UHT Processing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Operation (Direct Heating, Indirect Heating), By Form (Liquid, Semi Liquid), By Application (Milk, Dairy Products, Beverages), By Region and Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

UHT Processing Market Size & Trends

The global UHT processing market size was estimated at USD 4.58 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030. The increasing consumption of processed beverages and dairy products across the world is expected to drive the market growth. Owing to the rising health consciousness, the demand for ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) is expected to grow over the forecast period.

In UHT processing, the high temperatures are applied for only a short time, which is effective in killing harmful bacteria while better preserving the nutritional value and flavor of the food & beverages compared to traditional pasteurization methods that require longer heating times. Further, UHT-processed products are ready to use without the need for further preparation, which is convenient for consumers. The aseptic packaging system used in UHT processes also makes it easy to transport and store products, reducing the risk of contamination. Aseptic packaging refers to the sterile filling of a product into a container under aseptic conditions and then hermetically sealing the containers so that recontamination is prevented. This innovation allowed UHT-treated products to maintain sterility and extend shelf life without refrigeration.

Additionally, technological advancements and integration of various technologies has led to the development of the UHT processing systems with the addition of new features. For instance, integrated homogenization technologies have improved the physical stability and texture of UHT products. Also, new developments have led to modern sensor technology and control systems incorporated in UHT processing systems that ensure precise temperature control and processing consistency.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The market of UHT processing is significantly driven by the growing population and considerable increasing spending on food products and processed beverages. The rising demand for processed products is especially driven by the developing countries, which presents new opportunities for UHT products as they often lack extensive cold chain logistics.

Market growth is also impacted by the rising expansion of the production facilities across the world. For instance, in November 2021, Hochwald Foods announced new UHT processing plant expansion in Mechernich, Germany. The plant capacity for processing is around 800 million liters of milk and produce UHT cream, UHT milk, and UHT mixed milk products, which started in January 2022.  

Moreover, new product development in dairy alternative products and rising popularity of these products associated with the benefits for the consumers with lactose intolerance is also likely to propel the market growth. UHT processing is increasingly used for non-dairy milk alternatives, such as almond, soy, and oat milk.

Operation Insights

“The demand for indirect heating segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2030 in terms of revenue”

The indirect heating segment led the market, accounting for 70.4% of the global revenue share in 2023. Indirect heating methods have been witnessing significant growth due to the increasing demand for shelf-stable and sterile liquid products. UHT processing is achieved by heating the product indirectly, meaning the heating medium, usually steam or hot water, and the product does not come into direct contact with each other.

The direct heating segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 t 2030. In direct heating, the product is directly exposed to the heating medium (steam), allowing for very rapid heating and cooling phases. Steam injections are steam infusion are two main types of methods used for direct heating in UHT processing. In this type of heating operation, owing to the direct contact of heat source with the product, the time for processing is reduced compared to the indirect heating.

Form Insights

“The demand for liquid segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2030 in terms of revenue”

The liquid segment accounted for 72.5% revenue share of the market in 2023. The liquid products that are being UHT processed for increasing shelf-life includes milk, diary alternative milk, juices, etc. The consumption of dairy alternatives is rising rapidly owing to increasing awareness pertaining to lactose intolerance and availability of suitable and nutritious products substituting diary milk. This is particularly likely to drive the demand for UHT processing over the forecast period.

The semi liquid segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 6.0% over the forecast period. The semi liquid products that are processed include yogurt, sauces, soups, baby food, desserts, tomato and fruit preparations, etc. Advantages such as extended shelf life, safety, quality preservation, and eco-friendly processing are expected to propel the UHT processing demand for semi liquid products.

Application Insights

“The demand for beverages segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030 in terms of revenue”

The milk segment led the market with a revenue share of 51.9% of the market in 2023. Milk is a largely consumed product across the world on daily basis, which includes whole milk, skimmed milk, and flavored milk. UHT processing is particularly advantageous for milk, allowing it to be stored for long periods without refrigeration.

The beverages segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% over the forecast period. UHT processing is ideal for preserving the flavor, color, and nutritional content of fruit and vegetable juices. It enables these beverages to be stored for months without spoilage, expanding their market reach. Furthermore, for ready-to-drink (RTD) tea, and coffee products, UHT processing allows these products to retain taste and freshness over long periods. It makes it convenient for consumers to enjoy these beverages without the need for brewing or refrigeration. The rising consumption of these products and expansion of the processing facilities is anticipated to boost the growth of the market over the forecast period.

Regional Insights

“Asia Pacific to witness fastest market growth at 8.6% CAGR over the forecast period”

The UHT processing market in Europe accounted for the largest revenue share of 28.6% in 2023. The stringent regulatory frameworks and strict compliance of the norms are attributed to the high demand for the UHT processing. Economies such as Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, etc. are characterized by the highly developed and industrialized are, with a high adoption of UHT processing in European food and beverage industry.

The UHT processing market in Germany is led the market with a market revenue share of 27.8% in 2023. Over the forecast period, the German market is likely to witness lucrative growth owing to rising expansion of production facilities and increasing demand for the UHT processed products from the growing population. Further, the key players are investing in the technological advancement to introduce more enhanced systems.

North America UHT Processing Market Trends

North America UHT processing market is likely to grow at a robust growth rate owing to the economic developments in countries such as U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The health and wellness trend are influencing the ultra-high temperature processing market. Consumers in these countries are increasingly seeking out healthier beverage options, including UHT-processed plant-based milks (almond, soy, oat) and fortified/functional drinks

Asia Pacific UHT Processing Market Trends

The ultra-high temperature processing market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness highest CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period. The economic development in China, India, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, etc. and rising consumer purchasing power is positively impacting the growth of UHT processing market. The demand for processed food products in these countries is rising rapidly owing to the globalization of the food & beverage industry.

Key UHT Processing Company Insights

Some key players operating in the market include GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, JBT Corporation, Krones AG, and Alfa Laval, among others.

• GEA Group is a globally recognized engineering company based in Germany, specializing in process technology and components for sophisticated production processes in various end-user markets. GEA Group operates worldwide, providing a wide array of technology and solutions in areas such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, energy, and environmental technology.

• JBT Corporation is a worldwide technology provider of solutions to the food processing and air transportation industries. Company has diversified its offerings, focusing on equipment and services that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability for its customers for various end use industries.

Proxes GmbH, Reda S.P.A., and Goma Engineering, etc. are some emerging market participants in the market.

• Proxes GmbH is a prominent player in the process technology field, mainly focusing on the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The core areas of operation of the company include food processing, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, chemical processing, etc.

• Reda S.P.A. is an innovative and leading company specialized in designing, manufacturing, and supplying high-quality processing equipment for the dairy, food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

Recent Developments

•  In January 2024, Tetra Pak and Absolicon launched a standardized solution for industrial UHT equipment powered by renewable thermal energy through a collaboration. Tetra Pak’s UHT processing system is the first of its kind to incorporate a scalable solar thermal supply.

• In March 2024, Fraugroup announced new product development, a new UHT cream pasteurizer combining advanced technology and optimized design for the operation at up to 140°C. The new machine guarantees enhanced food safety and preservation of organoleptic characteristics of milk cream.

UHT Processing Market Report Scope

Global UHT Processing Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the UHT processing market based on the operation, form, application, and region: 

• Operation Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Direct Heating

  • Indirect Heating

• Form Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Liquid

  • Semi Liquid

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Milk

  • Dairy Alternatives

  • Beverages

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Germany

    • Spain

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • UAE