| |
World consumption of DL-malic acid was nearly 55 thousand metric tons in 2006;
global capacity utilization was 68%. Beverages (both liquids and powders and
mainly in fruit flavored beverages) account for 51% of world consumption; confections
and food account for most of the remainder, at 42%. In most applications, DL-malic
acid provides the following properties:
- Enhances flavors
- Provides sourness/tartness
- Controls growth of microorganisms (preservation)
- Adjusts pH (as an acidulant)
World growth in demand for DL-malic acid relies heavily on production of beverages,
confections and food. Although regional differences in food tastes and preferences
exist, the major trends driving demand for DL-malic acid in food, confections
and beverages appear to be similar in many regions:
- Food safety (preservation).
- Desire for convenience (increased popularity of processed foods and ready-to-drink
beverages).
- New beverage and food introductions, mainly fruit-flavored beverages and
foods, including ethnic and exotic fruit flavors and flavor blends.
- Concern over health and nutrition. Growing concern regarding obesity and
the connection between dietary habits and major diseases such as diabetes
and heart disease has caused consumers to reexamine their diets and lifestyles
and seek healthier alternatives.
- Increased use of high-intensity sweeteners in beverages and food; global
consumption of high-intensity sweeteners is forecast to grow at an average
annual rate of 3.0% during 2006–2011. DL-Malic acid’s prolonged
sourness flavor profile (compared with other acidulants, such as citric acid)
helps reduce aftertastes associated with some high-intensity sweeteners by
improving the flavor profile of diet beverages and foods
- Growing consumption of nutritional bars (including cereal, sports and energy
bars), and sports and protein drinks (including fortified and enhanced water).
As this category continues to grow, particularly in North America, Europe
and Asia, producers are introducing numerous flavor varieties of bars and
drinks. In this application, DL-malic acid helps provide a pleasant taste,
in addition to masking any aftertastes due to amino acids, vitamins, fibers,
antioxidants, plant extracts, high-intensity sweeteners or nutraceuticals.
Asia and North America together accounted for over 72% of world consumption
of DL-malic acid, closely followed by Europe, with 19%. This is attributed
to the fact that markets for ready-to-drink beverages and processed foods are
highly developed. Growth in demand is highest in the developing markets of
Asia, Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern
Europe, where concerns about health and nutrition are relatively nascent, and
diet products and nutritional foods and beverages have less market penetration.
|
