Food and Beverage Disinfection Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Method (Chemical and Physical), By System Type (Manual, Semi-automatic, and Automatic), By End-use Industry (Dairy, Fruit and Vegetable, Meat, Poultry & Seafood, Beverages, and Others), By Chemical Type (Hydrogen Peroxide, Chlorine Compounds, Carboxylic Acid, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global food and beverage disinfection market size was valued at USD 9.98 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 10.35 billion in 2025 to USD 13.65 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.02% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the food and beverage disinfection market with a market share of 43.59% in 2024.

Disinfection is a method of cleaning that uses chemical disinfectants or physical methods that eliminate bacteria and other disease-causing organisms in food and beverages without compromising food safety and quality. This process is utilized in various stages of food processing, including handling raw ingredients to final packaging, ensuring products are safe for consumption. The food disinfection market is gaining traction, owing to growing awareness about food safety among consumers, the rising popularity of environment-friendly solutions, and increased instances of foodborne diseases and outbreaks. Major players in the market include Ecolab Inc., Diversey Holdings, Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, Kersia Group, and Solvay S.A.

Global Food and Beverage Disinfection Market Key Takeaways

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 9.98 billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 10.35 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 13.65 billion
• CAGR: 4.02% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• Asia Pacific dominated the food and beverage disinfection market with a 43.59% share in 2024, driven by rising food safety awareness, rapid urbanization, and expansion of the food processing industry in countries such as China and India.
• By method, the chemical disinfection segment held the largest share in 2024 due to its cost-effectiveness and widespread use in food contact surfaces.

Key Country Highlights:

• China: Strong market growth supported by increasing foodborne disease outbreaks, expanding food processing industry, and rising consumer awareness about hygiene and safety.
• United States: Growth driven by stringent food safety regulations and well-established food processing infrastructure, supported by major players such as Ecolab Inc. and Diversey Holdings.
• India: Rising disposable income and growing consumption of processed and packaged foods are fueling demand for effective disinfection solutions.
• Europe: Market expansion aided by adoption of eco-friendly disinfectants, strict regulatory frameworks, and investment in food safety research.
• Brazil: Growth fueled by increasing meat consumption and heightened focus on hygiene and safety in meat processing facilities.
• Middle East & Africa: Expected to be the fastest-growing region due to food processing industry expansion, tourism, and heightened awareness of disinfection post-pandemic.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers

Increasing Incidences of Foodborne Diseases to Drive Market Growth

There has been a recent rise in the incidence of foodborne diseases, which remains one of the major global public health concerns. Consumers nowadays prefer eating out due to changing lifestyles and rapid urbanization which has raised concerns over food safety. Consuming contaminated food can expose people to harmful microorganisms, bacteria, and viruses, resulting in severe illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, unsafe or contaminated food causes 600 million foodborne diseases and around 420,000 deaths yearly. Maintaining good hygiene practices is essential to reduce the risk of cross-contamination of food and to ensure that consumers receive hygienic and safe food quality. Proper disinfection practices, such as cleaning and sanitizing surfaces of food, help minimize or eliminate the risk of harmful microorganisms that cause foodborne illnesses. Thus, a rise in foodborne disease outbreaks is expected to boost the food and beverage disinfection market growth.

Rising Disposable Income and Growing Consumption of Processed Foods to Drive Market Growth

Rising disposable incomes, particularly in emerging economies such as India and China, have increased consumer demand for processed and packed foods, which have further necessitated stricter cleaning and disinfection measures. According to the China State Council Information Office, China’s per capita disposable income rose to over USD 5,733.02 in 2024, marking a 5.3% increase from 2023. Furthermore, the global food trade has expanded significantly, requiring standardized disinfection and sanitation protocols to ensure safety across borders, fueling market growth.

Market Restraints

Establishment of Strict Guidelines by Regulatory Bodies to Impede Market Growth 

One of the significant challenges facing the food and beverage disinfection industry is the presence of stringent food safety regulations and the high costs associated with their implementation. Such regulations are set by government bodies such as the USDA, WHO, FDA, and EFSA establish strict guidelines to ensure food safety by controlling various processing stages such as production, processing, and distribution. Therefore, meeting such stringent standards often requires high investments in equipment and infrastructure, further increasing the overall cost and impeding market growth.

Market Opportunities

Rise in Sustainable and Non-Chemical Disinfection Technologies to Unlock New Growth Opportunities

Over the past couple of years, changing consumer behavior toward preservative-free, pathogen-free, and safe food products has been driving innovations toward chemical-free and natural techniques. Non-heat treatment disinfection methods such as electrolyzed water, ozone, and cold plasma have been gaining traction as sustainable disinfection options. Innovations in disinfection chemicals and technologies are expected to provide prominent growth opportunities for the market.

• For instance, in August 2020, Faraday Ozone, one of the leading manufacturers of ozone generators, launched a patented ozone-based food detoxifier. The new product uses ozone, a natural disinfectant, and removes all types of viruses, bacteria, and microorganisms from the surface of vegetables, fruits, meat, and other food products.

Food and Beverage Disinfection Market Trends

Growing Adoption of Automated and Eco-Friendly Disinfection Systems to Shape Industry

The rise in adopting automated and eco-friendly disinfection systems has been observed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered hygiene concerns and more stringent food safety regulations. IoT-enabled smart sensors and automated systems are increasingly being deployed to monitor disinfection processes in real-time and thus ensure effective and consistent disinfection across the production line. As the food and beverage industry utilizes more data-driven technology, disinfection practices will evolve to provide real-time insights into safety and hygiene.

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Impact of Tariffs

The newly proposed reciprocal tariffs on some nations, including China, Mexico, and Canada, have had a significant impact on disinfectants and their raw materials, such as chemicals and packaging, by raising prices, altering supply chains, and diminishing demand. For example, tariffs on imported raw materials such as quaternary ammonium compounds directly add to the costs of disinfectant production. This increase in cost may result in higher disinfectant prices, possibly lowering demand in the U.S., which constitutes a significant market share.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Method

Chemical Segment Dominated Due to Its Cost-Effectiveness

On the basis of the method, the market is segmented into chemical and physical. The chemical segment held the largest share in 2024 and is also the fastest-growing segment. Chemicals are widely used in the food and beverage sector to disinfect and sanitize food contact surfaces. These disinfectants help ensure that processed foods are free from microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness. This method is economically affordable compared to other methods, such as irradiation, especially for large-scale food production. Major chemical compounds used in food and beverage disinfection include hypochlorites, chlorine dioxide, iodophors, quaternary ammonium compounds, and others.

The physical method involves processes that physically sterilize or kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Common control methods include the application of radiation, filtration, high temperatures, and others.

By System Type

Semi-Automatic Segment to Dominate Owing to Cost-effectiveness and Efficiency Benefit

On the basis of system type, the market is segmented into manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. The semi-automatic system is expected to hold a major food and beverage disinfection market share. This method is known for being cost-effective and faster than pure manual cleaning. The semi-automatic system automates certain tasks such as cleaning, spraying, and rinsing. These methods often reduce the overall disinfection time compared to manual methods and are helpful in larger food processing plants.

The automatic segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The automatic system in the food & beverage industry has seen increasing attention from food manufacturers over the last few years. This system offers precise control over critical parameters such as sanitation, humidity, and temperature, minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses and contamination.

By End-use Industry

Meat, Poultry & Seafood Account for Highest Market Share Due to Their Perishability

Based on end-use Industry, the global market is segmented into dairy, fruit and vegetable, meat, poultry & seafood, beverages, and others. The meat, poultry & seafood segment dominates the global market. Meat, poultry & seafood often require high levels of disinfection as they are highly perishable and susceptible to various pathogens, including Campylobacter, Salmonella, Clostridium, and others. These microorganisms grow rapidly, especially at room temperature, leading to spoilage and making the meat unsafe for human consumption, further propelling the demand for food and beverage disinfection systems.

The beverages segment is expected to be the fastest-growing in the global market. Beverages are susceptible to potential microbial contamination, affecting the odor, color, flavor, and shelf life of bottled water and soft drinks. Contaminated beverages can further cause foodborne illnesses, making disinfection a crucial process to protect consumer health and well-being.

By Chemical Type

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Chlorine Compounds Segment Accounts for Highest Market Share Due to Ease of Use and Low Cost

Based on chemical type, the global food and beverage disinfection market is segmented into hydrogen peroxide, chlorine compounds, carboxylic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds, and others.

The chlorine compounds segment holds the largest share of the global market. Chlorine is the most commonly used disinfectant, especially for water disinfection. These compounds are also widely used owing to their low cost, ease of use, and effectiveness. Chlorine compounds also help prevent the growth of bacterial, algal, and general slime, as they can penetrate cell walls and disrupt essential cellular processes. This makes them a practical option for large-scale water disinfection and food processing applications.

The quaternary ammonium compounds segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. These compounds are active biocide substances widely used in the food industry. They have a broad biocide spectrum, which is effective against the most common pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making them ideal for various disinfection needs.

Food and Beverage Disinfection Market Regional Outlook

Geographically, the global market report covers analysis across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific

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Asia Pacific accounted for the highest market share and was valued at USD 4.35 billion in 2024. The region is also expected to witness a high growth rate owing to rising consumer preference for high-quality food and increasing cases of foodborne diseases in countries such as China and India. According to the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System, from 2010 to 2020, catering service facilities in China reported 18,331 foodborne disease outbreaks, resulting in 206,718 illnesses, 201 deaths, and 68,561 hospitalizations. Moreover, the growth of the food processing industries owing to rapid urbanization, population growth, and a rise in disposable incomes has contributed to market growth in the region. China is the leading player in the Asia Pacific market, having undergone a substantial transformation over recent years, owing to a rise in consumer awareness toward hygiene, health, and infection. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, intensifying consumer focus on cleanliness and generating a strong demand for a wide variety of disinfectant products in the country.

North America

North America is expected to witness substantial growth in the market. The region has a strong and well-established food industry, supported by increasingly complex and diversified supply chains, which escalates the probability of cross-contamination. Moreover, the rising consumer awareness regarding food safety and the rise of foodborne outbreaks drove the region's demand for food disinfectants over the last few years. Strict food safety regulations enforced by agencies such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandate high hygiene standards. These regulations ensure that disinfectants specifically formulated for food meet efficacy standards and stringent safety standards, minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses and thus driving market expansion.

The U.S. market dominates the North American food & beverage disinfection market due to the presence of major players such as Ecolab, Thatcher Company, Sealed Air (Diversey), and Stepan Company. Also, stringent food safety regulations and advanced food processing & manufacturing infrastructure supports the U.S. market’s growth.

Europe

Europe is likely to experience moderate growth in the global market. The region operates under stringent regulatory frameworks such as Food Hygiene Regulations (Regulation (EC) No 852/2004), Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, and others. The region has also witnessed a rising trend toward sustainable and eco-friendly food disinfectants, certified by eco-labels, along with an increasing focus on plant-based ingredients. Furthermore, rising focus on research and development (R&D) and high investments in food processing safety in countries such as the U.K. and Germany are expected to drive market growth in the region.

South America

South America is witnessing a rise in the adoption of food and beverage disinfectants driven by growing awareness of food-borne diseases due to E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. The region’s growing population and the corresponding need to satisfy rising food demand are further fueling the need for increased agricultural productivity, which is supported by the use of food disinfectants. Brazil is known to be a major global producer and exporter of meat, plays a key role in this trend. The country’s rising meat consumption has intensified the emphasis on hygiene and food safety in meat processing facilities, further expanding the disinfection market growth.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the market. The use of food and beverage disinfectants is growing in the region, mainly due to the expansion of the food processing industry, increased tourism, and strict regulations implemented by the government. Furthermore, the pandemic heightened awareness about the importance of disinfection, accelerating the adoption of food and beverage disinfectants in the region.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Key Players Focus on Merger and Acquisition Strategies to Gain Competitive Edge

The global food and beverage disinfection market share is highly competitive and fragmented, with the presence of prominent and small players. Key players are striving to gain a competitive advantage through strategies such as new product launches, acquiring small players, forming partnerships, and expanding their product portfolios.

• For instance, in October 2024, “Christeyns Food Hygiene,” a specialist hygiene solution provider, acquired “H&M Disinfection Systems Ltd,” a company manufacturing and installing cleaning and disinfection systems for the food, dairy, and beverage industries. The acquisition would expand Christeyns’ capabilities in cleaning and disinfection systems, further strengthening its position.

Key Players in the Food and Beverage Disinfection Market

Major players in the market include Ecolab Inc., Diversey Holdings, Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, Kersia Group, and Solvay S.A. Ecolab Inc. leads the global market as it offers a broad spectrum of disinfection solutions to various sectors such as food service, healthcare, and hospitality.

List of Key Food and Beverage Disinfection Companies Profiled

• Ecolab Inc. (U.S.)
• Diversey Holdings, Ltd. (U.S.)
• Evonik Industries AG (Germany)
• Neogen Corporation (Switzerland)
• Kersia Group (France)
• Solvay S.A. (Belgium)
• Aqua Bond Inc. (Canada)
• Thatcher Company (U.S.)
• Sanosil Ltd (Switzerland)
• Stepan Company (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• June 2024: Novolyze, a leading provider of cloud-based food safety and quality digitalization technology, announced a partnership with Imtech-Steri, a renowned manufacturer of advanced food sterilization plants. The partnership would utilize Novolyze’s SMART Validation software solution and help food manufacturers achieve automated safety compliance and optimize process efficiency.
• July 2022: Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer, launched two new antimicrobial and disinfection solutions, KEEPER and OXINE. The new products use chlorine-dioxide-based technology to treat food, water, and food contact surfaces, such as equipment and food preparation environments.
• April 2021: Paine Schwartz Partners, a global leader in sustainable food chains, invested in Paine Schwartz Food Chain Fund V in Sterilex. The company is known to be an industry leader in developing innovative proprietary food safety antimicrobial products designed to eliminate and disinfect resistant microorganisms across a wide range of industries, including food processing, water treatment, and animal health.
• May 2020: Kersia Group acquired Manchester-based Holchem and became Europe’s second-largest food safety company.
• April 2019: LightLab Sweden announced the launch of its new UV chip products for sustainable and efficient disinfection of food, surfaces, air, and drinking water. The new UV chips offer easy integration into products featuring disinfection functionality and a proven high germicidal effectiveness.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global food and beverage disinfection market industry report analyzes the market in-depth and highlights crucial aspects such as global market overview, trends, market dynamics, and prominent companies. Besides this, the market statistics report also provides insights into the market trends and highlights significant industry developments.

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Report Scope & Segmentation