Chicory Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Chicory Instant Powder, Roasted Chicory, Chicory Extracts, Others ), By Plant-part (Root, Leaf, Other parts), By Application (Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Cosmetics & personal care, Others) And Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Chicory is a biennial plant with bright blue flowers native to Europe, India, and Egypt, traditionally grown for use as a coffee substitute or in the sugar industry. Although the dried root is the main part of the plant used, roots contain inulin – a fructose polymer used for food products as they support a lower rise in blood glucose.

Chicory leaves and roots are also used for stomach problems, as the German E Commission recognizes - an appetite stimulant. Furthermore, whole plant chicory is a heart, digestive,  and liver tonic and a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. Apart from all these beneficial qualities, chicory is used as ingredients across various applications, including food & beverages, feed & pet food, and cosmetics, exhibiting good growth opportunities for the market soon.

Chicory coffee uses the root of the chicory plant, roasted, powdered, and made into a coffee-like blend. Chicory coffee mimics the taste of coffee, flavored nutty, and has proven to be a great substitute for coffee. It has been shown to improve digestive health, reduce inflammation, and lower blood sugar. Chicory root fiber has been shown to help minimize sugar consumption by enhancing taste and texture, which has led to its greater use in the food and beverage industry.

Chicory offers potential solutions to many health problems, including liver and gallbladder disorders, cancer, and other acute digestive issues. In addition to these health benefits, it is also considered a tonic that increases urine production, protects the liver, and balances the stimulating effects of coffee.

Furthermore, chicory is considered one of the main herbs in herbal medicine practices, such as Ayurveda. Therefore, the well-established market for this traditional medicine, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, is likely to support the demand for chicory over the forecast period.

Most coffee lovers find it difficult to replace coffee with another drink. However, over time, coffee drinkers begin to associate the taste and smell of coffee with positive mood changes and energy, thereby improving their brain function when consumed. In addition, the taste and aroma of black coffee are unique to the coffee bean. On the other hand, Chicory coffee has a slight woody bitterness with nutty and sometimes herbal flavors. Thus, the availability of mainstream product coffee is expected to restrain the growth of the chicory market.

Key Market Driver -

Growing preference towards caffeine alternatives and low sugar food products

Key Market Restraint -

Availability and Popularity of Coffee among Consumers

Key Players Covered:

The leading manufacturers operating in the global chicory market are Sri Narasu's Coffee Company Pvt Ltd, Cargill Incorporated, Cosucra Groupe Warcoing SA, Delecto Foods Pvt Ltd, Südzucker Group, Pioneer Chicory, STOKROS Company Ltd, Organic Herb Trading Co, PMV Nutrient Products Pvt Ltd, Shaanxi Sciphar Natural Product Co Ltd., and others.

By type, the instant powder segment is predicted to hold the largest share, owing to the wide availability and acceptability of instant powder across the globe. In addition, the demand for ready-to-drink beverages can further boost the demand for instant powder. It is also ideal for all types of drinks and a wide range of desserts.

By plant-part, the root segment is anticipated to hold the largest share, owing to its widespread usage in the food & beverage industry. The chicory root powder is used in baked goods and other food products to substitute for sugar, fat, and a texturizer. It is also used in diverse industrial applications, i.e., dietary supplements, because of its other nutrients like vitamin A, C, D, iron, and potassium. Therefore, the market is expected to have a significant increase in demand during the forecast period. The chicory leaf segment is also anticipated to see growth. Leaf part of chicory is normally eaten as a salad or vegetable. It can also be sautéed and added into soups and stews. Chicory leaf holds a high level of vitamin-A and B-carotene, which maintain healthy skin and good eyesight. It has several other minerals and phytonutrients like calcium, iron, lutein-zeaxanthin, etc.

By application, food & beverage is predicted to account for the largest share due to its diverse use in various dishes. Chicory is used in salads, appetizers and as an alternative to crackers and gluten-containing products. In the U.S., it is used in pasta, pizza, and risotto recipes, while in Italy, it is grilled with olive oil. Chicory is mainly popular as an alternative to coffee to reduce caffeine intake. The whole root of chicory can be boiled and eaten as a vegetable. The inulin content in chicory root is used in processed and packaged food as an added fiber to reduce fat. Cosmetics & personal care are also expected to see growth. Chicory roots create an activity that lifts skin while increasing collagen synthesis. Microbiome care is the latest requirement for skincare, and inulin from chicory root serves as a natural prebiotic. Thus, many companies are using chicory ingredients in their products.

Regional Analysis:

Asia-Pacific is expected to see significant growth due to the high inclination of Asian consumers towards natural and herbal products and remedies for treating ailments. In India, people use it as an herbal remedy; flowers of the chicory plant are used in sinus problems, gallstones, gastroenteritis, cuts, and bruises. In addition, chicory seeds are the main ingredients of Liver Detox Formula, so it is used for various liver diseases. It is mixed in Indian filter coffee and some parts of Southeast Asia.

Europe is predicted to see considerable growth during the forecast period, owing to the large quantity production and consumption of chicory across the region. Although chicory is a native of Europe, according to Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS), the area under production for “sugar chicory” is 15,000 ha concentrated in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Hence, usage of chicory is slightly high in food & beverages and a coffee substitute.

Europe is also introducing chicory as a high-value non-foods crop that will be economically beneficial for the region. It opens new possibilities for sugar beet farmers to diversify and expand their farming activities. It does not require much nitrogen, is more drought-resistant than sugar beet, and grows well on a large variety of soil. Upgrading chicory to a multinational high-value crop will give a new impulse to European agriculture and the agro-industry.

North America is predicted to be the fastest-growing market owing to increasing production and raising awareness regarding the health benefits of chicory. The chicory became popular in New Orleans during the Civil War because of the coffee shortage. Now, locals are very fond of it because it is a cost-saving traditional drink for this region.

To gain extensive insights into the market, Request for Customization

Segmentation

Key Industry Developments:

• In May 2021, Cosucra Groupe Warcoing S.A., a Belgian group, launched its chicory root ingredients under the brand names Fibruline, Swelite, Nastar, and Pisane – the key pea ingredient brands offered by the company.


• In March 2020, Südzucker Group, a Germany based producer of chicory roots, announced expansion of its chicory root production facility in Chile. With an estimated project cost of USD 58.9 million, the capacity expansion is expected to meet the growing demand of root fibres.