demand For Algae-Derived Beta-Carotene as Sustainable Ingredient | +0.6% | Europe and North America, expanding to APAC | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Rising Utilisation of Beta-Carotene in Ethnic and Herbal Beauty Products | +0.3% | APAC, with early gains in India, China, South Korea | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Surging Demand for Natural Food Colorants in Functional Food and Beverage
Government regulatory frameworks are accelerating the transition from synthetic to natural food colorants, with the FDA's comprehensive color additive regulations requiring extensive safety documentation for synthetic alternatives while providing streamlined pathways for natural variants. The European Union's formal definition of 'coloring foods' that retain their natural identity has created regulatory clarity that favors beta-carotene derived from natural sources over synthetic alternatives. USDA[1]U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Color Additives Exempt from Certification,” fda.govorganic standards specifically prohibit synthetic colorants in certified organic products, creating a protected market segment where natural beta-carotene commands premium pricing and guaranteed demand. The WHO/FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives has established Acceptable Daily Intake guidelines that favor natural carotenoids, providing scientific backing for regulatory preferences toward natural alternatives. Government-sponsored research through the National Institutes of Health continues to validate the safety and efficacy of natural beta-carotene, strengthening the scientific foundation for regulatory approvals and consumer acceptance.
Increasing Consumer Inclination Towards Plant-Based Beta Carotene Supplements
The FDA'sDietary Supplement Health and Education Act framework provides regulatory clarity for plant-based beta-carotene supplements, with the agency maintaining a database of over 60,000 supplement products that demonstrates the scale of market opportunity. Government health agencies worldwide are promoting plant-based nutrition as a strategy for addressing chronic disease prevention, with the USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasizing the importance of carotenoid-rich foods for optimal health outcomes. The CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data consistently shows suboptimal vitamin A intake across population groups, creating government-backed rationale for beta-carotene supplementation programs. EFSA's[2]European Food Safety Authority, “Scientific Opinion on the Safety of Beta-Carotene,” efsa.europa.eurecent scientific opinion, maintaining that beta-carotene intake from dietary sources is not associated with adverse health effects, provides regulatory support for plant-based supplement formulations. Government research funding through agencies like the National Science Foundation continues to support innovation in plant-based extraction technologies, reducing production costs and improving product quality for supplement applications.
Fortification Initiatives by Governments Encouraging Use in Staple Foods
Government-mandated fortification programs are the primary driver of beta-carotene demand. The International Vitamin A Consultative Group recommends that fortified foods provide a minimum of 15% of the recommended daily intake for target populations. This recommendation has influenced policy decisions worldwide and led to increased adoption of fortification programs across developing nations. The World Bank has demonstrated its commitment by allocating USD 50 million for orange-fleshed sweet potato cultivation in Uganda, as part of its biofortified crop programs to address vitamin A deficiency in 2025[3]World Bank, “Project Paper on Biofortified Crops in Uganda,” worldbank.org Source: Ministry of Food Processing Industries, “Production Linked Incentive Scheme Guidelines,” mofpi.gov.in. This initiative aims to improve nutrition security and reduce vitamin A deficiency among vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women. The program also includes training for farmers and the development of local supply chains to ensure sustainable production. In India, the National Food Security Act establishes nutritional standards for public distribution systems, generating significant demand for beta-carotene-fortified grains and oils. The Act requires mandatory fortification of staple foods distributed through government channels, impacting millions of beneficiaries. This policy has created a substantial market for beta-carotene manufacturers and has encouraged private sector participation in food fortification initiatives.
Strategic Partnership Among Supplier and Food and Beverage Giants Enhancing Market Reach
Government trade policies and international cooperation frameworks facilitate the cross-border expansion of the beta-carotene market through strategic partnerships. The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service supports international food technology transfer, enabling beta-carotene production technologies to reach developing markets. The European Union's Horizon Europe program provides funding for public-private partnerships in food ingredient development, fostering beta-carotene innovation. Government export agencies offer financial incentives and regulatory assistance for companies forming international partnerships, especially in emerging markets with growing fortification programs. The World Trade Organization's Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade establishes harmonized standards for beta-carotene products, simplifying regulatory requirements and market entry. USAID's Feed the Future initiative supports partnerships that enhance food nutritional content, generating government-supported demand for beta-carotene fortification technologies.
Restraint Impact Analysis
Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Price Volatility of Natural Raw Material Like Carrot and Algae Affecting Profit Margin | -0.7% | Global, with acute impact in regions dependent on agricultural inputs | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Complex and Cost-Intensive Extraction Process | -0.5% | Global, particularly affecting smaller producers | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Stringent Labeling and Purity Regulations | -0.4% | Europe and North America, expanding to APAC | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Limited Consumer Awareness in Emerging Markets | -0.3% | Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Latin America, rural Asia | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Price Volatility of Natural Raw Material Like Carrot and Algae Affecting Profit Margin
Government agricultural policies and climate change impacts are causing significant volatility in raw material prices for natural beta-carotene production. USDA crop reports indicate a 16% decrease in carrot production in 2024 due to weather-related yield variations. The Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service data from 2023 shows rising production costs for specialty crops used in beta-carotene extraction, primarily due to labor shortages and input cost inflation. Government biofuel mandates compete with beta-carotene production for algae biomass, as renewable energy policies prioritize fuel applications over food ingredients. The Federal Reserve's monetary policies and international trade tensions influence commodity pricing, while government tariffs and trade restrictions affect the cost structure of imported raw materials. NOAA climate data from 2024 shows an increased frequency of extreme weather events disrupting agricultural supply chains, requiring beta-carotene producers to maintain higher inventory levels and accept greater price volatility. Government crop insurance programs offer limited coverage for specialty crops used in beta-carotene production, exposing producers to substantial financial risks from weather-related losses.
Complex and Cost-Intensive Extraction Process
Regulatory compliance requirements imposed by government agencies significantly increase the complexity and cost of beta-carotene extraction processes, with FDA Good Manufacturing Practice standards requiring extensive documentation and quality control systems. The EPA's environmental regulations for solvent use and waste disposal add substantial compliance costs to traditional extraction methods, forcing producers to invest in expensive green technologies or face regulatory penalties. OSHA workplace safety requirements for chemical handling and processing equipment necessitate significant capital investments in safety systems and employee training programs. The USDA's organic certification standards impose additional processing requirements that increase extraction complexity and costs for organic beta-carotene products. Government energy efficiency standards and carbon emission regulations require investments in advanced processing equipment that meets environmental performance criteria while maintaining product quality. International regulatory harmonization efforts, while beneficial long term, create short-term compliance costs as producers must adapt processes to meet multiple jurisdictional requirements simultaneously.
Segment Analysis
By Nature: Regulatory Frameworks Shape Production Preferences
Synthetic beta-carotene holds a dominant market share of 47.95% in 2024, driven by FDA and EFSA safety approvals and cost advantages in government fortification programs. The FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation provides clear regulatory pathways for food and supplement applications. Government procurement programs prefer synthetic variants due to standardized specifications and competitive pricing, particularly in developing countries' fortification initiatives. The USDA's animal feed regulations support synthetic beta-carotene use in livestock applications, ensuring steady demand in agricultural markets.
Natural beta-carotene shows a growth rate of 7.52% CAGR during 2025-2030, supported by government organic standards and regulations favoring natural ingredients. The USDA's National Organic Program requires natural sources for organic certification, creating a distinct market segment. The EU's Green Deal policies create institutional demand through government procurement preferences, while Asia-Pacific regulatory developments, including China's health food regulations, expand market opportunities while maintaining quality requirements.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Form: Processing Regulations Influence Format Selection
Powder formulations hold a dominant 72.82% market share in 2024, driven by established FDA manufacturing standards and alignment with government-mandated fortification requirements across food categories. The powder segment benefits from simplified stability testing protocols and standardized analytical methods for potency verification. Food safety regulations favor powder formulations due to their lower microbial contamination risk and longer shelf life, which is essential for international aid programs and emergency food supplies. The USDA's school nutrition programs specifically require powder forms to ensure consistency in institutional food preparation, creating reliable demand channels.
Liquid beta-carotene formulations are projected to grow at 7.02% CAGR during 2025-2030, supported by FDA approvals for beverage applications and documented bioavailability improvements. National Institutes of Health research confirms higher absorption rates for liquid formulations, providing scientific support for premium market positioning. The EPA's green chemistry initiatives support liquid processing methods that minimize solvent usage and environmental impact. FDA guidance on color additives for topical use has expanded opportunities in cosmetics applications. Government nutrition programs increasingly favor liquid forms due to their bioavailability benefits, especially for infants and elderly populations. International regulatory alignment is reducing trade barriers for liquid formulations, as government agencies develop uniform testing standards for stability and potency verification.
By Application: Government Programs Drive Segment Growth
Food and beverage applications maintain dominance with a 37.70% share in 2024, driven by FDA regulations for food colorants and USDA guidelines for nutritional enhancement. Government school nutrition programs generate significant demand for beta-carotene-fortified foods through federal procurement standards that specify nutritional requirements. The FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe status for food applications provides regulatory assurance that supports sustained investment in food-grade production capacity.
Dietary supplements show the highest growth rate at 6.89% CAGR during 2025-2030. Government health agencies' emphasis on preventive nutrition strengthens market growth, with CDC data indicating the need for increased vitamin A consumption across demographics. The Department of Veterans Affairs demonstrates government support through the inclusion of beta-carotene supplements in formulary guidelines. Medicare and Medicaid policies now include preventive nutrition supplements, creating reimbursement pathways for beta-carotene products. Animal feed applications grow under specific USDA and FDA regulations for livestock nutrition, while personal care applications expand through FDA cosmetic guidelines. Pharmaceutical applications continue to develop through established drug master file documentation for therapeutic formulations.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
Europe holds 31.19% market share in 2024, driven by EU regulations that favor natural ingredients and established government fortification programs across member states. The European Food Safety Authority's safety assessments enhance consumer confidence while establishing regulatory entry requirements. EU-wide organic farming subsidies support natural beta-carotene production, complemented by agricultural policies that encourage sustainable ingredient sourcing. The EU's Novel Food Regulation enables the introduction of innovative beta-carotene sources while upholding safety standards.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market, with a projected CAGR of 7.73% during 2025-2030, supported by government nutrition policies and developing regulatory frameworks. China's National Health Commission's inclusion of beta-carotene in approved nutrient lists enables product development and market access. India's Food Safety and Standards Authority has implemented standards for beta-carotene in fortified foods, supporting nutrition programs. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare regulations support functional foods containing beta-carotene, addressing population health needs. Agricultural policies across Southeast Asia promote biofortified crops, increasing demand for beta-carotene enhancement technologies.
North America exhibits consistent growth through the FDA and Health Canada regulatory frameworks, providing guidelines for beta-carotene use in food, supplements, and cosmetics. The USDA's organic standards create premium market opportunities, while government research funding advances sustainable production methods. Mexico's COFEPRIS alignment with international standards enhances North American market integration. The USMCA provisions support regional supply chain development and facilitate beta-carotene trade. Other regions, such as South America, the Middle East, and Africa, and others are also applying regulatory strategies to incorporate beta carotene as an additive in food processing industries. For example, the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) regulates beta-carotene usage as a food additive and supplement in Brazil. ANVISA ensures food safety and quality by following standards established by Mercosur (the Southern Common Market) and adhering to recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Competitive Landscape
The beta-carotene market demonstrates moderate concentration in the market. The competitive landscape features established multinational corporations alongside specialized biotechnology companies and emerging sustainable producers. Market leaders BASF, DSM-Firmenich, and Lycored maintain strong positions through integrated supply chains, extensive R&D capabilities, and diversified product portfolios of synthetic and natural variants.
These companies utilize economies of scale and established customer relationships to maintain market share while investing in new production technologies. The market's moderate concentration level creates entry opportunities for innovative companies, particularly those focusing on sustainable production methods like microalgae cultivation and fermentation technologies.
The industry demonstrates a clear shift toward sustainability and vertical integration, with companies investing in alternative production methods to reduce reliance on traditional agricultural inputs and synthetic processes. Market opportunities exist in emerging applications such as personalized nutrition, where genetic testing may enable customized beta-carotene supplementation, and in developing markets with expanding fortification programs. The increasing number of patent filings in microbial production and extraction optimization reflects growing competition in innovation, as companies establish intellectual property rights in advanced production technologies.
Beta-Carotene Industry Leaders
-
BASF SE
-
Zhejiang Medicine
-
Divi's Neutraceuticals
-
Adama Ltd (LycoRed Ltd.)
-
DSM-Firmenich
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Recent Industry Developments
- June 2025: DSM-Firmenich has expanded its distribution agreement with Brenntag Specialties Pharma to include Poland and the Czech Republic. Under this partnership, Brenntag distributes DSM-Firmenich's portfolio of over 40 vitamins and carotenoids for pharmaceutical applications. The product range includes vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D3, E and K1, as well as beta-carotene.
- June 2024: Divi's introduced expanded coloration solutions at IFT 2024. At the event, Divi's presented CaroNat, a natural food coloring ingredient derived from concentrated carrot juice. CaroNat, which contains beta-carotene, provides dark yellow to orange coloration for foods and beverages.
- March 2024: BASF introduced Beta-Carotene 20% GFP, a gelatin-free solution with high stability, at the Food Ingredients China (FIC) 2024 exhibition in the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center. The company displayed its recent developments in nutritional solutions.
- November 2023: Divi's Laboratories developed a new beta-carotene variant that produces a distinctive red color in food and beverage applications. This innovation strengthens their beta-carotene product portfolio, which includes natural colorants for various industrial applications. The red beta-carotene variant offers manufacturers additional options for natural food coloring solutions.
Global Beta-Carotene Market Report Scope
The global beta carotene market is segmented by type into, natural and synthetic. By end-use, the market is segmented into, food and beverages, cosmetic industry, animal feed, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplements. The food and beverages segment can be further sub-segmented into, bakery, confectionery, dairy, beverages, and others. The study also covers the global level analysis of the major regions, North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa for the beta carotene market.
By Nature | Natural | ||
Synthetic | |||
By Form | Powder | ||
Liquid | |||
By Application | Food and Beverage | ||
Dietary Supplement | |||
Animal Feed | |||
Personal Care and Cosmetics | |||
Pharmaceuticals | |||
By Geography | North America | United States | |
Canada | |||
Mexico | |||
Rest of North America | |||
Europe | United Kingdom | ||
Germany | |||
Spain | |||
France | |||
Italy | |||
Russia | |||
Rest of Europe | |||
Asia-Pacific | China | ||
India | |||
Japan | |||
Australia | |||
Rest of Asia Pacific | |||
South America | Brazil | ||
Argentina | |||
Rest of South America | |||
Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | ||
South Africa | |||
Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Natural |
Synthetic |
Powder |
Liquid |
Food and Beverage |
Dietary Supplement |
Animal Feed |
Personal Care and Cosmetics |
Pharmaceuticals |
North America | United States |
Canada | |
Mexico | |
Rest of North America | |
Europe | United Kingdom |
Germany | |
Spain | |
France | |
Italy | |
Russia | |
Rest of Europe | |
Asia-Pacific | China |
India | |
Japan | |
Australia | |
Rest of Asia Pacific | |
South America | Brazil |
Argentina | |
Rest of South America | |
Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
South Africa | |
Rest of Middle East and Africa |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current size of the beta-carotene market?
The beta-carotene market stands at USD 433.55 million in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 572.02 million by 2030.
Which segment leads the beta-carotene market by form?
Powder formulations dominate with 72.82% share in 2024 due to stable handling and compatibility with fortification protocols.
What CAGR is expected for natural beta-carotene?
Natural variants are projected to grow at 7.52% between 2025-2030, outpacing synthetic counterparts on regulatory and clean-label drivers.
Which region will grow fastest?
Asia-Pacific is anticipated to advance at a 7.73% CAGR as government nutrition mandates and middle-class demand converge.
Page last updated on: July 4, 2025