Crocetin Esters Market (By Application: Functional Foods & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Others) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2023-2032

The global crocetin esters market size was estimated at around USD 385.63 thousand in 2022 and it is projected to hit around USD 678.97 thousand by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.82% from 2023 to 2032. The crocetin esters market in the United States was accounted for USD 71.1 thousand in 2022.

Key Pointers

• Europe region dominated the market with a revenue share of more than 31% in 2022. 
• Functional food & beverage application segment dominated the market with a revenue share of more than 53% in 2022. 

Report Scope of the Crocetin Esters Market

The dried stigmas of the saffron crocus contain crocetin esters and these are considered to be pharmacologically active components of saffron. This component is possessed to have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, cancer, and hemorrhagic shock. Additionally, crocetin esters are also known as crocins and have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Such properties are anticipated to positively impact the product demand in the pharmaceutical and functional food & beverage industries over the forecast period.

The use of crocetin esters in nutraceuticals has gained popularity as they are natural and offer potential health benefits such as pain-relieving properties, cognitive and cardiovascular benefits. Nutraceutical products containing crocetin esters include natural supplements and functional foods that provide various health benefits, including reducing inflammation, protecting against oxidative stress, and improving mood and cognitive function. These products may contain saffron extracts or other natural sources of crocetin esters, such as marigold petals, gardenia fruits, zeaxanthin, butterfly bush, and cape jasmine among others.

Crocetin ester is a bioactive chemical compound that is extracted from saffron and gardenia fruit. In the U.S., saffron pills are becoming more popular because of their antioxidant and anticancer properties. Crocetin, safranal, kaempferol, and other well-known antioxidants have antidepressant qualities that may enhance memory, mood, and learning ability in addition to preventing the brain from oxidative stress. Such beneficial properties are supporting the growth of crocetin esters in various pharmaceutical products in the country.

Nutraceuticals have emerged as a promising solution for addressing malnutrition and can help in government initiatives to improve people's overall health and well-being. By incorporating crocetin esters into nutraceutical products, governments can provide a practical way to supplement the diets of people in underprivileged areas with essential nutrients, which may improve their health outcomes. This approach can be efficient for populations consisting of children and the elderly, at higher risk of malnutrition. This strategy can help companies to capitalize on the growing demand for natural and functional food products that cater to the specific nutritional needs of consumers.

For instance, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) estimates that 15% of India's population is malnourished. Various schemes, such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, the National Health Mission (NHM), and the Midday Meal initiative are assisting in ensuring the supply of nourishment to all. According to the World Bank, in 2021, the malnutrition costs in India were approximately USD 12 billion in GDP. The current situation demonstrates that Indian nutraceutical companies have the potential to play a significant role in expanding the global pharmaceutical industry.

Application Insights

Functional food & beverage application segment dominated the market with a revenue share of more than 53% in 2022. This is attributable to the growing utilization of crocetin esters in dairy, confectionery, convenience food, and beverage items to ensure the stability of food products. It also helps in enhancing the color, taste, and aroma of food & beverages.

Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease is driving segment growth. These diseases are often caused by oxidative stress and inflammation, which crocetin esters help mitigate. Crocetin esters in functional foods and beverages make it possible to provide consumers with a natural and effective way to reduce the risk of these diseases. Some key players in the functional foods and beverages market already incorporating Crocetin esters into their products include Kiva Health Food, Swanson Health Products, and Nature’s Bounty.

Crocetin ester is a carotenoid pigment and is used in various pharmaceutical applications. One of its key applications is as a natural coloring agent. Crocetin esters impart a bright yellow-orange color to various pharmaceutical products, including capsules, tablets, and syrups. Using natural colors in pharmaceutical products is becoming increasingly popular as consumers have become more aware of the potential health risks of synthetic colors.

Companies are using partnerships, product launches, mergers, and acquisitions, to increase their product offering and gain a competitive edge in the market. For instance, in May 2021, Pharmactive announced that the U.S. patent office had granted the patent for Affron, a Pharmactive flagship saffron extract (Crocetin Esters), for its demonstrated favorable effect on reducing emotional support. The new patent effectively covers Affron formulation and dosages that make it as powerful as a natural mood-support drug.

Regional Insights

Europe region dominated the market with a revenue share of more than 31% in 2022. This is attributable tothe increasing demand for natural food colors and flavorings in the food & beverage industry across key countries including Germany, the UK, France, and Italy. Rising demand for natural food colors in pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries is driving demand for crocetin esters.

Crocetin esters is a bioactive substance that naturally occurs in various therapeutic plants, particularly in the fruit of saffron and gardenias. Saffron contains numerous carotenoid pigments. Additionally saffron consists of dried stigma and 70% of the drug prepared from saffron is produced in Spain.

The rising incidence of chronic diseases and cancer in North America is primarily driving the crocetin esters market. Crocetin glycosides like crocetin esters have been recognized as useful dietary components. They are used in various pharmaceuticals as well as functional food and beverage products.

The growth of food & beverage, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical industries in key countries, including China, South Korea, India, and Japan is expected to drive the demand for crocetin esters over the forecast period. Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective qualities, Crocetin esters have been recognized as a potential ingredient for functional foods and beverages. Kiva Health Food, Swanson Health Products, Kerry Group Plc., and Nature's Bounty are a few major companies in the functional foods and beverages segment that already use crocetin esters in their products.

Crocetin Esters Market Segmentations:

By Application 

• Functional Food & Beverage
  • Dairy
  • Confectionery
  • Convenience
  • Beverages
  • Other Functional Food & Beverage
• Pharmaceuticals
• Other Applications

By Regional 

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
• Central & South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia