Curcumin Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Nature (Organic and Conventional), By Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The global curcumin market size was valued at USD 79.12 million in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 85.77 million in 2023 to USD 165.10 million by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.81% during the forecast period.

Turmeric is obtained from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa, which contains curcumin, a physiologically active polyphenolic molecule. Turmeric has long been utilized for therapeutic purposes; however, its medicinal potential is hampered by its low bioavailability. The most common uses of curcumin can be found as a nutritional supplement, in cosmetics ingredients, as a food flavoring in South and Southeast Asia, and as a food coloring agent in curry powder, mustard, butter, and cheese.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Spread of COVID-19 Restricted Market Growth during 2020

The industry experienced the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the initial months of 2020. Manufacturers of turmeric and its by-products had to hire additional staff in their facilities, ramp up production, and make various operational changes to respond to the increased demand for yellow turmeric as an immunity-boosting spice. Many developing countries worldwide, mainly in South Asia and India, which are major producers of herbs and spices, were severely affected, which caused a shortage of raw materials in the spice industry. In the wake of the lockdowns imposed by governments in different countries to curb the spread of the virus, labor shortage caused by the migration of the workforce was the major challenge faced by the industry.

The preventive measures implemented for COVID-19 also caused many key offices in the trade support structure to operate in an understaffed capacity, resulting in government approvals getting delayed, and completion of physical documentation posing problems, continuing operation on the industry floor amid social distancing and ensuring the product's safety which was a major issue. The control measures have reduced the availability of third-party laboratories for testing product/raw material quality and safety, and small-scale production units without in-house testing facilities faced this challenge. Primary spice producers worldwide were hit by the withdrawal of marketing facilities due to lockdown measures such as suspending auctions and closing wholesale markets. COVID-19 posed challenges for export businesses, with additional border controls and established export supply lines being disrupted. Although the economic disruptions hit the entire industry, small-scale spice producers and processors were severely affected.

LATEST TRENDS

Using Natural Ingredients-based Cosmetic Products Attract Consumers Toward Natural Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices have been used to enhance human beauty since ancient times. Herbal formulations have always received considerable attention due to their excellent properties and relatively few or no side effects. Natural plant-based cosmetics are considered safe to use. Medicinal cosmetics are a hybrid of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals aimed at improving the health and beauty of the skin by its application that prevents acne and wrinkles and functions as a sunscreen. These products also improve skin texture by promoting collagen growth, eliminating the harmful effects of maintaining good keratin structure free radicals, and making the skin healthier.

Southeast Asian and especially Indian women have long used herbs such as sandalwood and turmeric for skincare and natural oil to apply fragrance to the body. However, this trend has been observed in the U.S. and European countries in the last few years. With more consumers opting for natural products and a sustainable lifestyle, this trend is expected to be sustained in the long run and attract more consumers toward natural ingredients.

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DRIVING FACTORS

Increased Awareness of Health and Well-being among Consumers to Promote Market Growth

Health and wellness have become one of the main priorities of consumers worldwide. The demand for natural products with immunity-boosting properties has increased significantly in recent years. Natural extracts have proved beneficial against various ailments and thus gained prominence recently. Many countries, including India, have used turmeric in various medicinal and cosmetic formulations since ancient times and it is still used today in cosmetic products. Research organizations have conducted several clinical trials worldwide, proving that curcumin exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them suitable for developing medicinal supplements and cosmetic formulations. Thus, the demand has increased significantly.

Changing Dietary Preferences of Consumers to Boost Market Growth

Globally, consumers are becoming extremely conscious of the negative consequences of consuming animal food products and their environmental implications. Hence, dietary preferences are shifting, and consumers are switching to vegetarians and herbs such as turmeric-based food products. Turmeric extracts are highly suitable for developing innovative food formulations as a plant-based food. This is one of the major factors expected to boost the curcumin market growth globally. Moreover, due to the rising demand for natural products, companies are investing heavily in researching and developing new product formulations, including beverages comprising curcumin extracts. This factor also acts as a major element that boosts the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Availability of Low-Cost Substitutes to Hamper Market Growth

There are several other low-cost substitutes for curcumin, including natural spices, such as mustard powder, that can be used as natural food additives. Additionally, other chemical compounds can substitute for manufacturing pharmaceuticals and dyes. Hence, manufacturers can switch to cheaper raw materials, which impedes the market growth. This has increased the pressure on the turmeric supply chain to procure raw materials and supply these products to industries for further processing. Certain manufacturers adulterate turmeric species or dyes to meet this growing demand, ultimately impacting the final product quality. This impacts the brand perception leading to poor market growth in the region. The majority of turmeric cultivation countries are present in Asia Pacific countries such as China, India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Since America and Europe are heavily dependent on these countries for the raw material supply, any alteration in the geo-political scenario of the region will strain the supply chain and further hamper market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Nature Analysis

Conventional Segment Holds Major Market Share Attributed to Lower Cost of Cultivation

Based on nature, the market is segmented into organic and conventional. Curcumin is extracted from turmeric, mainly cultivated in South East Asian countries and India. India is the major producer of turmeric, accounting for around 80% of the global turmeric production, followed by China, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Bangladesh, among others. Farmers' annual income in these countries is comparatively lower than European and North American farmers, so farmers opt for agro products that are available cheaply and easily.

Conventional products are easily available, and their cost is low compared to organic products; hence, conventional farming is the major practice observed in these countries. Therefore, the conventional segment is anticipated to hold the major market share during the forecast period and continue its dominance in the coming years.

Additionally, the popularity and awareness of organic farming is rising over the past few years, and considering the demand and readiness of consumers to pay higher prices for organic products, farmers opt for organic cultivation practices. This factor is expected to boost the growth of the organic segment and grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

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By Application Analysis

Pharmaceutical Segment Holds Major Share Owing to High Demand from the Pharmaceutical and Natural Medicines Industry

Based on application, the market is divided into pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, cosmetics, and others. Since ancient times, yellow turmeric has been known as a spice, preservative, dye for fabric, and medicine. It is one of the three main coloring compounds extracted from the roots of the curcuma longa plant grown in Asian countries.

The pharmaceutical segment holds the highest market share in the application segment. Curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, making it a sought-after item in Ayurvedic medicine, cosmetic, functional food, and natural additive industries. With the expansion of the cosmetic industry and consumers' inclination toward traditional medicines, the market is expected to boost during the forecast period.

Turmeric has been used for ages in Indian cuisine. Its demand from the food & beverages industry is slowly increasing from Western countries due to rising awareness of natural herbs and spices. Demand for yellow turmeric from the food and beverages industry as a coloring agent, taste agent, and flavoring agent in beverages has been increasing over the past few years. The food & beverages segment holds the second highest market share and is expected to grow with a steady CAGR.

The cosmetics segment has boomed over the past few years as consumers are always exploring innovative products. The use of natural herbs in cosmetic industries is rising rapidly. This factor is expected to increase the demand for curcumin from the cosmetic industry, and will grow with the highest CAGR over the forecast period.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

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Asia Pacific holds the largest curcumin market share. This is attributed to the demand for curcumin mainly from the food & beverage industry in India, China, and Bangladesh and the demand from the traditional medicine industry of India and China. In India, turmeric has been used as a major ingredient in various cuisines since ancient times. Lately, its use in the food & beverages industry has been limited. However, with research and analysis being carried out in recent decades, its demand as a flavor-enhancing and coloring agent is increasing. Moreover, as consumer awareness about traditional medicines increases, it is helping the traditional medicine market to expand steadily. This factor is expected to increase consumption during the forecast period, propelling global market size.

North America is the second-largest market in the global market. This is attributed to the region's ever-expanding pharmaceutical industry and food & beverages sector. Consumers in this region are more aware of the new organic and wide range of natural products launched in the market and innovations in the industry. In addition, the higher spending capacity of consumers is also a major factor that increases product sales in the region. Moreover, the North American curcumin market growth has observed the inclination of consumers toward natural products over the last few years. This factor is expected to rise in the coming years, which will boost the market growth in the region.

Europe is a major importer of turmeric, mainly used in the cosmetic industry after converting it to curcumin. Europe is a global cosmetic hub, with major cosmetic companies having their manufacturing sites in the region. Thus, the demand is continuously increasing. Europe's food & beverage industry’s rapid expansion creates the potential for turmeric processors to launch new and innovative products in the region. With the full-fledged expansion of the cosmetic industry in the region, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 10% during the forecast period.

South America and the Middle East & Africa account for a very small share of the global market. This is mainly due to the region's absence of major food manufacturers. The majority of the population is in middle or lower-income groups for whom the costlier products are not affordable. However, with an improvised lifestyle in the coming years, these regions are expected to contribute more to the global market size.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players’ Expansion Strategies and Product Launches to Strengthen Market Presence

The market witnesses innovation and demand from the food, beverage, and cosmetics industries. Market players, such as Konark Herbals Health Care, Arjuna Natural Pvt. S.V. Agro Food, Hindustan Mint and Agro Products Pvt. Ltd, Herboveda India Pvt, and Star Hi Herbs Pvt., are adopting different developments to tap into regional markets and strengthen their presence in new markets. Many new start-ups in multiple regions compete with global players in innovation. As new start-ups are being formed, many mainstream companies compete for holding a major market share.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Wacker Chemie AG (Germany)


• Biomax Life Sciences Limited (India)


• Synthite Industries Ltd. (India)


• Arjuna Natural Pvt. Ltd (India)


• Kothari Phytochemicals & Industries Ltd. (India)


• Sydler Group of Companies (India)


• Vidya Herbs Private Limited (India)


• Konark Herbals and Health Care Pvt. Ltd. (India)


• Plant Lipids Private Limited (India)


• Sami-Sabinsa Group (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• February 2023: Herbalife Nutrition incorporated nanotechnology to develop a turmeric-based supplement. This technology will help to enhance the solubility and concentration of curcumin in the body. The product was first launched in Indonesia and will soon be available in Asia Pacific.


• September 2022: NextEvo Naturals launched Revive CBD Complex Curcumin and Hemp ExtractNextEvo Naturals, a premium supplement brand focused on revolutionizing the delivery of nutritional compounds. Revive is set to provide consumers with the best possible experience through its vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free formula product.


• July 2022: OmniActive Health Technologies launched Curcumin Ultra +. It is a unique nutritional solution for managing knee joint comfort and mobility issues, including cartilage health. This product was launched under the company's product portfolio and increased its portfolio range in the market.


• February 2020: Arjuna Natural Pvt, Ltd., India's Kerala-based manufacturer of curcumin, introduced a new product range of certified organic turmeric extracts, including clinically studied, bioavailable BCM-95 (Curcugreen). In addition to BCM-95 and Turmeric Extract 95%, the line of products will include Arjuna's full range of water-dispersible, oil-dispersible, and customizable turmeric extracts.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, nature of products, and leading product application areas. Besides this, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition, the report encompasses several factors that contributed to the market growth in recent years.

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