Since the middle of the 2000s, India’s menthol exports have steadily increased, and the country now commands a significant share of the global market. However, the cost advantage of the synthetic menthol market makes its expansion a significant threat.
•The global menthol market is expected to reach a value of US$ 1.2 billion, with a CAGR of 4% by the end of 2030.
• India’s total menthol exports were valued at US$ 170.15 million in Apr-Jan, 2022-23, with highest exports to China (US$ 95.49 million) followed by the US (US$ 15.43 million) and Singapore (US$ 9.16 million).
• The surge in demand for natural menthol in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for cough syrups, analgesic balms, and foot sprays, is responsible for the rapid expansion in the pharmaceutical companies.
• However, the rise of synthetic menthol, which is able to replace natural menthol in a number of applications due to its cost advantage, poses a threat to the market.
Menthol is a chemical that peppermint and other mint plants naturally contain. The herb is in high demand in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, tobacco product, food, beverage, and perfume industries due to its numerous end-use. Due to the rising demand for menthol and its by-products, the global menthol market is anticipated to reach a market value of US$ 1.2 billion, with a CAGR of 4% by the end of 2030.
The Indian market for menthol crystals is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.71 percent between 2022 and 2028, reaching US$ 172.97 million by 2028. The surge in demand for natural menthol in the pharmaceutical industry, the increased demand for cough syrups, analgesic balms, and foot sprays, and the rapid expansion of pharmaceutical companies all contribute to the expansion. The Indian menthol crystal market is also expected to expand due to rising disposable income, rising living standards, and rapid urbanization in India, all of which are driving demand for natural plant-based cosmetics and health products. In addition, the Indian menthol crystal market is being influenced by an increase in demand for natural menthol crystals in the food and beverage industry as a flavor and fragrance agent in food products like chewing gum, candy, and confectionery.
These menthol crystals are frequently included in the formulation of a wide range of cosmetics and personal care products as a denaturant, flavoring agent, and fragrance ingredient. Some examples of these products include soap, bath, aqueous cream, and talcum powder. In the coming years, the demand for menthol crystal will rise as a result of an increase in its use in various industries.
Menthol cultivation in India
Indian farmers earn more money than they do from their main cereal crops by growing mint plants during the Zaid season, which falls between Rabi and Kharif. Many enormous land proprietors are moving towards mint cultivation as a result of good returns. India leads the production and export of mint oil and its products with a market share of approximately 85% of global production.
Menthol is grown extensively in Uttar Pradesh’s Indo-Gangetic plains, which account for 75% of mint production and are the largest mint-producing state. Madhya Pradesh and Bihar each produce 15% of the product, Uttarakhand produces 5%, and Haryana and Punjab together produce the remaining 5%. India’s production has increased over time and has the potential to expand even further in response to rising global demand. India, the largest menthol producer, has dominated the market for more than two decades. Germany and China come in second and third, respectively, with 18.4% and 15% of the market.
Classification of the India Menthol Crystal Market
Natural menthol crystal and synthetic menthol crystal are the two types that make up the Indian menthol crystal market. The natural menthol crystal segment is anticipated to earn USD 128.07 million in revenue by 2028. The surge in demand for natural menthol crystal, which is used as a flavoring and cooling agent in cough medicines and lozenges is responsible for the segment’s expansion.
The pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics, and flavoring industries, among others, make up the India menthol crystal market. The pharmaceutical formulations segment is expected to reach USD 121.36 million by 2028. It is because menthol crystal is used as a flavoring agent in toothpaste, hygiene products, chewing gum, and other products for its analgesic and cooling properties in pharmaceutical formulations. Menthol crystals are widely used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints (such as arthritis, backache, and sprains) and have potent antispasmodic properties.
Regional Overview of the India Menthol Crystal Market
North India, South India, West India, and East India are the regions that make up the Indian Menthol Crystal Market. Due to the fact that the states in North India are the primary producers of menthol crystal in India, the region is expected to generate revenue of USD 61.96 million by 2025 and hold the largest market share in the country. Most of India’s
menthol crystals are produced in states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, and other parts of the country. With 90% of the nation’s total mentha production, Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer, followed by Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
Prominent Players In The Menthol Crystal Market in India
Companies like Expo Essential Oils, Takasago International Corporation, and N.S. Mint Products Pvt. Bhagat Aromatics Ltd., Silverline Chemicals, Hindustan Mint & Agro Products Pvt., K.M. Chemicals, A.G. Industries, Ltd., Elchemy, Vinayak Ingredients (India) Private Limited, Neeru Menthol Private Limited Ltd. are major players in the Indian market for menthol crystal.
Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
