Lecithin is widely used downstream, with soybeans as the main source material
Lecithin (English: Lecithin) is a mixture, a group of yellow-brown oily substances that exist in animal and plant tissues and egg yolks. Its components include phosphoric acid, choline, fatty acids, glycerol, glycolipids, and triglycerides. acid esters and phospholipids (such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol). Lecithin is also sometimes synonymous (in biochemistry) with pure phosphatidylcholine, which is simply a phospholipid that is the major component of its phospholipid portion. Lecithin can be isolated from egg yolk (Greek lekithos—λέκίθος) or soybeans, either mechanically or chemically (extraction with hexane).
Industrial Research Center issued the 2022 Global and Chinese Egg An in-depth research report on the phospholipid industry shows that the global lecithin market will grow from US$5.1 billion in 2022 to US$7.2 billion in 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%. The market is driven by consumer preferences shifting towards natural and healthy foods. Additionally, a growing number of vegans and feminists globally are promoting plant-based and natural ingredients in food. These consumer trends will drive the foreseeable future. Global market demand for lecithin.
Soybean is the largest source material in the global lecithin market and will continue to maintain its dominance during the forecast period
Soy-based lecithin is widely consumed in different applications such as animal feed, food and beverages, industry and healthcare. The ample availability of soybean crops and simple extraction process make soybean lecithin more convenient for manufacturers in different industries. A wide range of conventional foods contain soy lecithin, such as bread, ice cream, baby products, dairy products and some convenience foods.
The deoiled segment is expected to be the fastest growing lecithin type segment globally during the forecast period
Deoiled lecithin or powdered lecithin contains almost no oil. It contains virtually no oil and contains a particularly high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Powder lecithin is a more compact, easy-to-handle concentrated lecithin product that is ideal for shipping and storage and has a longer shelf life than liquid lecithin. In addition to their improved functional properties, deoiled lecithin products are essentially off-the-shelf nutraceuticals with tremendous nutritional benefits for consumers.
Animal feed is the largest application segment of the lecithin market and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period
Lecithin is one of the important ingredients in animal feed for enriching fat, protein and improving palletization. Various studies have shown that crustaceans and fish cannot adequately synthesize the phospholipids they need for optimal performance. Therefore, the use of phospholipids is recommended in their diet.
Genetically modified products are the largest natural segment of the lecithin market and are expected to maintain their dominance during the forecast period.
At present, 90% of commercially available lecithin is extracted from soybeans and sunflowers. Lecithin has dual functions as an emulsifier and health ingredient in foods. Due to its lipid-friendly and hydrophilic properties, lecithin is used in many foods and many other areas of industry.
Major competitors in the global lecithin market include: Cargill (US), ADM (US), DuPont (US), IMCD Group BV (US), Bunge Ltd. (US), STERN-WYWIOL GRUPPE (Germany), Feng Yi International Pte Ltd (Singapore), Sonic Biochem (India), Avril Group (France), American Lecithin Company (USA) and VAV Life Sciences Pvt Ltd (India).