Top 10 Companies in the Bio-based Citric Acid Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Sustainable Products

In Business Insights
November 18, 2025


The Global Bio-based Citric Acid Market was valued at USD 3.05 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.42 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.4% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is fueled by the escalating consumer demand for natural ingredients, stringent regulations on synthetic additives, and the burgeoning expansion of the food & beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, which are increasingly adopting sustainable raw materials.

As the global economy pivots towards bio-based and circular solutions, the citric acid industry is at the forefront, replacing petroleum-derived chemicals with renewable alternatives. This shift highlights the pivotal role of key manufacturers who are innovating fermentation processes, securing sustainable feedstocks, and expanding production capacities to meet global demand. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Bio-based Citric Acid Industry—a group of agricultural giants, biotechnology firms, and chemical producers shaping a greener future for one of the world’s most essential organic acids.


🔟 1. Cargill, Incorporated

Headquarters: Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Bio-based Citric Acid, Citrate Salts

Cargill is a global leader in agricultural processing and a major producer of bio-based citric acid through its extensive network of fermentation facilities. Leveraging its massive agricultural supply chain, Cargill utilizes corn and other biomass feedstocks to produce high-purity citric acid for global markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commitment to sustainable agriculture and reducing water usage in production

  • Investment in advanced fermentation technologies to improve yield and efficiency

  • Goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its supply chain by 10% by 2025

Download FREE Sample Report:
Bio-based Citric Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. DSM (Koninklijke DSM N.V.)

Headquarters: Heerlen, Netherlands
Key Offering: High-purity Bio-based Citric Acid, Specialized Fermentation Products

DSM is a purpose-led global science company with a strong focus on health and nutrition. Its biotechnology expertise positions it as a key player in producing bio-based citric acid through efficient microbial fermentation processes, serving demanding applications in food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering biotechnology for the circular bio-economy

  • Focus on reducing the carbon footprint of its ingredient portfolio


8️⃣ 3. COFCO Technology & Engineering Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Bio-based Citric Acid, Starch and Sugar-based Products

As part of China’s largest food processor and manufacturer, COFCO Technology is a dominant force in the Asian bio-based citric acid market. The company leverages its vertical integration, from agricultural sourcing to advanced fermentation, to produce cost-competitive and high-quality citric acid.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of integrated biorefineries for co-producing citric acid and other value-added chemicals

  • Focus on resource efficiency and waste minimization in production processes


7️⃣ 4. Ensign Energy Services

Headquarters: Calgary, Canada
Key Offering: Industrial-grade Bio-based Citric Acid

While primarily known in the energy sector, Ensign has interests in industrial biotechnology, contributing to the production of bio-based citric acid used in various industrial applications, including cleaning agents and water treatment, where its chelating properties are valued.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Exploring synergies between energy and bio-industrial sectors

  • Investment in bio-based alternatives for industrial chemicals


6️⃣ 5. TTCA Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand
Key Offering: Citric Acid Anhydrous, Citric Acid Monohydrate

TTCA is a leading Southeast Asian producer of citric acid, utilizing local cassava and sugarcane as primary feedstocks. The company has a significant export footprint and is known for its competitive positioning in the global market.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Utilization of abundant regional agricultural waste and by-products

  • Modernization of production facilities to enhance energy efficiency

Download FREE Sample Report:
Bio-based Citric Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


5️⃣ 6. RZBC Group Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: RZBC Brand Citric Acid, Citrate Salts

RZBC is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of citric acid, with a formidable production capacity rooted in China. The company operates state-of-the-art fermentation plants and has a extensive global distribution network, making it a key supplier to multinational corporations.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Implementation of closed-loop water systems and energy recovery technologies

  • Continuous R&D focused on strain improvement for higher fermentation yields


4️⃣ 7. BBCA Group (Anhui BBCA Biochemical Co., Ltd.)

Headquarters: Bengbu, Anhui, China
Key Offering: Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate

BBCA is a major global player with one of the highest production capacities for citric acid. The company’s integrated production model, from corn starch processing to fermentation and purification, ensures consistent quality and supply security for its international clientele.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in green manufacturing practices and emission control

  • Development of bio-based product portfolios beyond citric acid


3️⃣ 8. Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG

Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland
Key Offering: High-quality Citric Acid, Natural Acidulants

Jungbunzlauer is a leading producer of biodegradable ingredients of natural origin, with citric acid being a cornerstone of its portfolio. The company is renowned for its high-quality standards, sustainable production methods, and strong presence in the European and North American markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • 100% use of renewable raw materials (non-GMO crops) for fermentation

  • Pioneering energy-efficient production processes with minimal environmental impact


2️⃣ 9. Tate & Lyle PLC

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Food and Beverage Grade Citric Acid

Tate & Lyle, a global provider of food and beverage ingredients, is a significant supplier of citric acid. The company’s deep application expertise and focus on clean-label solutions make it a valued partner for manufacturers seeking natural acidulants and preservatives.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Commitment to sustainably sourced agricultural inputs

  • Active participation in industry alliances promoting sustainable sourcing and production


1️⃣ 10. ADM (Archer-Daniels-Midland Company)

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Bio-based Citric Acid, Fermentation-derived Products

ADM is a global agricultural processing giant with a substantial presence in bio-fermentation. Its vast grain processing capabilities provide a secure feedstock base for producing citric acid, positioning it as a critical and reliable supplier in the global market.

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Comprehensive strategy to reduce carbon intensity

  • Expansion of its product portfolio to meet demand for plant-based and sustainable ingredients

Get Full Report Here:
Bio-based Citric Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Bio-based Citric Acid Is Sustainable and Innovative

The bio-based citric acid market is experiencing a transformative phase. While traditional production methods are well-established, the industry is heavily investing in sustainable feedstocks, advanced fermentation technologies, and circular economy principles to reduce its environmental footprint and enhance efficiency.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerating shift from petrochemical-derived citric acid to bio-based alternatives driven by consumer preference and regulation

  • Expansion of production capacities in Asia-Pacific, particularly China, to meet global demand

  • Growing R&D into utilizing non-food biomass and waste streams as fermentation feedstocks

  • Increasing application scope in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biodegradable plastics

Get Full Report Here:
Bio-based Citric Acid Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying a critical global ingredient—they are actively driving the transition to a more sustainable and bio-based economy.