The food ingredients market is a dynamic industry that plays a crucial role in shaping global food production and consumption. Food ingredients enhance taste, texture, nutrition, and shelf life while meeting growing consumer demand for healthier and sustainable options. Innovations in food science biotechnology, and development of plant-based solutions are driving market expansion. According to Extrapolate, the global food ingredients market is expected to reach 489.36 billion by 2032, propelled by increasing health-conscious consumers and advancements in functional ingredients. This blog highlights the top 10 companies leading the food ingredients market, their contributions, and how they are transforming the industry.
5 Best Companies in the Food Ingredients Market
1. Cargill, Incorporated
Cargill is a global leader in food ingredients and agricultural solutions, supplying a wide range of products, including starches, sweeteners, proteins, cocoa, and oils. The company is known for its expertise in sustainable sourcing, particularly in cocoa and palm oil production. Cargill’s EverSweet stevia-based sweetener provides a natural sugar alternative, catering to the increasing demand for reduced-sugar food and beverages. Additionally, the company has invested heavily in plant-based meat alternatives, supporting the shift toward sustainable protein consumption.
In October 2024, Cargill launched a new cocoa production line at its Gresik facility in Indonesia to meet the growing demand for indulgent foods in Asia. This expansion enhances Cargill's ability to provide specialty cocoa products with unique flavour profiles, catering to the bakery, confectionery, and beverage industries.
2. Associated British Foods plc
Associated British Foods plc (ABF) is a major player in the food ingredients market, offering a diverse portfolio of ingredients, including sweeteners, emulsifiers, enzymes, and specialty proteins. Its subsidiary, ABF Ingredients, focuses on functional food solutions, enhancing texture, taste, and nutritional value in various applications. The company is also a global leader in yeast and bakery ingredients through AB Mauri, supporting the growing demand for high-quality baked goods.
3. DuPont
DuPont is a key player in the food ingredients market, offering a diverse portfolio of functional and specialty ingredients. The company’s Danisco range includes emulsifiers, enzymes, probiotics, and hydrocolloids, which improve texture, shelf stability, and nutritional value in various food products. DuPont also focuses on plant-based proteins, catering to the growing demand for alternative proteins in vegan and vegetarian diets. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the company develops clean-label and non-GMO solutions, helping manufacturers create healthier food products without artificial additives.
In February 2024, DuPont introduced the FILMTEC Hypershell NF245XD nanofiltration element, designed to enhance efficiency in dairy processing. This innovation offers improved separation performance, energy savings, and increased productivity for dairy manufacturers.
4. Tate & Lyle
Tate & Lyle is a global leader in sweeteners, texturants, and fiber solutions. The company’s SPLENDA sucralose provides a zero-calorie sugar alternative widely used in beverages and dairy products. Its PROMITOR dietary fibers support digestive health while enhancing texture in baked goods and snacks. Tate & Lyle also offers Claria functional clean-label starches, which provide superior thickening and stability without artificial additives.
5. Community Foods
Community Foods Ingredients specializes in natural and organic food ingredients, supplying sustainably sourced nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and grains. Their organic cocoa powders and dairy-free chocolate chips cater to the growing demand for plant-based and allergen-free food products. The company’s dedication to ethical sourcing ensures that manufacturers can offer high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients in their products.
6. ADM
ADM is one of the leading players in the food ingredients market, offering solutions ranging from plant-based proteins and fibers to flavors and functional health ingredients. The company is at the forefront of fermentation-based food innovations, including probiotics and postbiotics that support digestive and immune health. ADM’s textured vegetable proteins (TVP) are widely used in plant-based meat products, helping manufacturers create realistic meat alternatives.
In May 2023, ADM and Air Protein entered a strategic agreement to collaborate on research and development of novel, landless proteins. This partnership combines ADM's expertise in nutrition and formulation with Air Protein's unique technology to produce protein without traditional agriculture. The agreement includes plans to build and operate the world's first commercial-scale Air Protein plant.
7. Kerry Group plc.
Kerry Group is a key player in the food ingredients market and a innovator in taste and nutrition solutions, helping food manufacturers enhance flavour, texture, and health benefits. Their TasteSense™ technology provides sugar-reduction solutions without compromising on taste. The company’s ProDiem plant proteins are used in dairy alternatives, supporting the shift toward plant-based nutrition. Kerry also leads in fermented ingredients, offering natural flavour enhancers for savoury and bakery applications.
8. Symrise
Symrise is a major provider of flavors, fragrances, and functional ingredients, serving the global food industry. Its Diana Food division produces natural health ingredients from fruits and vegetables, enhancing nutritional value in functional foods. Symrise also specializes in vanilla and citrus flavor extracts, which are widely used in dairy, bakery, and beverage applications.
9. Novozymes
Novozymes is at the forefront of enzyme-based food solutions, optimizing production efficiency and product quality. Their lipase enzymes improve the texture of baked goods, while amylases enhance the shelf life of bread and pastries. Novozymes’ enzyme innovations are also crucial in dairy and brewing processes, reducing waste and improving consistency.
In February 2025, Novonesis acquired dsm-firmenich's share of the Feed Enzyme Alliance for USD 1.5 billion. The acquisition aligns with Novonesis' strategy to expand its presence in the animal biosolutions sector, enhancing its capabilities in enzyme development and production.
10. Givaudan
Givaudan is a leader in flavors and fragrances, offering solutions for plant-based and functional food innovations. Their Sense It salt reduction technology enables manufacturers to lower sodium levels without affecting taste. Givaudan’s plant-based taste enhancers help create more authentic meat and dairy substitutes, driving advancements in the alternative protein sector.
Bottom Line
The food ingredients market is evolving rapidly, driven by consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable, and functional food options. The top 10 companies featured in this blog are at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative solutions that enhance food quality, nutrition, and sustainability. As the industry continues to innovate, these players will remain key in shaping the future of food production and consumption worldwide.
