The UK Licorice Extract market is poised to reach a value of USD 28.1 million in 2025, and further expand at a CAGR of 7.6% to reach USD 58.7 million by the year 2035.
| Attributes | Values |
|---|---|
| Estimated UK Industry Size (2025) | USD 28.1 million |
| Projected UK Industry Value (2035) | USD 58.7 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 7.6% |
The licorice extract market in the UK has had a rise in sales due to its many applications in various sectors including pharmaceuticals, confectionery, cosmetics and tobacco.
Licorice extract is a product of the roots of the Glycyrrhiza plant, and it is well known for its natural sweetness, anti-inflammatory properties, and functional benefits. Licorice extract is commonly used in consumer and industrial applications, liquid, powder, and block forms are available.
The pharmaceutical industry was able to largely contribute to the growth of the licorice extract market throughout the past period. The main reasons are the therapeutic properties such as root licorice as one of the treatments for stomach issues, cough syrup additive, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Ransom Naturals Ltd., Norevo GmbH & Zagros Licorice are the main leading companies in the UK licorice extract market and are also the primary players actively engaged in the production of high-quality extracts that are made specifically for their target end-users. The focus of these companies is the efficient application of advanced extraction methods in order to achieve both product quality and compliance with strict regulatory standards.
Growth drivers are manifesting in the form of numerous consumer needs for more natural products, dealing with health issues that are prevalent, and licorice extract being added to functional Foods and beverages as it has been for many years now.
Although there have been some troubles such as the unavailability of raw materials and questions related to the glycyrrhizin content in specific cases, the market is partially saved by new inventions in the extraction processes and sustainable sourcing.
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The table below offers 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 UK Licorice Extract 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.
H1 signifies period from January to June, H2 Signifies period from July to December
| Date | Development/M&A Activity & Details |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a consumer advisory regarding the consumption of licorice root products. Due to reports of potential health risks associated with excessive intake, particularly elevated blood pressure, the FSA recommended moderation and advised individuals with hypertension to consult healthcare professionals before consuming licorice-based products. |
| November 2024 | A UK-based confectionery company announced the launch of a new range of licorice-infused chocolates, aiming to blend traditional British chocolate craftsmanship with unique flavors. This product launch reflects a growing trend of incorporating licorice into various culinary applications beyond traditional sweets. |
| October 2024 | Researchers at a leading UK university published findings on the potential anti-viral properties of compounds extracted from licorice root. The study suggested that these compounds could inhibit the replication of certain viruses, prompting interest in further pharmaceutical research and potential therapeutic applications. |
| September 2024 | The British Herbal Medicine Association updated its guidelines on the use of licorice root in herbal remedies. The new guidelines emphasize standardized dosing and highlight potential interactions with common medications, aiming to ensure safe consumption among the public. |
| August 2024 | A UK-based organic farming cooperative reported an increase in licorice root cultivation to meet rising demand from herbal tea manufacturers. This shift indicates a growing consumer preference for natural and organic ingredients in beverages. |
Liquid Licorice Extract as the Dominant Form
Liquid licorice extract has gained the dominant status in the UK market due to its applicability as well as the simplicity of using it in a wide array of industries. For example, the tobacco industry is the most common sector to use liquid form since it can blend with the other components evenly and improve the tobacco products’ flavor and texture. Likewise, it is a preferred choice in the confectionery sector for consistently being sweet and efficient in incorporation into candy formulations.
Increasing Usage in Pharmaceuticals
The pharmaceutical industry in the UK has witnessed a major boost in the usage of licorice extract due to its inherent healing attributes. It is usually an additive in the therapies for the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin disorders.
The herbs being popular, companies are often putting licorice extract into the preparation of products such as syrups, lozenges and creams. The organization Norevo GmbH has enriched its portfolio of pharmaceutical licorice products to satisfy this demand.
The Tobacco Sector Tailored Solutions
Liquorice extract, which is a critical ingredient in the UK tobacco industry, is widely used in cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco as a flavor enhancer. Moreover, extract manufacturers such as Zagros Licorice are putting their efforts into developing the specific composition with the exact glycyrrhizin levels in order to serve the unique preferences of tobacco producers. These customized products are introduced in the market to facilitate the development of consistently good products and compliance with the relevant regulations.
% share of Individual categories by Form and Applications in 2025
The Rise of Concentrated Powdered Formulations
The powdered formulations are having a pivotal change in the licorice extracts market in the UK which is largely due to their high concentration and inherent advantages. Powdered licorice extracts are the most important and favored product in the industrial tobacco sector, mainly due to their property of making the product zestier and textured.
The concentrated nature of these extracts directly results in more environmentally friendly shipping, storage, and handling which are the needs of various industries' manufacturers. The powdered licorice extracts due to their increasing demand for high-end and specialized products will become the only option further in that way they will be the primary solution for the industrial evolution in the UK.
Licorice Lifts the Pharmaceutical Sector: The Versatile Role of Extracts in the UK
The increased use of licorice extracts by the UK's pharmaceutical industry is a hot topic. These compounds are extra credit to this industry because they are multidimensional and have different uses. Powdered and liquid licorice extracts are being used in the creation of herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and even specialized drug formulations.
Their intrinsic features, in association with the capacity of improving flavors and textures, make licorice extracts an excellent form of advantage for manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry.
From covering the bitter undertones to acting like effective elements, these parts reach a point of no return in shaping the face of the new healthcare products that are more inviting to the consumers. With the rising demand for natural solutions, the pharmaceutical sector is wise and is offering new options with licorice extracts to displace competition
Note: above chart is indicative in nature
In the UK licorice extract market, among the key players like Ransom Naturals Ltd., Norevo GmbH, and Zagros Licorice, who through innovation and product customization are leaders in the sector. The manufacturers have made it their focus to produce liquid extracts that will fit into the major industry requirements, such as tobacco and pharmaceuticals, as they are the ones predominantly covered.
For instance, Ransom Naturals Ltd. is about the pharmaceutical-grade extracts, and Zagros Licorice deals with tobacco manufacturers custom formulations. The strategic partnerships with the suppliers give them a guarantee of unbroken raw materials. Furthermore, the companies by investing in path-breaking technology in the extraction processes realize the product quality and regulatory compliance; thus, making their stronghold on the market.
The UK licorice extracts market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the extracts' ability to enhance flavor and texture, their natural and clean-label appeal, their versatility across industries, their efficiency and convenience, and their role in fueling product premiumization and innovation.
Prominent players in the UK Licorice Extract manufacturing include Ransom Naturals Ltd., Norevo GmbH, Zagros Licorice, Kanegrade Ltd, Treatt PLC, Synergy Flavours, Frutarom (UK) Ltd, Herbal Apothecary, Biofresh UK Ltd, Flavex Naturextrakte GmbH, and Martin Bauer Group.
Available in forms like powder and liquid to different application needs pharma industry.
Key applications like Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, Others.
UK Licorice Extract Market
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