The Europe Licorice Root market is set to grow from an estimated USD 211.4 million in 2025 to USD 319.0 million by 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Europe Industry Size (2025E) | USD 211.4 million |
| Projected Europe Value (2035F) | USD 319.0 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.2% |
The European licorice root market is likely to experience major development during the period from 2025 to 2035, the main reason being the growing preference of industries to use plant and nature-based ingredients.
Food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and dietary supplements are the leading industries that are gradually shifting to this. From candy to skincare, licorice root is now a great choice because of its diverse use and it is also natural and beneficial to human beings.
In the face of increasing consumption of products that are free from additives, it is logical that companies apply strategies to get EU-certified organic, non-GMO, and region-specific formulations for licorice root sourced from controlled European farms.
Thus, the licorice root market in Europe will demonstrate favourable growth through the forecast period. Innovations in the field of glycyrrhizin and DGL extracts have very compelling opportunities for therapeutic and functional applications. Companies such as Naturex and F&C Licorice are investing in novel extraction methods, which will yield high-purity and bioavailable extracts intended for use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
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The table below provides a detailed comparative assessment of the changes in the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over six months for the base year (2024) and the current year (2025) specifically for the European Licorice Root market.
This semi-annual analysis highlights crucial shifts in market dynamics and outlines revenue realization patterns, providing stakeholders with a more precise understanding of the growth trajectory within the year. The first half of the year, H1, covers January to June, while the second half, H2, spans July to December.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 2024 | 1.4% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 2024 | 2.3% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 2025 | 3.4% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 2025 | 4.6% (2025 to 2035) |
H1 signifies period from January to June, H2 Signifies period from July to December
For the European Licorice Root market, the sector is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 1.4% during the first half of 2024, with an increase to 2.3% in the second half of the same year. In 2025, the growth rate is anticipated to slightly decrease to 3.4% in H1 but is expected to rise to 4.6% in H2.
This pattern reveals a decrease of 20 basis points from the first half of 2024 to the first half of 2025, followed by an increase of 20 basis points in the second half of 2025 compared to the second half of 2024.
| Date | Development/M&A Activity & Details |
|---|---|
| February | Strategic Partnerships- Mafco Worldwide partnered with leading confectionery brands in Europe to supply high-quality licorice extracts for sugar-free candies. |
| January | Product Launches- Naturex launched a new range of organic licorice root extracts tailored for dietary supplements and functional foods in Europe. |
Strong growing demand for functional ingredients drives the growth of licorice root
Another prime factor contributing to the growth of the licorice root market is the ever-increasing demand for functional foods in Europe. This ingredient is highly demanded due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities by manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional food.
The pharmaceuticals utilize glycyrrhizin extract for the treatment of ulcers, respiratory ailments, and liver disease which can also be applied topically. Whereas the food & beverage segment includes licorice only to provide a flavour-enhancing taste to candies, drinks, and syrups.
Some of the major companies such as F&C Licorice and Mafco Worldwide are focusing on expanding their portfolio with high-quality licorice extracts that are specifically designed for therapeutic and functional applications. They have also adopted the technique of introduction to perpetual extraction for the production of exotic bioavailable glycyrrhizin extracts.
Innovation in Licorice-Derived Products Driving Market Growth
Licorice root processing technology and product improvement are sources of resurgence that are opening new opportunities in Europe. Applications of enhanced methods of extraction, including supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and vacuum drying, not only offer less time consumption but also raise the quality of the licorice-derived ingredients.
The popularity of glycyrrhizin extracts with added bioavailability and stability is spreading in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, respectively. It is also making its way into the premium range of cosmetics and personal care products resulting in skin-soothing and brightening properties. For instance, Naturex is premiering this by synergistically combining licorice root extracts with other complementary botanicals and thus making hybrid formulations for functional foods and beverages.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top four markets. These countries are set to exhibit high consumption, recording high CAGRs through 2035.
| Countries | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Germany | 35% |
| Italy | 20% |
| UK | 25% |
| France | 10% |
| Other Countries | 10% |
Germany has been a huge market for licorice root in Europe mainly due to its highly developed pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry. Therapeutic licorice products, which include glycyrrhizin extracts and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) from the roots, have been used since ancient times.
These ingredients are used in herbal medicines to cure digestive problems, inflammation, and respiratory diseases. The demand for plant-based ingredients that are scientifically validated has promoted the growth of the licorice root market in Germany.
Pharmaceutical giants like Bayer AG increasingly use licorice root in the preparations for herbal medicines. Another opportunity arises for food & beverages because the confectionery market from Germany adds these extracts into licorice candies without sugar content as well as sugar-free syrups.
France is an active market for licorice root, especially in cosmetics and personal care. There is widespread use of licorice extracts in most formulations of brightening, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects for skincare. Many French cosmetic companies are infusing products containing ingredients derived from licorice, combating hyperpigmentation, and sensitive skin, and other anti-aging solutions.
L'Oréal, one of the major French cosmetic companies, has added licorice root extracts to its natural skincare lines and is now focused on transparency and clean-label formulations.
Joint work with licorice suppliers in sourcing sustainably harvested raw materials has increased the attractiveness of licorice-based products in the French market. Niche luxury brands are using licorice oil as a key ingredient in anti-aging serums to capitalize on the growing demand for high-performance, plant-based cosmetics.
% share of Individual Categories Form Type and End-Use Application in 2025
| Main Segment | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Form Type (Extracts) | 30% |
| Remaining segments | 70% |
The Impact of Glycyrrhizin Extract in the Form Segment
Glycyrrhizin extract is the most widely consumed product in Europe's licorice root market due to its use in pharmaceuticals and functional foods. The medicinal and therapeutic values, which include anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, place it at the core of medicine and dietary supplements.
Higher purity and bioavailability from improved extraction technologies enhance demand for applications in nutraceuticals and herbal remedies. Pharmaceutical firms are particularly keen on glycyrrhizin (licorice) extracts because they have been highly effective in curing respiratory and liver diseases, hence making them increasingly dominant.
| Main Segment | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| End Use Application (Cosmetics and Personal Care) | 15% |
| Remaining segments | 85% |
Unlocking the Power of Glycyrrhizin Root Extract for More Beauty and Wellness Application
The applications of licorice root are found to be among the new emerging growth areas for cosmetics and personal care in Europe. Licorice extracts and oils are used increasingly in cosmetic and personal care industries to topically formulate skincare and hair care products with a soothing, brightening, and anti-aging effect.
As consumers continue to opt for natural and organic beauty products, the demand for licorice in premium formulations is likely to rise gradually. Cosmetic companies are exploiting this property of licorice oil, targeting hyperpigmentation and inflammation to position it as the key ingredient in luxury skincare lines targeting sensitive and mature skin demographics.
2025 Market share of Europe Licorice Root manufacturers
| Manufacturer | Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Gustav Heess | 25% |
| Dandy | 20% |
| Naturex (part of Givaudan | 18% |
| Symrise | 15% |
| Tate & Lyle | 10% |
| Others | 12% |
Note: The above chart is indicative in nature
The European licorice root market includes key players, such as Naturex, F&C Licorice, and Mafco Worldwide, who are taking the initiative through extended distribution networks and processing capabilities to boost their respective stances in the market. These businesses aim at strategic initiatives like acquisitions and partnerships to expand portfolios and keep up the pace with the demand for an ever-boosting number of licorice-derived products.
For example, Naturex has collaborated with pharmaceutical giants to produce licorice extracts that are therapeutic grade for respiratory and digestive health. Mafco Worldwide has increased its presence in Europe by collaborating with confectionery companies and is selling licorice-based sweeteners and flavouring solutions.
Regional players are gaining ground as they are providing low-cost licorice root products for industrial applications. On the other hand, Western European companies are targeting premium and organic variants for high-value markets.
The Europe Licorice Root market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2025 to 2035.
By 2035, the market is expected to reach an estimated value of USD 319.0 million.
Key factors driving the European licorice market include the increasing demand for natural flavoring agents in food and beverages, as well as the growing popularity of licorice in herbal remedies and dietary supplements. Additionally, the rising trend towards clean label products is boosting the use of licorice as a natural sweetener and flavor enhancer.
Germany, Italy, and UK are the key countries with high consumption rates in the European Licorice Root market.
Leading manufacturers include Gustav Heess, Dandy, Naturex (part of Givaudan), Symrise, Tate & Lyle known for their innovative and sustainable production techniques and a variety of product lines.
As per Form Type, the industry has been categorized into Root Extracts, Blocks, Powder, Paste, and Others.
As per End Use Application, the industry has been categorized into Food and Beverage Industry, Tobacco Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Cosmetic Industry, and Dietary Supplements.
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Nordic, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Rest of Europe.
Europe Licorice Root Market
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