The world wants more MSG, says study by IHS
The global demand for monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) — the sometimes controversial flavor enhancer — is growing, according to new analysis from IHS.
Most of the demand will come from Asia. Some demand is influenced by busier lifestyles, increasing the demand for seasoning and processed food. MSG triggers a savory taste sensation known as umami, which many in scientific and gastronomic circles now credit as the fifth human taste.
The IHS Chemical Economics Handbook: Monosodium Glutamate Report, in 2014, says that world demand for MSG was estimated at more than 3 million metric tons (MMT) which is valued at US$4.5 billion.
The demand will predominantly come from Asia since Europe and North America are veering away from artificial ingredients such as MSG. In Mexico, taxes on junk food, widespread concerns about obesity, and the growing interest in healthier eating habits have lowered demand for some MSG-containing foods
MSG is an Asian affordable luxury
Asia was responsible for approximately 88% of world MSG consumption in 2014, with China alone accounting for 55% of world consumption and approximately 65% of global production. As the world’s largest producer, China is also the world’s largest exporter of MSG, providing nearly 44% of global exports.
During the period of 2014 to 2019, IHS expects global demand for MSG to increase by almost 4% annually to nearly 3.9 MMT. However, the most significant increases in demand for this mature product will be in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and China, followed by Brazil and Nigeria.
“While many western consumers have mixed feelings about MSG, and there has been considerable debate on its use, for many consumers, particularly in developing countries, MSG is considered an affordable luxury,” said Marifaith Hackett, senior manager of the food and nutrition service at IHS Chemical and the principal analyst behind the report, along with Adam Bland, Takeshi Masuda, and Lei Zeng from IHS Chemical.
Busy people eat more MSG
What is most interesting, Hackett said, is where the growth for MSG is occurring and what is driving demand growth. “MSG is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines,” she said, “but its use has expanded significantly in China and countries such as Nigeria and Brazil, where incomes are rising and more women are moving into the workforce. These factors, as well as improvements in living standards and expansion of the middle class, are big factors driving MSG consumption growth. Busier lifestyles, increased urbanization and changes in dietary patterns are driving greater demand for convenience foods, snacks and seasonings, which, in turn, will stimulate MSG consumption in these countries.”
