Liquorice Extracts Market: By Product, By Form, By Grade, By Application, By Distribution Channels, and Region Forecast 2020-2031
Liquorice Extracts market size was valued at US$ 827.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 1,235.7 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025-2031. Moreover, in the USA, the liquorice extracts market size is projected to reach US$ 385.6 million by 2031. The global market is witnessing growing demand across the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food industries, driven by its wide-ranging therapeutic and health benefits. Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and gastroprotective properties, making its extracts a preferred ingredient in formulations targeting digestive health, respiratory issues, and skin conditions. In the pharmaceutical sector, glycyrrhizin, the active compound in licorice, is increasingly used in treatments for peptic ulcers, hepatitis, and sore throat remedies.
According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), specific standardized licorice preparations are approved for medicinal use, reflecting regulatory support for its safety and efficacy. Demand for clean-label and herbal-based additives is rising in the food and beverage segment, where licorice is a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer. In addition, in Asia-Pacific, particularly in China and India, licorice is a core component in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). With an increasing global focus on plant-based wellness, preventive healthcare, and natural therapeutics, the liquorice extracts market is set to expand. Innovation in extraction techniques and personalized nutrition further enhances its clinical and commercial potential worldwide.
January 2024: GreenWellness launched a new range of licorice-infused herbal teas targeting stress relief and detoxification. Tailored for health-conscious consumers, the blends combine liquorice root with calming botanicals. The products cater to growing interest in traditional remedies and holistic wellness in Southeast Asia.
November 2023: PureGlycyrrhizin expanded its licorice extract manufacturing facility in Indonesia to meet rising demand for pharmaceutical-grade extract in ASEAN markets. The upgrade ensures faster delivery, better quality control, and supports drug makers and supplement brands seeking consistent licorice ingredient sourcing.
September 2023: Thai skincare brand GlowEssence introduced a licorice-based serum formulated to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten skin tone. Leveraging the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of licorice, the product targets consumers seeking plant-based solutions for sensitive skin and uneven complexion.
June 2023: VitaHerb launched chewable licorice extract gummies in Malaysia to promote children’s gut health. Designed for palatability and ease of consumption, the product combines traditional herbal benefits with a child-friendly format, addressing parental concerns over digestive wellness in young populations.
February 2023: NutriRoot introduced a fortified licorice extract powder aimed at pharmaceutical applications. Formulated for immune and respiratory support, the product targets chronic conditions using enhanced glycyrrhizin content. It marks a step toward functional nutrition solutions in India’s evolving medical nutrition and supplements landscape.
Based on the product
Glycyrrhizin dominates the liquorice extracts market due to its widespread application in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. Recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, glycyrrhizin is extensively used in treating digestive issues and respiratory conditions, making it a key functional ingredient in health-oriented formulations across multiple industries.
Based on the form
Powder form dominates the liquorice extracts market due to its high solubility, ease of storage, and versatile application across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Its long shelf life and suitability for blending in formulations make it the preferred choice for manufacturers seeking consistency and convenience in product development.
Based on the Grade
Pharmaceutical grade dominates the liquorice extracts market owing to its widespread use in treating conditions like gastric ulcers, cough, and inflammation. Backed by regulatory standards, this grade ensures high purity and safety, making it ideal for therapeutic applications. Its demand continues to rise with increasing reliance on herbal-based medicines.
Based on the application
Pharmaceuticals represent a dominating segment in the liquorice extracts market due to the extract's proven anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and gastroprotective properties. Widely used in cough syrups, ulcer treatments, and herbal formulations, its medicinal benefits drive consistent demand, especially as consumers and practitioners increasingly prefer plant-based therapeutic alternatives.
Based on the distribution channel
Offline distribution dominates the liquorice extracts market, as bulk purchases by pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers, and cosmetic producers primarily occur through direct sales, specialty stores, and distributors. This channel ensures quality assurance, bulk handling, and established supplier relationships, making it the preferred choice for industrial and commercial buyers.
Study Period
2025-2031Base Year
2024CAGR
5.9%Largest Market
EuropeFastest Growing Market
Asia-Pacific
The liquorice extracts market is witnessing steady growth, driven by rising global health concerns and shifting consumer preferences. One of the primary drivers is the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for approximately 74% of all global deaths, creating a substantial need for natural, therapeutic interventions like licorice extracts, which possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The rapidly aging global population further propels the market.
The United Nations projects that people aged 65 and above will double from 761 million in 2021 to over 1.6 billion by 2050. This demographic shift contributes to a heightened demand for herbal solutions that support age-related health issues, including digestive and respiratory disorders. In addition, consumer trends are moving toward plant-based and clean-label products, driving demand across the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. The market is set to expand with the increasing integration of licorice extracts into dietary supplements, functional foods, and traditional medicine systems. These drivers underscore licorice extract's rising relevance in promoting holistic, preventive healthcare worldwide.
Despite rising global demand, the liquorice extracts market faces several significant restraints that may hinder its growth. One major challenge is the health risk of excessive glycyrrhizin consumption, the key bioactive compound in licorice. According to the U.S. FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), high intake can lead to serious health issues such as hypertension, hypokalemia, and even arrhythmia. The EFSA recommends that glycyrrhizin consumption not exceed 100 mg daily, roughly the amount found in 70–150 grams of licorice candy, forcing manufacturers to regulate dosages in food and medicinal products strictly.
In addition, the supply chain is vulnerable, as licorice is predominantly grown in specific countries like Iran, China, and Turkmenistan. Political instability, overharvesting, and unsustainable farming practices in these regions contribute to price volatility and inconsistent supply. Moreover, ethical and labor concerns in certain sourcing countries may limit access to international markets. Competition from natural sweeteners such as stevia and synthetic flavoring agents further adds to market pressure, while stringent global trade regulations and import tariffs complicate cross-border distribution, restraining market expansion.
The liquorice extracts market presents substantial opportunities fueled by increasing consumer preference for natural and functional ingredients. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, account for 74% of all global deaths, many of which are preventable through dietary and therapeutic interventions. Liquorice, containing the active compound glycyrrhizin, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable candidate for plant-based therapies, as validated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Demand for botanical ingredients has surged in skincare, supported by findings in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology showing licorice extract's effectiveness in reducing hyperpigmentation and inflammation.
Furthermore, the global shift toward herbal medicine is rising, with the WHO estimating that 80% of the world's population relies on traditional remedies, many of which incorporate licorice. In food applications, its natural sweetness, up to 50 times sweeter than sugar, offers clean-label solutions in functional and health-conscious products. These converging trends, alongside rising regulatory support for natural compounds, underscore robust opportunities for licorice extract expansion across nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals.
The liquorice extracts market is witnessing several trends driven by rising consumer awareness of natural and functional ingredients. One of the most prominent trends is the shift towards clean-label and plant-based products, where liquorice extract is increasingly favoured as a natural sweetener, flavouring agent, and preservative in food and beverage formulations. In the pharmaceutical sector, the recognized therapeutic properties of glycyrrhizin, the bioactive compound in liquorice, are fueling its use in respiratory support, digestive health, and antiviral applications.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, liquorice is one of the most frequently used botanicals in traditional and modern medicine, especially for treating inflammation and ulcers. The personal care and cosmetics industry is also embracing liquorice extract, especially for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-brightening properties, which are widely used in formulations targeting hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin.
Moreover, the rise in demand for herbal supplements is contributing to innovation in nutraceuticals, where liquorice extract is included for its adaptogenic and immune-modulatory effects. These trends reflect the evolving consumer demand for natural, safe, and multifunctional ingredients, positioning liquorice extract as a versatile component across multiple industries.
North America dominates the global market, led by the United States, due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, increasing focus on preventive healthcare, and regulatory support. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies glycyrrhizic acid, a key component of licorice as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), promoting its use in foods and medicines. Europe follows closely, with countries like Germany, France, and the UK benefiting from strong traditions in herbal medicine and strict safety regulations governed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The demand here is boosted by consumer interest in clean-label and functional ingredients.
The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market, with China and India playing pivotal roles. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), China is among the top cultivators of liquorice, primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). India’s Ayurvedic medicine system also widely incorporates liquorice, driving domestic consumption. With rising chronic disease prevalence and growing demand for natural remedies, these regions collectively shape the global expansion of the market.
Latin America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Middle East
North America
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Report Benchmarks |
Details |
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Report Study Period |
2025-2031 |
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Market Size in 2024 |
US$ 827.3 million |
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Market Size in 2031 |
US$ 1,235.7 million |
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Market CAGR |
5.9% |
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By Product Type |
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By Form |
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By Grade |
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By Application |
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By Distribution Channel |
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By Region |
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The global liquorice extracts market is experiencing a promising growth trajectory, driven by its increasing relevance across pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, and cosmetic applications. Analysts observe that the demand is driven by a rising global preference for natural and functional ingredients, especially among growing health consciousness and lifestyle-related disorders. Glycyrrhizin, the key bioactive compound, is widely utilized for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and gastroprotective properties, particularly in pharmaceutical formulations targeting digestive, respiratory, and immune-related conditions. The powder and pharmaceutical-grade segments are dominating, owing to their versatility and safety standards.
Furthermore, favourable regulatory support from agencies such as the FDA and EFSA enhances market credibility and consumer trust. The market is also benefitting from traditional medicinal systems in Asia-Pacific, particularly Ayurveda and TCM, where liquorice is a core botanical. While North America remains the leading market due to its established healthcare and supplement industries, Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region. Despite restraints such as overconsumption concerns and raw material dependency on politically sensitive regions, innovations in extraction and growing adoption of plant-based therapeutics are expected to keep the market’s outlook positive and expansionary through 2031.
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The liquorice extracts market size was valued at US$ 827.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 1,235.7 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025-2031.
• Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
• Aging Global Population
• Shift Toward Plant-Based and Clean-Label Products
• Support from Traditional Medicine Systems
• Rising Demand for Functional and Nutraceutical Products
• Expanding Applications in Skincare and Cosmeceuticals
• Natural Sweetener in Clean-Label Foods
Alfarid Corporation, Nutra Green, Zelang Group, Aushadhi Herba, Norevo GmbH, F&C Licorice Ltd, SepidanOsareh Co, Ransom Naturals Ltd, Mafco Worldwide LLC, VPL Chemicals PVT Ltd, ASEH Licorice MFG & Exp. Co, Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd, and among other are the key players in the liquorice extracts-market.Alfarid Corporation, Nutra Green, Zelang Group, Aushadhi Herba, Norevo GmbH, F&C Licorice Ltd, SepidanOsareh Co, Ransom Naturals Ltd, Mafco Worldwide LLC, VPL Chemicals PVT Ltd, ASEH Licorice MFG & Exp. Co, Maruzen Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd, and among other are the key players in the liquorice extracts-market.
Key Market Players
Author
Sravani is a proficient Business Analyst with an MBA and a background in Computer Science, with seven years of experience in the field of market research. Sravani is adept at creating competitive evaluations, precise market estimations, and market projections, emphasizing the food and beverage and information and communication technology (ICT) industries. Her areas of competence are identifying important players, projecting market trends, and assessing the potential for industry growth. She applies a strong analytical approach to provide precise market estimates and thorough industry analysis, empowering organizations to make data-driven decisions. Sravani's estimating and forecasting abilities are essential for businesses to take advantage of new opportunities and effectively manage dynamic market environments.
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