Nootkatone Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Form (Liquids, Crystals), By Source (Natural, Synthetic), By Application (Flavors & Fragrances, Insect Repellent), By Region, And Segment Forecasts

Nootkatone Market Summary

The global nootkatone market size was estimated at USD 16.5 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 46.9 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2025 to 2033. The growing consumer preference for clean-label, sustainable, and plant-based products is accelerating the adoption of natural compounds like nootkatone.

Nootkatone’s bio-based origin and eco-friendly profile make it a desirable substitute for synthetic flavor and fragrance agents. Companies across the food, cosmetics, and personal care sectors are reformulating products to meet this demand. As a result, nootkatone is gaining strong traction as a premium natural ingredient in global markets.

Nootkatone’s proven ability to repel mosquitoes and ticks while remaining safe for humans and pets is driving its use in natural insect repellents. Unlike traditional chemicals such as DEET, it offers an environmentally friendly and non-toxic alternative. Regulatory approvals from bodies like the U.S. EPA have further strengthened its commercial potential. This shift toward safer pest control solutions is fueling widespread market adoption.

Advancements in biotechnology offer significant opportunities to produce nootkatone sustainably and at lower costs. Companies investing in fermentation or microbial synthesis methods can achieve higher yields compared to traditional grapefruit extraction. This not only reduces production expenses but also ensures a consistent supply of high-quality nootkatone. Such innovations can open new avenues for large-scale commercialization across diverse end-use industries.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The nootkatone market is moderately concentrated, with a few key players, including Evolva, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), and Firmenich, dominating the global supply. These companies utilize advanced biotechnological processes and robust distribution networks to maintain a competitive advantage. High production costs and complex extraction or fermentation methods create barriers to entry, keeping the market consolidated among established producers.

The nootkatone industry is characterized by a growing shift toward bio-based and sustainable production, supported by increasing regulatory and consumer emphasis on natural ingredients. Demand spans multiple industries, including food, beverages, personal care, and pest control, reflecting its versatile application base. Continuous innovation in biotechnology and synthetic biology is reshaping market dynamics, enabling the scalable and eco-friendly production of nootkatone. 

Form Insights

The liquid segment dominated the nootkatone market, accounting for a 65.8% revenue share in 2024, due to its ease of integration into food, beverage, and fragrance formulations. Its superior solubility and compatibility with various product bases make it the preferred choice for manufacturers. This versatility across multiple applications continues to reinforce its market leadership.

The crystal segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 13.0% during the forecast period. This segment is growing rapidly owing to its high purity, stability, and longer shelf life. It is increasingly used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and premium fragrance formulations. Rising demand for concentrated and durable ingredients is driving their accelerated market adoption.

Source Insights

The natural source dominated the nootkatone industry, accounting for a revenue share of 71.8% in 2024, driven by strong consumer demand for authentic, eco-friendly, and plant-based ingredients. Brands in the food, fragrance, and personal care industries are prioritizing naturally sourced compounds to align with clean-label trends. Regulatory bodies in key markets, such as the EU and the U.S., also favor naturally derived ingredients over synthetic variants. This convergence of consumer preference and regulatory support sustains the dominance of natural-source nootkatone.

The synthetic source segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 13.1% during the forecast period, driven by the advancements in fermentation and bioconversion technologies. It offers consistent quality, cost efficiency, and scalable production compared to traditional natural extraction methods. These benefits are accelerating its adoption across multiple industrial applications.

Application Insights

The flavors & fragrances sector dominated the nootkatone market with a revenue share of 44.9% in 2024, due to its widespread use as a premium grapefruit aroma and flavor enhancer. Its natural, citrus profile makes it highly desirable in beverages, perfumes, and personal care products. Strong demand for clean-label and nature-identical ingredients continues to sustain its market leadership.

The insect repellent segment is witnessing significant growth with the fastest CAGR of 13.1% during the forecast period. The segment is expanding rapidly as nootkatone gains recognition for its effectiveness against mosquitoes and ticks. Increasing health awareness and regulatory approval are accelerating its adoption in pest control products worldwide.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the nootkatone industry, accounting for the largest revenue share of 38.6% in 2024, driven by strong regulatory support for eco-friendly pest control and fragrance ingredients. Authorities, such as the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), have approved nootkatone as a natural biopesticide, thereby enhancing its market credibility. Consumers are increasingly shifting toward chemical-free, sustainable formulations. This combination of regulation and green consumer trends is strengthening regional market growth.

U.S. Nootkatone Market Trends

In the U.S., the growth of the nootkatone industry is driven by strong regulatory support and increasing acceptance of bio-based repellents. The EPA’s approval of nootkatone as a safe, natural insecticide has opened up commercial opportunities across the pest control and consumer goods industries. Increased awareness of eco-friendly solutions among households is further fueling the adoption of these solutions. These developments make the U.S. a key hub for innovation in nootkatone applications.

Europe Nootkatone Market Trends

Europe’s nootkatone industry is expanding due to the region’s focus on sustainability and stringent chemical regulations. Manufacturers are adopting bio-based aroma and flavor compounds to comply with EU environmental directives. Consumers’ preference for natural, traceable ingredients continues to shape purchasing behavior. These sustainability-driven innovations are fostering strong market penetration across the continent.

The Germany nootkatone market is expected to grow during the forecast period. Germany’s mature fragrance and flavor industries are transitioning toward sustainability-focused formulations. Nootkatone is gaining traction as a bio-based alternative to synthetic aroma compounds in premium products. Strict EU and national standards on chemical safety promote the use of natural ingredients. This green chemistry movement is a central driver of nootkatone adoption in the market.

Asia Pacific Nootkatone Market Trends

The Asia Pacific nootkatone industry is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 13.1%, in terms of revenue, over the forecast period. Rising demand for natural citrus flavors and fragrances in rapidly industrializing economies. The region’s booming food and beverage sector, particularly in China and Japan, is adopting nootkatone for its refreshing aroma and clean-label appeal. Local biotechnological advances are also improving production efficiency. Together, these factors make Asia Pacific a high-potential market for nootkatone suppliers.

The China nootkatone market is projected to grow during the forecast period. In China, rapid industrialization of the food and beverage sector is boosting demand for authentic, natural flavor ingredients. The growing preference for health-oriented beverages supports nootkatone usage. Domestic manufacturers are also investing in fermentation technologies to reduce production costs. These advancements are positioning China as a key growth center for the Asia Pacific market.

Latin America Nootkatone Market Trends

The growth of the Latin America nootkatone industry is fueled by the increasing use of plant-based ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. Local brands are reformulating with biodegradable, natural fragrances such as nootkatone. This shift toward eco-friendly personal care is creating strong opportunities for market expansion.

Middle East & Africa Nootkatone Market Trends

In the Middle East & Africa, rising concerns about mosquito-borne diseases and environmental impact are driving demand for natural repellents. Governments and the private sector are promoting safer, biodegradable alternatives for pest control. Nootkatone’s proven efficacy and low toxicity make it a preferred choice in such applications. This focus on sustainable vector control is propelling regional growth.

Key Nootkatone Company Insights

Evolva Holding SA and Isobionics BV dominate the nootkatone market due to their advanced fermentation-based production technologies, enabling high-purity, sustainable, and cost-efficient output. Their strong R&D capabilities and strategic partnerships with major fragrance and flavor companies further strengthen their global market leadership.

• Evolva Holding SA holds a leading position in the nootkatone industry through its proprietary yeast fermentation technology, which enables sustainable and scalable production of high-purity nootkatone. The company’s strong focus on biotechnology innovation and regulatory compliance supports its competitiveness in natural ingredient markets. Its partnerships with global consumer goods brands further enhance its commercial reach and market dominance.

• Isobionics BV, a subsidiary of BASF, dominates the market with its biotechnological production platform that delivers consistent quality and cost efficiency. Leveraging BASF’s global network and expertise in aroma ingredients, Isobionics effectively serves diverse applications across flavors, fragrances, and repellents. Its focus on sustainability and precision fermentation positions it as a key innovator and reliable supplier in the global nootkatone industry. 

Recent Developments

• In December 2022, Evolva launched “Natural Nootkatone by Evolva”, a high-purity, natural ingredient now fully certified as natural in both the EU and the U.S., expanding its availability for global clean-label applications.

Nootkatone Market Report Scope

Global Nootkatone Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts the volume & revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global nootkatone market report based on product, end use, and region:

• Form Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2033)

  • Liquid

  • Crystal

• Source Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2033)

  • Natural

  • Synthetic

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2033)

  • Flavors & Fragrances

  • Personal Care & Cosmetics

  • Household Products

  • Insect Repellent

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2033)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • India

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa