Confectionery remains one of the most popular product categories in South Africa. According to the significant chocolate and confectionery manufacturers, the demand for sugar confectioneries across the South African region is growing at the fastest pace. This growth has intensified the demand for food acidulants in the confectionery segment. Food acidulants, including malic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid, and citric acid, are primarily used in the confectionery industry. For instance, acidulants, such as lactic acids and lactates, have distinct roles in producing candies. It not only helps in countering the sweet taste of sugar and sugar replacers but also enhances the impact of flavors on the taste. The benefits of food acidulants and its increasing awareness among end-user industries resulted in the acidulants having a prime role in the confectionery market of the region. This factor is contributing to the overall growth of the market.

South Africa has a well-developed retail sector expanding into other African countries. The country is the biggest market for food and beverage products in Southern Africa and serves as a gateway to other Sub-Saharan African countries. According to USDA, there are over 1,800 food production companies in South Africa, which provides an excellent platform for the food acidulants manufacturers to expand their product offerings and gain competitive advantage. South African food retail sales totaled USD 52.2 billion in 2018. The sector is well developed and aggressively developing into other African countries, which in turn is expected to boost the market of food acidulants during the forecast period.