Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market
By Product Type;
Sorbitol, Mannitol, Xylitol, Maltitol, Erythritol, Isomalt and OthersBy Application;
Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Industrial and OthersBy Form;
Liquid and Powder & CrystalBy Distribution Channel;
Direct and IndirectBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market Overview
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market (USD Million)
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market was valued at USD 3170.19 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 4460.78 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.0%.
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 5.0 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| CAGR (%) | 5.0 % |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 3170.19 Million |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 4460.78 Million |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
| Report Pages | 317 |
Major Players
- Sorini
- Sigma-Aldrich
- Roquette Freres
- American International Foods
- Spi Pharma
- BASF SE
- Expanded Polymer Systems Pvt. Ltd.
- POLYOLS & POLYMERS PVT. LTD.
- Royal Dutch Shell PLC
- China National Bluestar Co., Ltd.
- ADM (Archer Daniels Midland)
- Quinhuangdao Lihua Starch Company Ltd.
- Merck
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
The Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market is witnessing significant growth, driven by their expanding use in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care industries. Nearly 47% of food manufacturers are now incorporating polyols and sorbitols as low-calorie sweeteners, reflecting the rising consumer preference for healthier sugar alternatives.
Health and Wellness Trends Driving Demand
The global shift toward sugar reduction has fueled demand for sorbitols and polyols. Close to 44% of consumers actively seek products with reduced sugar content, positioning these ingredients as essential for diet-friendly and diabetic-focused formulations.
Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Applications
Beyond food, polyols and sorbitols are vital in oral care products, syrups, and tablets. Over 38% of pharmaceutical companies use these compounds for stabilizing formulations, while cosmetic brands adopt them for moisturizing and texturizing benefits.
Technological Advancements Enhancing Production
Innovations in fermentation and hydrogenation processes have streamlined large-scale production, lowering costs and improving purity. Reports suggest that nearly 36% of manufacturers are investing in advanced processing techniques to boost efficiency and meet surging demand.
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market Key Takeaways
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Market Growth: The polyols and sorbitols products market is expected to grow significantly due to rising demand for sugar-free, low-calorie, and diabetic-friendly food and beverage products, driven by increasing health consciousness and dietary preferences.
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Applications in Food and Beverages: Polyols and sorbitols are widely used as sweeteners, humectants, and texturizers in the food and beverage industry, offering low glycemic index alternatives to traditional sugars and enhancing the shelf life of processed products.
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Growing Demand in Personal Care: The use of polyols in the cosmetics and personal care industries is increasing due to their ability to improve the texture and moisturizing properties of skin care products, making them an essential ingredient in lotions, creams, and other formulations.
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Environmental Sustainability: Polyols and sorbitols are derived from renewable sources, making them an attractive option in the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable product alternatives across various industries, including packaging and pharmaceuticals.
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Industrial Applications: Polyols are also gaining significant traction in industrial applications such as polyurethane foam production, where they are used as intermediates for insulation and automotive components, contributing to energy efficiency and product durability.
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Regulatory Environment: Increasing regulatory support for low-calorie and healthy ingredients is driving market growth, as governments and health organizations encourage the adoption of sugar alternatives and promote awareness of obesity prevention measures.
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Market Challenges: The polyols and sorbitols market faces challenges, including high production costs, limited raw material availability, and the need for continuous research and development to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact in production processes.
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market Recent Developments
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In February 2024, Roquette introduced a new sorbitol variant designed with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly production processes. This launch reinforces the company’s commitment to green innovation and supports the growing demand for environmentally responsible ingredients in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
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In January 2024, DuPont launched a new polyol-based sweetener specifically developed for the confectionery industry. This innovation meets the rising consumer demand for sugar-reduced products while maintaining sweetness, texture, and product quality in confectionery formulations.
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market Segment Analysis
In this report, the Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market has been segmented by Product Type, Application, Form, Distribution Channel and Geography.
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, Segmentation by Product Type
The product landscape showcases distinct sweetener chemistries that balance taste, functionality, and regulatory acceptance across end-use sectors. Market positioning increasingly reflects formulation synergies, as brands combine polyols to optimize sweetness curves, caloric values, and digestive tolerance while meeting sugar-reduction and clean-label goals. Supply-side strategies focus on raw material security, bioprocess efficiency, and certifications that facilitate entry into regulated categories and export markets, shaping both pricing and innovation cadence.
Sorbitol
This core polyol underpins a wide spectrum of applications due to its humectancy, stability, and compatibility with flavors. Formulators leverage sorbitol for moisture retention in confectionery and bakery, and for texture modulation in syrups and oral-care bases. Strategic investments emphasize consistent quality grades, allergen-free positioning, and scalable liquid supply that supports multinational rollouts and cost optimization programs.
Mannitol
Adopted for its cooling effect and low hygroscopicity, this product type is preferred in pharmaceutical tablets and sugar-free confectionery that require robust compressibility and shelf-life. Manufacturers differentiate with particle-size control and direct-compression grades, enabling high-speed tableting and smoother mouthfeel, while procurement teams seek reliable multi-origin sourcing to manage risk and regulatory audit expectations.
Xylitol
Used extensively for its dental benefits and sweetness parity with sucrose, this polyol anchors oral-care and chewing gum innovation pipelines. Upstream partnerships in sustainable forestry and xylose extraction support brand claims and cost stability, and downstream R&D blends xylitol with other polyols to fine-tune glycemic response and crystallization behavior in premium confectionery and functional foods.
Maltitol
Selected for near-sucrose sweetness and favorable processing, maltitol enables reduced-sugar chocolates and fillings without sacrificing indulgent profiles. Portfolio strategies often include syrup and crystalline variants to manage viscosity windows and tempering. Category growth aligns with regulatory nutrition targets and retailer reformulation mandates, supporting broader adoption in mainstream private-label offerings.
Erythritol
Recognized for its very low caloric contribution and high digestive tolerance at typical usage levels, erythritol supports keto and metabolic-health product ranges. Supply chains prioritize fermentation capacity and energy efficiency, while product managers pair erythritol with high-intensity sweeteners to optimize sweetness synergy, minimize aftertaste, and maintain label simplicity in beverages and desserts.
Isomalt
Favored in decorative confectionery and sugar-free hard candies, isomalt provides heat stability and clarity with reduced stickiness under humid conditions. Innovations span specialized granulations for molding and 3D shapes, and technical support helps manufacturers improve process yields and reduce waste in high-temperature applications across export-oriented facilities.
Others
This category aggregates niche polyols and customized blends tailored to specific sensory or functional targets. Suppliers leverage applications labs to co-develop recipes for regional palates, ensuring compliance with local labeling and claim standards, and establishing sticky customer relationships through formulation IP and technical service contracts.
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, Segmentation by Application
End-use demand reflects reformulation momentum across consumer packaged goods and regulated healthcare products. Buyers evaluate polyols on taste, stability, and interaction with proteins, fats, and fibers while meeting retailer scorecards on sugar reduction and calorie thresholds. Portfolio breadth, documentation, and regulatory dossiers remain decisive in specification approvals and multi-country rollouts.
Food & Beverages
Adoption centers on sugar-free and reduced-sugar platforms spanning confectionery, bakery, beverages, and dairy analogs. R&D teams exploit polyols for bulking, freeze-point control, and texture, aligning with claims around dental health and moderated glycemic impact. Growth strategies include co-creation with major brands, pilot-plant trials, and region-specific taste calibration to accelerate commercial launches.
Pharmaceuticals
Excipient use in syrups, chewables, and tablets prioritizes consistency, good manufacturing practice compliance, and low impurity profiles. Suppliers support dossier readiness with pharmacopeial grades, stability data, and change-control transparency, helping customers reduce registration timelines while maintaining reliable supply continuity across multiple dosage forms.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Formulators leverage polyols as humectants and sensorial enhancers in skin-care, hair-care, and oral-care bases. The focus is on moisturization performance, compatibility with actives, and microbiome-friendly profiles. Brand owners value traceable sourcing and claims substantiation, while seeking viscosity tuning and improved spreadability for premium sensorial experiences.
Industrial
Applications include resins, de-icing fluids, and fermentation substrates where cost-in-use, chemical stability, and safety parameters are critical. Producers compete on process efficiency and downstream integration, offering technical guidance that improves throughput and reduces variability in continuous manufacturing environments serving automotive, packaging, and specialty chemical value chains.
Others
Smaller but growing uses span veterinary products, specialized nutraceutical formats, and emerging categories that benefit from texture control and sweetness modulation. Market development hinges on agile pilot support, rapid sample turnaround, and collaborative regulatory navigation in niche geographies and channels.
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, Segmentation by Form
Form factors determine handling efficiency, formulation latitude, and logistics costs for regional and cross-border operations. Buyers assess solubility, flowability, and compatibility with existing process equipment, while suppliers differentiate with packaging formats, shelf-life, and technical guidance that de-risks scale-up in diverse climatic conditions.
Liquid
Adopted for ease of dosing in beverages, syrups, and continuous processes, this form reduces dusting and simplifies cleaning validation. Operations teams value tank-truck deliveries and IBC options that support just-in-time manufacturing, with attention to viscosity profiles and thermal stability for warm-climate distribution and storage.
Powder & Crystal
Preferred where precise dry blending, compression, or controlled dissolution is required, including tablets and dry mixes. Suppliers invest in optimized particle-size distributions and anti-caking solutions, enabling consistent flow properties and homogeneity in high-speed lines serving confectionery, bakery premixes, and nutraceuticals.
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, Segmentation by Distribution Channel
Route-to-market influences total landed cost, service level, and technical intimacy with customers. Selection between direct and indirect models reflects buyer concentration, regional reach, and the need for localized inventory. Strategic partnerships with distributors accelerate penetration in regulated markets and help align minimum order quantities with emerging brands’ scale.
Direct
Common where volumes are large and technical support needs are intensive, direct supply enables tighter specification control, collaborative R&D, and multi-plant quality harmonization. Account strategies often feature supply agreements, VMI programs, and joint reformulation roadmaps that secure long-term share and predictable demand patterns.
Indirect
Used to expand geographic coverage and serve fragmented demand with flexible stocking and financing options. Distributors provide local compliance know-how, smaller pack sizes, and responsive technical service, helping suppliers reach specialty users and new categories without extensive fixed-cost footprints.
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, Segmentation by Geography
Regional dynamics reflect dietary preferences, regulatory stances on sugar reduction, and maturity of confectionery and oral-care categories. Supply footprints balance proximity to feedstocks and fermentation hubs with access to end-markets, while trade policies and labeling frameworks shape import competitiveness and innovation speed across priority countries.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
North America
Demand is propelled by retailer targets for added-sugar reduction, strong oral-care penetration, and active private-label reformulation. Suppliers emphasize pharma-grade documentation, robust QA systems, and sustainability reporting to win multi-year awards. Logistics strategies prioritize reliable liquid sorbitol availability and warehousing for rapid response to promotional cycles.
Europe
Regulatory clarity and mature confectionery markets favor polyol diversification with attention to clean-label narratives. Brand owners value non-GMO inputs, traceability, and audited environmental metrics, while cross-border supply chains manage energy cost volatility and optimize multi-site production to maintain service levels and margin stability.
Asia Pacific
Expansion reflects rapid growth in confectionery, beverages, and personal care, supported by scaling fermentation capacity and export-ready certifications. Localized flavors and texture preferences guide application work, and partnerships with regional distributors accelerate route-to-market in fragmented retail landscapes and emerging e-commerce channels.
Middle East & Africa
Adoption increases with urbanization, modern retail, and rising health-and-wellness awareness. Market entry strategies hinge on compliance with import standards, halal certifications, and resilient cold-chain-adjacent logistics for temperature-sensitive products, while education on formulation benefits supports category development.
Latin America
Growth is supported by sugar-tax policies, expanding confectionery and beverage capacity, and improving access to technical services. Suppliers that combine competitive pricing with applications labs and agile inventory positioning gain share, particularly with blends that balance taste, digestive tolerance, and affordability for mainstream consumers.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Expanding Applications in Food and Beverage Industry
- Rising Health Consciousness and Diabetes Management
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Increasing Use in Pharmaceuticals and Oral Care: Polyols and sorbitols are increasingly finding application in the pharmaceutical and oral care industries due to their unique properties and benefits. In pharmaceuticals, these compounds serve as excipients, contributing to the formulation stability, palatability, and controlled release of active ingredients in tablets, syrups, and suspensions. Their ability to act as sweeteners without promoting dental caries makes them ideal for pediatric medicines and formulations targeting diabetic patients who need sugar-free options. Moreover, polyols like sorbitol and mannitol are valued for their osmotic properties, which aid in enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
In oral care, polyols and sorbitols play crucial roles as humectants and sweeteners in products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gum. They help maintain moisture in oral tissues, preventing dryness and promoting saliva production, which is essential for oral health. Their non-cariogenic nature makes them preferable over traditional sugars in oral care products, providing sweetness without contributing to tooth decay. Additionally, polyols like xylitol have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, further bolstering their utility in oral hygiene products. As consumer awareness grows regarding oral health and the importance of sugar-free alternatives, the demand for polyols and sorbitols in oral care formulations is expected to continue rising globally.
Restraints:
- High Production Costs
- Health Concerns Related to Excessive Consumption
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Availability of Substitutes: The availability of substitutes poses a significant challenge to the market for polyols and sorbitols, particularly in industries where alternatives with comparable functionalities and cost-effectiveness exist. In the food and beverage sector, traditional sugars like sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup remain widely used due to their familiarity, taste profile, and relatively lower cost compared to polyols. Despite the growing demand for low-calorie and sugar-free products, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose present formidable competition to polyols, offering intense sweetness without the bulk and potential gastrointestinal effects associated with polyols in high doses.
In pharmaceuticals, the use of synthetic excipients and natural alternatives like cellulose derivatives, starches, and gums can sometimes substitute polyols in drug formulations, depending on the specific requirements of the formulation and regulatory constraints. In oral care, while polyols like xylitol have unique dental health benefits, other sweeteners and humectants such as glycerin and propylene glycol can serve similar purposes in toothpaste and mouthwash formulations. The availability of these substitutes challenges the market growth of polyols and sorbitols, prompting manufacturers to innovate and emphasize the unique functional properties and health benefits of polyols to differentiate themselves in the market.
Opportunities:
- Growth Potential in Emerging Markets
- Advancements in Biotechnological Production
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Expansion in Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Applications: Expansion in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications presents a significant growth opportunity for polyols and sorbitols. These compounds are increasingly recognized for their versatile functionalities and beneficial properties in drug delivery systems and dietary supplements. In pharmaceuticals, polyols like sorbitol and mannitol serve as widely used excipients due to their ability to improve the solubility and stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). They are essential in formulations such as tablets, powders, and syrups, where they enhance taste, mask bitterness, and facilitate controlled release mechanisms. Their non-cariogenic nature also makes them suitable for pediatric medicines and diabetic-friendly formulations, aligning with global health trends favoring reduced sugar intake.
In the nutraceutical sector, polyols and sorbitols are integral components of dietary supplements, functional foods, and health products. They are valued for their low-calorie sweetness and prebiotic properties, which support digestive health and overall well-being. Polyols like xylitol are particularly sought after in oral care nutraceuticals due to their ability to inhibit dental plaque formation and promote oral hygiene. As consumer awareness of preventive healthcare and personalized nutrition grows, the demand for polyols and sorbitols in nutraceutical applications is expected to expand, driven by their functional benefits and regulatory acceptance in various markets worldwide.
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market is witnessing steady transformation with competitive rivalry shaped by product diversification, strategic collaboration, and increasing demand from varied sectors. The industry reflects moderate concentration, with leading participants holding over 45% share, while regional players continue to strengthen their presence through niche portfolios. This balance between established leaders and emerging firms fuels long-term growth and market resilience.
Market Structure and Concentration
The market structure is moderately fragmented, with top enterprises accounting for around 55% of overall share. Strategic merger and partnerships are influencing competitive strength, while mid-tier firms are advancing with differentiated product offerings. Competition is intensifying as firms adopt aggressive strategies to retain market share, leading to greater brand positioning and customer engagement.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Leading manufacturers are adopting dynamic channel networks, with nearly 65% of distribution moving through specialized outlets and online platforms. Strong brand loyalty is achieved by emphasizing consistent quality, consumer-centric packaging, and multi-regional visibility. Companies are also engaging in collaboration to optimize distribution strategies, enabling sustainable brand recognition and deeper penetration across diverse markets.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Innovation continues to be a crucial growth factor, with over 70% of companies investing in advanced technological advancements and sustainable production processes. Continuous innovation in processing efficiency, application versatility, and environmental performance enhances competitiveness. Partnerships with research institutions support product differentiation, enabling stronger positioning in key industries while aligning with consumer demand for responsible solutions.
Regional Momentum and Expansion
Regional players contribute nearly 40% of total volume, showcasing strong momentum through targeted expansion initiatives. Firms are strengthening partnerships with local distributors, enhancing reach within emerging economies. Strategic collaboration and capacity building are fostering regional resilience, while leading manufacturers expand cross-border presence to reinforce long-term growth potential and market adaptability.
Future Outlook
The future outlook highlights rising competition as firms pursue integrated strategies to consolidate market presence. With more than 60% of producers planning product portfolio diversification, emphasis will remain on innovation and sustainable production. Expansion into new applications and strengthened global collaboration will define the next wave of growth, securing competitive advantages in the evolving market.
Key players in Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market include:
- Roquette Frères
- Cargill, Incorporated
- Ingredion Incorporated
- Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
- Tereos S.A.
- Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
- SPI Pharma, Inc. (Associated British Foods)
- Ecogreen Oleochemicals
- SOLVAY S.A.
- Shandong Lianmeng Chemical Co., Ltd.
- Gulshan Polyols Ltd.
- Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich)
- Qingdao Rongde Import and Export Co., Ltd.
- ADM Specialty Ingredients
- Shandong Tianli Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Market Share Analysis
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Product Type
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Form
- Market Snapshot, By Distribution Channel
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Expanding Applications in Food and Beverage Industry
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Rising Health Consciousness and Diabetes Management
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Increasing Use in Pharmaceuticals and Oral Care
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- Restraints
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High Production Costs
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Health Concerns Related to Excessive Consumption
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Availability of Substitutes
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- Opportunities
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Growth Potential in Emerging Markets
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Advancements in Biotechnological Production
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Expansion in Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Applications
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Sorbitol
- Mannitol
- Xylitol
- Maltitol
- Erythritol
- Isomalt
- Others
- Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Food & Beverages
- Pharmaceuticals
- Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Industrial
- Others
- Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, By Form, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Liquid
- Powder & Crystal
- Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, By Distribution Channel, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Direct
- Indirect
- Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Polyols and Sorbitols Products Market, By Product Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Roquette Frères
- Cargill, Incorporated
- Ingredion Incorporated
- Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
- Tereos S.A.
- Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
- SPI Pharma, Inc. (Associated British Foods)
- Ecogreen Oleochemicals
- SOLVAY S.A.
- Shandong Lianmeng Chemical Co., Ltd.
- Gulshan Polyols Ltd.
- Merck KGaA (Sigma-Aldrich)
- Qingdao Rongde Import and Export Co., Ltd.
- ADM Specialty Ingredients
- Shandong Tianli Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market

