Butyric Acid Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Source (Renewable and Synthetic), By End-Use (Animal Feed, Chemical Intermediates, Food & Flavors, Pharmaceuticals, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Butyric acid, with its potent odor, finds diverse applications across various industries. In the food and flavor industry, it's utilized as a flavoring agent, enhancing the taste and aroma of products. The agriculture sector benefits from butyric acid in animal feed, improving gut health and the overall productivity of livestock. The pharmaceutical industry leverages its anti-inflammatory properties, incorporating it into medications for gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders.

The synthetic segment primarily drives the butyric acid market. Synthetic butyric acid plays a crucial role in the food and flavor industry, serving as a critical ingredient in the manufacturing of various food flavorings and fragrances, enhancing the sensory experience of products. In the agricultural sector, it's used as an animal feed additive, improving the gut health of livestock and poultry, which, in turn, boosts growth performance and feed efficiency. The pharmaceutical industry leverages synthetic butyric acid for the synthesis of butyrate-based drugs, which are vital for treating gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic disorders. It's also used in the production of varnishes and plastics, acting as a solvent and a plasticizer to improve material properties.

The chemical intermediate segment also drives the butyric acid market. The chemical intermediate segment in the butyric acid market plays a crucial role in various applications. It serves as a vital precursor in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, where it's used in the production of drugs and antibiotics, enhancing healthcare outcomes. In the agriculture sector, it contributes to the formulation of animal feed supplements, improving livestock health and productivity. The segment also supports the manufacturing of flavors and fragrances, enriching consumer products with pleasant sensory experiences.

• The Indian government, recognizing the importance of butyric acid especially in the sectors of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food industries, has initiated several steps to bolster its production, research, and application. Due to butyric acid's potent odor and potential health hazards, the government has introduced guidelines aimed at minimizing exposure and ensuring safe storage, transportation, and disposal.


• In 2022, Asia Pacific dominated the butyric acid market with approximately a 44% share.

The major butyric acid market consumers by region are China, Japan, and India in Asia Pacific; the U.S. & Canada in North America; Germany and France in Europe; and Saudi Arabia and UAE in the Middle East.

• In 2022, the total sales of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. was USD 631 billion.


• The total pharmaceutical sales in China was USD 112.6 billion in 2022.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Key Emerging Trends – For Major Regions


• Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, and Partnerships


• Latest Technological Advancements


• Insights on Sustainability


• Porter’s Five Forces Analysis


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

Analysis By Source

By source, the market is segmented into renewable and synthetic. The renewable segment holds a significant share of the global butyric acid market.

• The renewable butyric acid segment is experiencing rapid growth within the butyric acid market, driven by increasing environmental concerns and the push for sustainable chemical production. Its application in producing biofuels and biodegradable plastics highlights its potential to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and minimize plastic pollution.


• Additionally, renewable butyric acid is gaining traction in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent and preservative, meeting the demand for natural ingredients.

Analysis by End-Use

By end-use, the market is segmented into animal feed, chemical intermediates, food & flavors, pharmaceuticals, and others. The animal feed segment holds a considerable share of the global butyric acid market.

• Butyric acid plays a pivotal role in the animal feed segment, enhancing the growth and health of livestock. Its inclusion in feed formulations supports gut health and improves feed efficiency, leading to better growth rates and productivity in animals.


• By promoting a healthy balance of gut microbiota, butyric acid contributes to a more robust immune system, reducing the need for antibiotics. Its application extends across various livestock, including poultry, swine, and ruminants, highlighting its versatility and effectiveness in animal nutrition. 

Regional Analysis

The global market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific holds a considerable share of the butyric acid market. The advanced healthcare system in China, along with continuous investments in the region to enhance the food processing and chemical sectors, are expected to drive growth in the Asia Pacific region throughout the forecast period. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the consumption of butyric acid by animals. This supports the growth and digestive health of animals, particularly young and delicate ones, thereby boosting the butyric acid market.

Breakdown of Pharmaceutical Sales, 2022

• North America- 49%


• Europe- 24%


• China - 9%


• Japan - 6%


• Latin America - 4.5%


• Others - 7.5%

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of key players, such as Beijing Huamaoyuan Fragrance Flavor Co. Ltd., Eastman Chemical Company, Merck KGaA, Metex Noovista, OQ Chemicals GmbH, Perstorp Holding AB, Shanghai Kayi Chemical Co., Ltd., SNOWCO, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Tokyo Chemical Industry Co.

Key Industry Developments

• In April 2021, Eastman Chemical Company acquired 3F Feed & Food, a European leader in the development of additives for animal feed and human food. With the acquisition of 3F Feed & Food, Eastman gained a well-respected producer firmly established in one of the top European markets.