Classification
Product TypeIngredient
Product FormLiquid
Industry PositionFood Additive (Hydrocolloid)
Market
Liquid pectin is a liquid-format food additive based on pectins (INS 440), used globally as a gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer under Codex GSFA provisions. International trade for pectin/pectic substances is commonly captured under HS 130220 (pectic substances, pectinates and pectates), with 2023 UN Comtrade data showing major export supply from Germany, Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, and France. Major import markets in 2023 include the United States, China, Japan, Germany, and France. Supply risk is tied to upstream citrus and apple agriculture and to processing-plant/food additive specification compliance (Codex/JECFA).
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Major Producing Countries- 독일Among top exporters of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS), indicating a large manufacturing base for pectic substances/pectins.
- 브라질Among top exporters of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS), consistent with citrus-linked pectin production capacity.
- 중국Among top exporters of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 체코Among top exporters of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 프랑스Among top exporters of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS).
- 멕시코Significant exporter presence in 2023 supply to major markets (e.g., US and EU reported among top importers from Mexico for HS 130220 in WITS/UN Comtrade).
Major Exporting Countries- 독일Top exporter of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS): $207,131.61K.
- 브라질Top exporter of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS): $92,699.33K.
- 중국Top exporter of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS): $78,883.42K.
- 체코Top exporter of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS): $60,727.22K.
- 프랑스Top exporter of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS): $59,884.35K.
- 멕시코Not in the global top-5 exporters list on WITS for 2023, but shown as a notable supplier to the US and EU in 2023 partner-flow data (UN Comtrade via WITS).
Major Importing Countries- 미국Top importer of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS): $139,490.20K.
- 중국Top importer of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS): $54,331.96K.
- 프랑스Top importer of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS): $54,099.68K.
- 독일Top importer of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS): $52,422.60K.
- 일본Top importer of HS 130220 in 2023 (UN Comtrade via WITS): $46,405.99K.
Specification
Major VarietiesPectins (amidated and non-amidated)
Compositional Metrics- INS: 440; CAS: 9000-69-5 (WHO JECFA).
- Chemical identity: partial methyl esters of polygalacturonic acid and their sodium, potassium, calcium and ammonium salts (WHO JECFA).
Grades- Food additive identity and purity specifications are established via FAO JECFA monographs/compendium for Pectins (INS 440).
- Codex GSFA provides food-category permissions and maximum levels (often GMP; some categories with numeric limits) for Pectins (INS 440).
ProcessingObtained by extraction in an aqueous medium of appropriate edible plant material, usually citrus fruits or apples (FAO JECFA Monographs).No organic precipitants shall be used other than methanol, ethanol and isopropanol (FAO JECFA Monographs).In some types, a portion of methyl esters may be converted to primary amides by ammonia treatment under alkaline conditions (FAO JECFA Monographs).Sulfur dioxide may be added as a preservative (FAO JECFA Monographs).Commercial product may be diluted/standardized with sugars and mixed with suitable food-grade buffer salts for pH control and setting characteristics (FAO JECFA Monographs).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Upstream citrus/apple supply -> aqueous extraction of pectins -> permitted precipitation/purification -> standardization (e.g., sugars/buffer salts) -> formulation into liquid pectin -> packaging -> distribution to food manufacturers
Demand Drivers- Codex-recognized functional roles (emulsifier, gelling agent, glazing agent, stabilizer, thickener) and broad Codex GSFA permissions across multiple food categories (INS 440).
- Use permissions include (examples in GSFA listings) certain beverage categories, juice/nectar concentrates, and complementary foods for infants and young children (Codex GSFA for INS 440).
Risks
Plant Disease HighA major disruption risk for citrus-linked pectin supply is Huanglongbing (HLB, citrus greening), described by USDA as one of the most serious citrus diseases in the world with no cure; disease spread and yield impacts can reduce availability and raise costs for citrus-derived inputs used in pectin extraction.Qualify multi-origin suppliers and dual raw-material bases (citrus- and apple-derived pectins where feasible), and maintain contingency inventory for critical formulations.
Supply Concentration MediumGlobal export supply for HS 130220 is concentrated in a limited set of exporters (notably Germany, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, and France in 2023 UN Comtrade via WITS), creating exposure to regional production shocks, energy/processing interruptions, and trade frictions affecting these origins.Avoid single-origin dependency by approving multiple qualified suppliers across different exporting countries; pre-negotiate alternates for high-use SKUs.
Regulatory Compliance MediumAs a regulated food additive (INS 440), pectins must meet JECFA specifications and comply with Codex GSFA permissions/max levels by food category; mismatches between buyer specs, national regulations, and formulation practices (including any allowed preservatives/processing aids) can lead to detentions or reformulation costs.Specify INS/CAS and applicable JECFA/Codex references in purchasing specs; require supplier conformance documentation aligned to target-market regulations.
Food Safety LowJECFA specifications note sulfur dioxide may be added as a preservative in pectins; if present in a liquid pectin preparation, downstream users may face additional specification control and market-specific labeling/compliance considerations.Confirm preservative status and analytical results in supplier CoAs; align with customer and regulatory requirements for intended markets.
FAQ
What is liquid pectin (INS 440) used for in food products?Pectins (INS 440) are used as functional food additives such as gelling agents, thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. Codex GSFA lists permitted uses for pectins across multiple food categories, indicating broad applicability in formulated foods where texture and stability are needed.
Which countries are major exporters and importers of pectic substances (HS 130220)?UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS for 2023 shows major exporters including Germany, Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, and France. Major importers in 2023 include the United States, China, Japan, Germany, and France.
What raw materials are used to produce pectins (INS 440)?FAO JECFA specifications describe pectins as obtained by aqueous extraction of appropriate edible plant material, usually citrus fruits or apples.