Introduction

Anhydrous citric acid suppliers provide the water-free form of citric acid (C₆H₈O₇) essential for food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, personal care formulations, and industrial applications. Unlike citric acid monohydrate containing 8.5% bound water, anhydrous citric acid offers higher concentration, longer shelf life, and superior performance in moisture-sensitive applications like effervescent tablets and dry beverage mixes. The global citric acid market reached $3.2 billion in 2024, with anhydrous variants representing 30-35% of production.

Selecting the right citric acid anhydrous suppliers requires evaluating regional production capabilities, quality certifications (FDA, FCC, USP, ISO), pricing influenced by feedstock costs, and logistics for international sourcing. This guide examines top global manufacturers, compares regional sourcing advantages, and provides criteria for supplier evaluation.

At a Glance

Anhydrous citric acid suppliers operate across Asia (70% global production), Europe (15%), and Americas (10%). Top manufacturers include Chinese producers (COFCO Biochemical, Weifang Ensign, RZBC Group), multinationals (ADM, Cargill, Tate & Lyle), European specialists (Jungbunzlauer), and regional suppliers. Key selection criteria: Production capacity, Quality certifications (FDA/FCC, USP, ISO 9001, FSSC 22000), Competitive pricing (Asia 20-30% below Western suppliers), Lead times, Technical support, and Regulatory compliance documentation. Review our Citric Acid technical data sheet for complete specifications.

Top Anhydrous Citric Acid Suppliers and Manufacturers

The global citric acid market is dominated by fermentation facilities using Aspergillus niger to convert carbohydrate feedstocks into citric acid. Production capacities range from 50,000 to 500,000+ tonnes annually.

Elchemy

Location: USA (New Jersey, Houston warehouses), Global sourcing network

Key Advantages:

• Multi-source network accessing major Asian, European, American manufacturers
• No minimum orders (25 kg to 1,000+ tonnes)
• Fast US delivery (3-7 days vs. 6-10 weeks international)
• Comprehensive certifications (FDA, USP, FCC, ISO 9001, Kosher, Halal)
• Competitive pricing with US-based service

Specialty: Flexible procurement for buyers consuming 1-1,000 tonnes annually without volume commitments or long-term contracts. Ideal for mid-sized manufacturers requiring multiple grades (food, pharma, technical).

Explore our complete citric acid product range including anhydrous, monohydrate, and specialized grades for diverse industrial applications.

Jungbunzlauer

Location: Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Canada
Capacity: 400,000+ tonnes annually

Key Advantages:

• Premium European quality with FSSC 22000, non-GMO, organic certified
• Pharmaceutical focus (USP/EP grade)
• Sustainability leadership
• Technical expertise and application support

Best For: Pharmaceutical manufacturers, organic food producers, European buyers prioritizing quality (+20-30% premium pricing).

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

Location: USA (Illinois), Cedar Rapids production
Capacity: 100,000+ tonnes annually

Key Advantages:

• US-based production for North American supply
• Corn processing vertical integration
• FDA, USDA organic, Kosher, Halal certifications
• 1-2 week delivery vs. 6-10 week imports

Best For: US manufacturers requiring domestic sourcing, pharmaceutical companies, buyers valuing supply transparency.

Cargill

Location: USA, Brazil, China partnerships
Capacity: 150,000+ tonnes annually

Key Advantages:

• Global production enabling regional sourcing
• Non-GMO Project Verified options
• Technical innovation labs
• Sustainability commitments

Best For: Multinational corporations, organic/non-GMO manufacturers, global supply coordination.

COFCO Biochemical (China)

Capacity: 250,000 tonnes annually

Key Advantages:

• Massive scale enabling industry-leading pricing
• 70% production exported globally
• Government-backed stability
• Food-grade meeting FDA/FCC standards

Best For: Large-volume buyers (100+ tonnes), cost optimization priority, 20-30% savings vs. Western suppliers.

Considerations: 6-10 week lead times, quality verification recommended.

Weifang Ensign Industry (China)

Capacity: 150,000 tonnes annually

Key Advantages:

• Specialized citric acid producer
• Modern continuous fermentation technology
• Serves 80+ countries, English-speaking team
• Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade available

Best For: International buyers seeking reliable Chinese suppliers, pharmaceutical distributors, and flexible quantities.

RZBC Group (China)

Capacity: 300,000+ tonnes annually

Key Advantages:

• Vertical integration (glucose to citric acid)
• Product range (anhydrous, monohydrate, citrates)
• ISO 9001, HACCP, FDA, Kosher, Halal
• USP pharmaceutical-grade production

Best For: Large industrial consumers, distributors, pharmaceutical ingredient buyers.

Other Notable Suppliers

Tate & Lyle (UK): 200,000+ tonnes, ingredient solutions focus, technical support
Gadot Biochemical (Israel): 50,000-75,000 tonnes, pharmaceutical USP/EP specialization
Shandong TTCA (China): 120,000 tonnes, cost leadership, export-oriented

Global Anhydrous Citric Acid Suppliers by Region

Asia: Cost Leadership (70% Production)

Key Countries: China (dominant), Thailand, India

Pricing: 20-30% below European/American suppliers

Advantages:

• Lowest global pricing
• Massive capacity (individual facilities 50,000-300,000 tonnes)
• Flexible manufacturing (custom packaging, labeling)
• Well-developed export infrastructure

Challenges:

• 6-10 week lead times (ocean freight)
• Quality variability between suppliers
• Language barriers with smaller producers
• Geopolitical risks (trade tensions, tariffs)

Best For: Large-volume buyers (50+ tonnes), cost-driven procurement, industrial applications, buyers with quality verification capabilities. Learn more about How India Is Becoming The Next Big Destination For Chemical Sourcing

Europe: Premium Quality (15% Production)

Key Countries: Germany, Belgium, France, Austria, Switzerland

Pricing: Premium +20-30% vs. Asian suppliers

Advantages:

• Highest quality standards (FSSC 22000, organic, non-GMO)
• Pharmaceutical specialization (USP/EP, cGMP)
• Regulatory alignment for European buyers
• Sustainability leadership
• Extensive technical support
• 1-3 week lead times for European buyers

Best For: Pharmaceutical manufacturers, organic producers, European buyers, applications justifying premium for quality assurance.

Americas: Regional Supply (10% Production)

Key Countries: USA, Brazil, Mexico

Pricing: Mid-tier (10-20% below Europe, 10-20% above Asia)

Advantages:

• Proximity enables 1-2 week US delivery
• FDA-registered facilities, USDA organic
• Supply chain transparency
• USMCA trade benefits
• Reduced geopolitical risk

Best For: US manufacturers prioritizing domestic sourcing, pharmaceutical companies, rapid delivery requirements, supply chain resilience. Understand the broader context in our guide on Manufacturing Industry Trends 2025.

Middle East & Africa: Emerging (5% Production)

Key Countries: Israel (Gadot), South Africa

Advantages:

• Regional supply reduces freight costs
• Pharmaceutical specialization (Gadot)
• Strategic location bridging Europe-Asia-Africa

Best For: Middle East/African buyers, pharmaceutical manufacturers in region.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make When Selecting Suppliers

1. Prioritizing Price Without Quality Verification

Mistake: Selecting lowest-price Chinese manufacturers without independent testing.

Consequences: Off-spec material, production failures, recalls, regulatory violations.

Solution: Request COA for samples, conduct third-party testing (SGS, Bureau Veritas), start with trial orders, balance cost with quality risk.

2. Ignoring Regulatory Compliance

Mistake: Purchasing without FDA registration, FCC compliance, or application-specific certifications.

Consequences: Unsuitable material, regulatory violations, costly rework, production delays.

Solution: Specify required certifications upfront (FDA/FCC for food, USP/EP for pharma, Kosher/Halal, Organic). Verify certifications directly with issuing bodies. Review our Citric Acid MSDS for safety and compliance information.

3. Underestimating Lead Times

Mistake: Ordering from Asian suppliers without lead time planning, expecting 1-2 week delivery.

Consequences: Production stoppages, emergency air freight (5-10X cost), customs delays, demurrage fees.

Solution: Plan 6-10 week total lead time for Asian imports (manufacturing + ocean freight + customs + inland), maintain 2-3 cycle safety stock, use domestic suppliers for rapid replenishment.  Learn more about Explaining Lead Time in Supply Chain.

4. Failing to Diversify Sources

Mistake: Single-sourcing from one manufacturer, creating disruption vulnerability.

Consequences: Complete supply disruption from supplier failure, production stoppages, price leverage loss.

Solution: Implement dual-sourcing (primary 60-70% + secondary 30-40%), geographic diversification (Asian + North American/European backup), maintain 3-5 pre-qualified suppliers. Explore our insights on Supply Chain Diversification: A Strategic Imperative for Procurement Managers.

5. Overlooking Total Cost of Ownership

Mistake: Comparing only quoted price without freight, tariffs, inventory carrying costs.

Consequences: “Cheap” material becomes expensive after 15-20% freight, 6% tariffs, insurance, financing.

Solution: Calculate total landed cost (product + freight + tariffs + insurance + inventory carrying + quality control), compare delivered cost not FOB price. For broader procurement insights, read The Ultimate Supplier Approval Checklist for Chemical Procurement Teams.

How to Shortlist Reliable Anhydrous Citric Acid Suppliers

Step 1: Define Requirements

• Volume: Annual consumption determines suitable supplier scale
• Grade: Food (FCC), Pharmaceutical (USP/EP), Technical, Organic, Non-GMO
• Specifications: Purity (99.5-100.5%), particle size, moisture (<0.5%), heavy metals
• Certifications: FDA, FCC, USP, ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, Kosher, Halal, cGMP
• Delivery: Geography, lead time tolerance, frequency

Step 2: Identify Candidates

Direct Asian Manufacturers: COFCO, Weifang Ensign, RZBC (100+ tonnes)
Western Manufacturers: Jungbunzlauer, ADM, Cargill (premium quality, pharma)
Distributors: Elchemy (flexible volumes, faster delivery)
Hybrid: Asian primary + domestic backup

Step 3: Initial Screening

Request:

• Company profile (years in business, capacity)
• Product specifications (COA, TDS)
• Certifications (FDA, ISO, application-specific)
• Reference customers
• Pricing structure (FOB/CIF/DDP, MOQ, volume discounts)

Red Flags: Reluctance to provide certifications, pricing 15-20%+ below market, poor communication, no online presence.

Step 4: Sample Testing

Request: 1-5 kg samples with batch-specific COA, SDS, certificates

Testing:

• Visual inspection (white crystalline powder)
• Identity (melting point 153-159°C, IR spectroscopy)
• Purity (titration 99.5-100.5%)
• Heavy metals (Pb <0.5 ppm, As <1 ppm)
• Microbial (total plate <1,000 CFU/g)
• Functional (dissolution rate, pH, application tests)

Third-Party Verification: Use ISO 17025 accredited labs for high-value relationships.

Step 5: Verify Compliance

• FDA Registration: Check database at accessdata.fda.gov
• Kosher/Halal: Contact certifying agency directly
• ISO 9001/FSSC 22000: Verify certificate with accreditation body
• Pharmaceutical: Request DMF number, cGMP certification

FDA Registration: Check database at accessdata.fda.gov. For comprehensive guidance, review our article on TSCA Requirements: How to Stay Compliant with U.S. Chemical Laws.”

Step 6: Assess Commercial Terms

Pricing: Quote from 3-5 suppliers, compare same Incoterm/quantity/grade, calculate total landed cost

Payment: L/C (secure for new suppliers), wire transfer with deposit, net 30/60 terms (established relationships)

Delivery: Lead time, MOQ, Incoterms (FOB/CIF/DDP), freight responsibility

Payment: L/C (secure for new suppliers), wire transfer with deposit, net 30/60 terms (established relationships). Understand broader procurement strategies in our guide to Procurement of Raw Materials: How Elchemy Digitizes the Chemical Supply Chain.

Step 7: Check References

Customer References: Contact 2-3 similar customers asking about quality consistency, delivery reliability, communication, technical support

Online Research: Website professionalism, LinkedIn presence, trade publications, industry reputation

Step 8: Trial Order

• Order smallest commercial quantity (1-5 tonnes)
• Test in actual production (not just lab)
• Assess service (communication, documentation, delivery)
• Evaluate performance vs. existing supplier

Success Criteria: Meets specifications, performs identically, complete documentation, acceptable service, pricing as quoted.

Step 9: Ongoing Management

Monitor: Quality (% acceptance), Delivery (on-time %), Service, Price competitiveness

Review: Quarterly business reviews, annual re-qualification

Relationship: Regular communication, annual visits for strategic suppliers, share forecasts

Source High-Quality Anhydrous Citric Acid

Partner with experienced anhydrous citric acid suppliers providing global manufacturer access, comprehensive certifications (FDA, FCC, USP, ISO, Kosher, Halal), flexible quantities (25 kg to bulk), and fast US delivery (3-7 days).

Why Choose Elchemy:

• Multi-source network eliminating single-supplier risk
• No minimum orders
• Complete documentation (COA, SDS, certificates)
• US-based technical support
• Competitive pricing with domestic service

CTA: Request Anhydrous Citric Acid Quote
Email: sales@elchemy.com

FAQs About Anhydrous Citric Acid Suppliers

Who manufactures anhydrous citric acid globally?

Global citric acid anhydrous manufacturers include Chinese producers (COFCO, Weifang Ensign, RZBC, TTCA dominating 70%), multinationals (ADM, Cargill, Tate & Lyle), European specialists (Jungbunzlauer), and regional suppliers (Gadot). China produces 2.5 million tonnes annually, Europe 500,000 tonnes, Americas 350,000 tonnes.

What is anhydrous citric acid used for in industry?

Applications include food/beverages (acidulant, preservative—60-65% usage), pharmaceuticals (tablet excipient, effervescent products—20-25%), personal care (pH adjuster, chelating agent), and industrial (metal cleaning, water treatment, detergent builder—10-15%). Anhydrous preferred for moisture-sensitive applications.

What is the difference between citric acid and anhydrous citric acid?

Anhydrous (C₆H₈O₇) contains no water (100% citric acid, <0.5% moisture, longer shelf life). Monohydrate (C₆H₈O₇·H₂O) contains one bound water molecule (~91.5% citric acid, 8.5% water, higher moisture). Anhydrous preferred for effervescent tablets, dry beverage mixes, pharmaceutical formulations.

How do buyers choose reliable anhydrous citric acid suppliers?

Buyers evaluate certifications (FDA/FCC, USP, ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, Kosher/Halal), quality verification (sample testing, COA review, third-party analysis), production capacity, pricing competitiveness (total landed cost), lead times, technical support, and customer references. Trial orders verify quality before large commitments. For a comprehensive framework, review our Checkpoints For Choosing Right Chemical Supplier.

Are there anhydrous citric acid manufacturers in the USA?

Yes, USA manufacturers include ADM (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and Cargill (domestic production), plus distributors like Elchemy (New Jersey, Houston warehouses). US production represents ~10% global output, offering faster delivery (1-2 weeks), FDA-registered facilities, simpler documentation at premium pricing (+10-20% vs. Asian imports).

Why do prices vary between anhydrous citric acid suppliers?

Variations result from feedstock costs (Asian corn/cassava cheaper), production scale (200,000+ tonne facilities achieve lower costs), quality grade (pharmaceutical +10-20% vs. food-grade), geographic location (Asia lowest, Europe premium), certifications (cGMP, organic add costs), freight/logistics, and volume (100+ tonnes receive 5-15% discounts).

What certifications should an anhydrous citric acid supplier have?

Essential certifications include FDA registration (US food/pharma), FCC compliance (food-grade), USP/EP (pharmaceutical-grade), ISO 9001 (quality management), FSSC 22000 (food safety), Kosher/Halal (dietary requirements), Organic (USDA, EU), cGMP (pharmaceutical applications), and Non-GMO verification. Verify certificates are authentic, current, and appropriate scope.