Spices & Seasonings Market Size & Forecast

The Spices & Seasonings Market is expected to reach $30.35 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2031. The growth of this market is driven by the increasing demand for convenience foods, the rise in vegetarianism and veganism, and the rising demand for spicy food products. However, the proliferation of counterfeit spice products is expected to restrain the market’s growth.

Moreover, the increasing focus on health and wellness and the growing demand for organic spices & seasonings are expected to offer growth opportunities for the players operating in this market. Additionally, the increasing popularity of ethnic and exotic flavors is a prominent trend in the spices & seasonings market.

Spices & Seasonings Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Demand for Convenience Foods

Consumers today increasingly prioritize convenient food options due to their busy lifestyles. Many processed and convenience food manufacturers integrate spices into products like ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and frozen foods to enhance flavor and aroma. According to a survey conducted by the International Food Information Council in November 2022, approximately 81% of 1,000 American respondents regularly stocked shelf-stable, canned, or packaged foods in their households. Additionally, a survey by Eating Better’s Ready Meals found that about 86% of adults in the U.K. consumed ready breakfasts and dinners or ready-to-cook food, with three in ten individuals consuming frozen packaged meals weekly in 2020.

Furthermore, rapid urbanization, particularly in developing countries, is driving the demand for processed and convenience foods. Urbanization plays a significant role in improving living standards and incomes, thereby influencing the affordability of convenience foods. Thus, the demand for convenience food products is experiencing rapid growth alongside increasing urbanization, fueled by changing lifestyles, the rise of nuclear families, and a significant increase in fast-paced work environments. As a result, the demand for spices & seasonings is expected to increase globally in the coming years.

Rise in Vegetarianism and Veganism

In recent years, there has been a major shift toward vegetarianism and veganism across the globe due to increasing health & environmental concerns and animal welfare. Many people are becoming more conscious of the health risks associated with consuming animal protein and are seeking out plant-based alternatives. Spices are often used in the meat processing industry and are now utilized in vegetarian alternatives and vegan meat substitutes to enhance their taste profiles. This trend contributes to the growth in spice demand.

Veganism is a modern social trend that continues to expand, particularly in developed countries. As of 2023, the global vegan population numbered approximately 88 million, constituting around 1.1% of the world's population. Additionally, the Veganuary campaign saw significant participation, with approximately 700,000 individuals committing to vegan-only diets in January 2023. This represents a notable increase from previous years: 692,000 participants in 2022, 582,000 in 2021, and 400,000 in 2020 (source: The Vegan Society). The rising adoption of vegan lifestyles globally is expected to drive the demand for spices and seasonings.

Spices & Seasonings Market Growth Trends

Increasing Popularity of Ethnic and Exotic Flavors

Consumers' growing interest in exploring new and exotic flavors from diverse cultures is driving the demand for spices and seasonings. The globalization of food and technology has simplified access to various cuisines worldwide, encouraging consumers to experiment with different flavors. Changing demographics and evolving consumer preferences also contribute to the rising demand for ethnic and exotic flavors.

The trend towards exploring beyond traditional culinary boundaries extends to home kitchens, where individuals are increasingly experimenting with foreign recipes. From the vibrant and spicy tastes of Indian and Thai cuisine to the intricate and aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern and African dishes, consumers are seeking to enrich their culinary experiences with diverse flavors. This heightened interest in ethnic and exotic flavors is driven by the growing popularity of global cuisine and influenced by experiences such as travel, food media, and social platforms. These factors collectively support the growth of the spices and seasonings market.

Spices & Seasonings Market Growth Opportunity

Increasing Focus on Health and Wellness

Consumers are increasingly prioritizing health and wellness, shifting their preferences towards natural and functional ingredients in their food choices. This trend is driven by the desire to lead longer and healthier lives. Spices such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper are gaining popularity due to their known health benefits and use in traditional medicines such as Ayurveda. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric are driving its demand, while the antimicrobial properties of spices are increasingly being utilized as natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives. As the emphasis on health and wellness continues to grow, the demand for herbs & spices is expected to rise in the coming years.

Growing Demand for Organic Spices & Seasonings

As consumers become more health and environmentally conscious, there is a rising demand for food products that align with their values and preferences. Spices serve multiple purposes as flavoring agents, coloring agents, and preservatives in various food products. The growing preference for healthy and convenient foods is driving the demand for organic spices.

Moreover, there is rising interest in sustainability and eco-friendly choices, leading to greater demand for organic spices and seasonings. Organic farming practices, which involve minimal use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, are perceived as more environmentally friendly. Consumers who prioritize sustainability are thus inclined towards choosing organic spices. The demand for organic foods continues to rise due to their perceived health benefits and safety profile compared to conventional foods. According to FiBL, organic food sales reached USD 142.3 billion (EUR 135 billion) in 2022.

Spices & Seasonings Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Product Type: In 2024, the Spices Segment to Dominate the Spices & Seasonings Market

Based on product type, the spices & seasonings market is segmented into spices, herbs, and salt & salt substitutes. In 2024, the spices segment is expected to account for the largest share of 55.0% of the spices & seasonings market. This segment’s large market share can be attributed to the increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with spices, rising demand for processed and convenient foods with diverse flavors, and growing consumer interest in functional foods.

However, the herbs segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2024–2031. This segment’s growth is driven by the rising popularity of international cuisines and increasing health & wellness and sustainability trends. Herbs like oregano, parsley, basil, thyme, mint, and fennel are especially popular due to their versatility and health benefits, making them an attractive option for food manufacturers looking to cater to health-conscious consumers.

By Category: In 2024, the Conventional Segment to Dominate the Spices & Seasonings Market

Based on category, the spices & seasonings market is segmented into conventional and organic. In 2024, the conventional segment is expected to account for the larger share of the spices & seasonings market. This segment's large market share can be attributed to the wide availability of conventional spice & seasoning products, their cost-effectiveness, and longer shelf life compared to organic alternatives.

However, the organic segment is projected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period. This segment’s growth is driven by the rising number of health-conscious consumers, increasing demand for organic food products, sustainability and clean label trends, and growing government support for organic food production.

By Form: In 2024, the Powder Segment to Dominate the Spices & Seasonings Market

Based on form, the spices & seasonings market is segmented into whole, crushed, and powder. In 2024, the powder segment is expected to account for the largest share of the spices & seasonings market. This segment’s large market share can be attributed to the advantages of powdered spices & seasonings, such as ease of use, versatility in mixing with other ingredients, and extended shelf life. Powdered spices and seasonings are versatile, suitable for a wide range of dishes, from savory to sweet, and can be customized easily to accommodate various tastes and preferences.

By Distribution Channel: The Retail Segment is Projected to Register a Higher CAGR During the Forecast Period

Based on distribution channel, the spices & seasonings market is segmented into food service and retail. In 2024, the food service segment is expected to account for the larger share of the spices & seasonings market. This segment's large market share can be attributed to the increasing demand for spices and seasonings from hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Moreover, the expanding number of food service outlets and the growing popularity of exotic dishes contribute to the significant market share of this segment.

However, the retail segment is projected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period. This segment’s growth is driven by the proliferation of e-commerce & online grocery shopping platforms, the convenience and accessibility offered by retail outlets, and the rising preference for home-cooked meals.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, the Asia-Pacific is Expected to Dominate the Spices & Seasonings Market

Based on geography, the spices & seasonings market is divided into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of 36.4% of the spices & seasonings market, followed by North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific’s significant market share can be attributed to factors such as the growth in the processed food industry, the increasing adoption of Western cuisines, rising disposable incomes, evolving consumer lifestyles, diverse culinary traditions, rapid urbanization & industrialization, and the growing demand for innovative spice and seasoning blends.

However, the market in Europe is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this regional market is driven by the rising popularity of exotic cuisines, increasing demand for organic and natural products, and the rising preference for home-cooked meals.

Spices & Seasonings Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios and geographic presence and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the spices & seasonings market are McCormick & Company, Inc. (U.S.), Kerry Group plc (Ireland), Döhler Group (Germany), Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Japan), Associated British Foods plc (U.K.), ARIAKE JAPAN Co., Ltd. (Japan), Baron Spices Inc (U.S.), SHS Group Limited (U.K.), Watkins Incorporated (U.S.), The Bart Ingredients Company (U.K.), and Frontier Cooperative (U.S.).

Spices & Seasonings Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In April 2023, The Kraft Heinz Company (U.S.) launched Just Spices, a company offering seasonal blend spices in the U.S. market.
• In April 2023, McCormick & Company, Inc. (U.S.) extended its partnership with Tabitha Brown to launch five new salt-free, vegan seasoning products for grocery stores in the U.S. These products, co-created with Tabitha Brown, include McCormick Like Sweet Like Smoky All Purpose Seasoning, McCormick Burger Bliss Seasoning Mix, McCormick Very Good Garlic All Purpose Seasoning, McCormick Sauté Sensation Seasoning Mix, and McCormick Taco Tantalizer Seasoning Mix.
• In July 2022, Emami Agrotech Ltd. (India) launched Mantra Spices under the Emami Healthy & Tasty brand, offering a range of blended powder spices and tastemakers.

Spices & Seasonings Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the spices & seasonings market report: