Monosodium glutamate (MSG, also known as sodium glutamate) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, one of the most abundant naturally occurring non-essential amino acids. Glutamic acid is found naturally in tomatoes, grapes, cheese, mushrooms and other foods. MSG is used in the food industry as a flavor enhancer with an umami taste that intensifies the meaty, savory flavor of food, as naturally occurring glutamate does in foods such as stews and meat soups.
It’s a flavor enhancer. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly added to Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups, and processed meat. “MSG contains glutamic acid (non-essential amino acid) which is also naturally found in tomatoes, grapes, cheese, mushrooms and other foods.
Monosodium glutamate has found in various applications such as additives, flavor enhancers, acidity regulators, preservatives, and others. Increasing in demand of food industries is likely to drive the monosodium glutamate market growth. The growing food industries and animal feed industry on account of developing domestic as well as commercial market particularly in Asia-Pacific and Middle East has boosted the global monosodium glutamate market over the forecasted period.
The growing preference towards processed food and fast food, owing to hectic lifestyles is expected to remain a key driving factor for the global monosodium glutamate market in the forecast period. The manufacturing of monosodium glutamate has shifted from the extraction method to the fermentation method, as this method can be used for large scale production while maintaining a low per-unit cost. Thus owing to an increase in the profit margin, which has largely impacted growth of the monosodium glutamate market.
Based on application, the global MSG market can be segmented into flavor enhancer, preservative, and acidity regulator. The product finds its use as a flavor enhancer in processed meats & soups, canned vegetables, and other food products. The global food processing industry revenue accounted for over USD 2.5 trillion in 2016 and is likely to grow with a decent CAGR. Prominent players such as Kraft Foods and Nestle are increasing their brand awareness by investing hugely in promotions to uphold product differentiation. These factors are propelling the global MSG market demand to new heights.
