Arachidonic Acid Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Form (Solid, Solvent), By Application (Infant Formula, Supplement), By Region, Competitive Landscape, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025

Report Overview

The global arachidonic acid market size was valued at USD 180.4 million in 2017 and is projected to register a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. ARA is a long-chain fatty acid, which along with Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), supports the development of the infant’s brain. Increasing awareness regarding baby care products is among the primary factors driving industry growth. Product manufacturing requires a skilled workforce and special material handling equipment resulting in higher production costs.

Thus, to reduce the production costs, leading manufacturers are focusing on R & D and in-house manufacturing techniques as it improves the product quality, thereby enhancing the brand value. The industry is characterized by a diversified value chain, which consists of raw material suppliers, upstream manufacturers, distributors, and end-users. Raw material suppliers emerged as an essential element across the value chain of the ARA industry. Increasing the importance of suppliers is a key driver to influence the strategies of the major industry participants.

End users are opting for cheaper bulk quantities of the product. Prominent raw materials used in product manufacturing include yeast, soy, corn, and glucose. Key manufacturers are involved in product synthesis by modifying mortierella alpine (M.alpine), which is considered an efficient means of production. Mass production is one of the most implemented strategies adopted by key players to reduce the cost of the final product.

Producers are more inclined toward manufacturing the product in the vicinity to end-users to reduce transportation costs, minimize currency fluctuation exposure, and benefit from local incentives. In the Middle Eastern countries, infant formula-producing companies are trying to increase consumer awareness through educational campaigns. Low product penetration is attracting global companies to expand their operations in this region.

Form Insights

Solvents emerged as the dominant form segment in 2017 and are likely to witness significant growth in the future on account of increasing product application scope. The product is primarily used in infant formula and supplements, which are gaining popularity across the globe. Key companies are focusing on developing advanced solvent-based product portfolio owing to the higher profit margins involved. The solid form segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

Increasing application in sports supplements drives the product demand in this segment. Growing consumer preference towards supplements consisting of ARA will induce a positive impact over the coming years. High spending on sports nutrition will boost product demand further. Manufacturers are focusing on developing the nutritional products to comply with the international standards, which will also support the market development.

Application Insights

The infant formula segment leads to the overall Arachidonic Acid (ARA) market accounting. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are known to improve the baby’s eyesight and memory, which is a major driving factor for the market. Furthermore, increasing regulatory acceptance for oil-based products in infant nutrition is positively impacting this growth. Increasing awareness regarding the product benefits in baby nutrition emerged as a primary reason behind escalating demand in infant formula application.

Potential applications in health supplement will support the market growth from 2018 to 2025. Prominent companies are investing more in R & D to develop newer applications, such as in sports drinks and bodybuilding supplements. Increasing demand for health supplements across various regions is projected to create new avenues for the segment.

Regional Insights

North America was the dominant regional market in 2017 with a volume share of over 40%. This growth was attributed to the presence of prominent companies in North America. The region is projected to expand further during the forecast years on account of developed sports and the infant nutrition industry, particularly in the U.S., and high spending capacity of consumers.

Europe also holds a notable share of the global market. Early adoption of ARA in the supplement and infant formula is the primary reason behind this growth. Factors, such as high standards of living and well-developed sports nutrition market, are also driving the regional industry.

Asia Pacific region is also expected to register a strong CAGR due to rapid urbanization, emerging middle-class population, and projected growth in the number of infants across the region. The presence of emerging economies, such as India and China, and the availability of low-cost raw materials and labor are attracting global manufacturers to expand their operations in APAC. This will also drive the industry in the APAC region.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some of the prominent companies in the market include Suntory Beverage & Food Limited; Cayman Chemical Company; Cargill, Inc.; and BASF SE. The market is characterized by a diversified value chain, which consists of raw material suppliers, upstream manufacturers, distributors, and end-users. Outsourcing of manufacturing capabilities is expected to be the dominant trend in the market.

Other strategies undertaken by manufacturers include M & A and joint ventures. The companies grant rights for the intellectual properties to each other and work together for better business opportunities. Mead Johnson, Nestlé S.A., and Abbott Nutrition, leading producers of dietary supplements and infant formula are among the major end-users of the product.

Arachidonic Acid (ARA) Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global arachidonic acid (ARA) market report based on form, application, and region:

• Form Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Solid

  • Solvent

• Application Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Infant Formula

  • Supplement

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

  • CSA

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia