Konjac Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Gum, Flour, Dietary Fiber, Sponge), By End-Use (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/hypermarkets, Specialty stores, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2019-2029F

Market Overview

The global konjac market was valued at USD 1,133.27 Million in 2023 and is anticipated and is expected to reach USD 1679.86 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 6.78% through 2029. The global konjac market is witnessing significant growth due to its increasing popularity as a health food and natural dietary fiber. Konjac, also known as elephant yam or devil's tongue, is a plant native to East Asia, renowned for its starchy corms that are processed into a variety of products, including konjac flour, konjac noodles, and konjac dietary supplements. The primary component of konjac, glucomannan, is a soluble fiber that offers numerous health benefits, such as weight management, cholesterol reduction, and improved digestive health. These benefits have propelled its demand in both the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Despite its promising growth prospects, the konjac market faces several challenges, including supply chain disruptions, fluctuating raw material prices, and stringent regulatory frameworks regarding food safety and health claims. Nevertheless, ongoing research and development activities aimed at enhancing the nutritional profile and culinary versatility of konjac products are expected to create new growth opportunities in the market.

Market Drivers

Rising Health Consciousness and Dietary Shifts

The surge in global health consciousness and the shift towards healthier eating habits are primary drivers of the konjac market. Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of diet on their overall health and well-being, prompting a rise in demand for natural, plant-based foods. Konjac, rich in glucomannan, a soluble dietary fiber, is highly valued for its health benefits, which include weight management, improved digestion, and reduced cholesterol levels.

Global obesity, a global epidemic is a primary component driving demand for konjac. According to the World Health Organization, 2.5 billion persons aged 18 and over were overweight in 2022. Of these, 890 million were obese. In 2022, 43% of adults aged 18 and older were overweight, with 16% living with obesity. there is a growing need for effective weight management solutions. Konjac glucomannan has been clinically proven to aid in weight loss by promoting satiety and reducing overall calorie intake. This has led to its inclusion in various weight loss supplements and diet plans, particularly in Western markets where obesity rates are high. Konjac products, known for their ability to regulate blood sugar levels and improve lipid profiles, are increasingly being incorporated into the diets of health-conscious consumers. The low-calorie, low-carbohydrate nature of konjac products makes them an ideal choice for those managing diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Increasing Demand for Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Foods

The increasing demand for gluten-free and low-carb foods is a significant driver of the global konjac market. With the rise in awareness about celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and the health benefits of low-carbohydrate diets, consumers are actively seeking alternatives to traditional wheat-based and high-carb foods. Konjac, being naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, has emerged as a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.

Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity affect millions of people worldwide, leading to a growing demand for gluten-free products. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, approximately 1.4% of the global population suffers from celiac disease. The prevalence of celiac disease was 0.4% in South America, 0.5% in Africa and North America, 0.6% in Asia, and 0.8% in Europe and Oceania. The prevalence was higher in female than male individuals. Konjac-based products, such as konjac noodles and konjac flour, provide safe and nutritious alternatives for individuals with gluten-related disorders. These products not only offer dietary diversity but also cater to the increasing demand for gluten-free foods in the mainstream market.

Low-carbohydrate diets, such as the ketogenic and Atkins diets, have gained immense popularity for their potential benefits in weight management and metabolic health. Konjac, with its negligible carbohydrate content and high fiber content, fits well into these dietary regimens. The glucomannan fiber in konjac has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels and can help promote satiety, making it an ideal ingredient for low-carb meals and snacks. As a result, konjac products are increasingly being incorporated into the diets of individuals following low-carb and ketogenic lifestyles.

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Key Market Challenges

Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain interruptions and fluctuating raw material prices pose substantial hurdles to the worldwide konjac market. Konjac is primarily cultivated in specific regions of East Asia, including China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, which makes the supply chain vulnerable to various factors such as climatic conditions, geopolitical issues, and trade regulations. One of the major challenges is the impact of adverse weather conditions on konjac cultivation. Konjac plants require specific climatic conditions to thrive, and any deviation from these conditions can adversely affect crop yield and quality. For instance, excessive rainfall, droughts, or temperature fluctuations can lead to poor harvests and reduced availability of konjac corms. This unpredictability in crop yield can disrupt the supply chain and result in price volatility, making it challenging for manufacturers to maintain consistent production and pricing of konjac products.

Stringent Regulatory Frameworks Regarding Food Safety and Health Claims

One of the significant challenges faced by the global konjac market is the stringent regulatory frameworks regarding food safety and health claims. As konjac products gain popularity for their health benefits, regulatory bodies around the world have imposed strict guidelines to ensure consumer safety and prevent misleading claims. The primary regulatory challenge stems from the need to substantiate health claims associated with konjac products. Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and other regional bodies require rigorous scientific evidence to support any health claims made on food labels. For instance, claims about konjac glucomannan aiding in weight loss, reducing cholesterol, or managing blood sugar levels must be backed by robust clinical trials and scientific data. This requirement poses a challenge for manufacturers, as conducting such studies is time-consuming and expensive.

Another aspect of regulatory challenges is related to food safety standards. Konjac products, particularly those consumed as dietary supplements or functional foods, must meet stringent safety criteria to prevent any adverse health effects. Regulatory bodies mandate thorough testing for contaminants, allergens, and microbial safety, which can be a costly and time-intensive process. Ensuring compliance with these safety standards is crucial to gain consumer trust and avoid potential recalls or legal issues.

To address these regulatory challenges, manufacturers must invest in research and development to generate robust scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of konjac products. Collaborating with academic institutions and research organizations can aid in conducting clinical trials and obtaining credible data. Additionally, engaging regulatory experts and consultants can help navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure compliance with diverse regional requirements.

Key Market Trends

Rising Popularity of Plant-Based Diets

The global shift towards plant-based diets is significantly impacting the konjac market. As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, they are increasingly opting for plant-based alternatives to traditional animal-based products. Konjac, known for its high fiber content and low-calorie properties, has gained popularity as an essential ingredient in various plant-based foods.The trend is driven by the growing demand for sustainable and ethical food choices, supported by the rise of veganism and vegetarianism worldwide. This shift is further fueled by awareness campaigns and endorsements by celebrities and influencers, highlighting the health benefits and environmental impact of plant-based diets.

Increasing Application in Health and Wellness Products

Konjac's unique health benefits are driving its incorporation into a wide range of health and wellness products. The glucomannan fiber found in konjac is known for its ability to aid in weight loss, improve digestive health, and regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, konjac is being used in dietary supplements, weight management products, and functional foods. The growing awareness of konjac's health benefits among consumers has led to its increased use in nutritional supplements and pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, the demand for gluten-free and low-carb food options has boosted the adoption of konjac in various health-focused food products. The health and wellness trend are expected to continue propelling the growth of the konjac market, as more consumers seek natural and effective solutions for their health needs.

Segmental Insights

Distribution channel Insights

The online distribution channel is rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the global konjac market. This growth is driven by several factors that cater to the evolving consumer behavior and market dynamics. The widespread adoption of e-commerce platforms has revolutionized the way consumers shop for food and health products. Online retail offers unmatched convenience, allowing consumers to browse, compare, and purchase konjac products from the comfort of their homes. The global pandemic has further accelerated the shift towards online shopping, as consumers increasingly prefer contactless transactions and doorstep deliveries. The online distribution channel enables companies to reach a broader audience, including international markets, without the need for physical stores. This accessibility has led to a surge in the availability of konjac products on various e-commerce platforms, catering to the rising global demand. The growth of digital marketing strategies, including social media advertising and influencer partnerships, has also played a pivotal role in boosting the visibility and popularity of konjac products online. As a result, the online distribution channel is expected to continue its rapid expansion, driving the overall growth of the global konjac market.

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Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region stands out as the leading segment in the global konjac market, driven by several key factors. One of the primary reasons is the historical and cultural significance of konjac in many Asian cuisines, particularly in countries like Japan, China, and Korea. In these nations, konjac has been a staple ingredient for centuries, used in traditional dishes such as shirataki noodles and konnyaku. The region's dominance is also bolstered by the extensive cultivation and production of konjac in these countries. China is a major producer, contributing significantly to the global supply. The favorable climatic conditions and agricultural practices in the region support the large-scale farming of konjac, ensuring a steady and abundant supply of raw material. The growing health consciousness among consumers in the Asia Pacific region is driving the demand for konjac-based products. With increasing awareness of the health benefits of konjac, such as its low-calorie content, high fiber, and potential to aid in weight management and digestive health, consumers are incorporating more konjac into their diets. The expanding food and beverage industry in the region is integrating konjac into various innovative products, from snacks and noodles to dietary supplements. Overall, the combination of traditional usage, strong production capabilities, and evolving consumer preferences positions the Asia Pacific region as a key player in the global konjac market.

Recent Developments

• In 2024, NH Foods Ltd., a Japanese food processing corporation, produced and started marketing a plant-based "tuna sashimi" product to domestic restaurants in Japan. The company has reproduced the aroma and texture of tuna using ingredients like powdered konjac and dietary fiber, in response to concerns about declining marine resources and growing demand for alternative seafood products. The company plans to potentially expand the product to convenience stores and online sales.
• In 2023, ​Moyu, a baking mix brand, has recently launched in the US better-for-you and healthier baked goods featuring konjac, a plant-based ingredient gaining popularity. Moyu's Konjac Batter & Baking Mix can be used in a variety of recipes available online and adapted for different dietary and flavor preferences. Konjac is a key ingredient in Moyu's products, providing a fiber-rich, superfood-based solution for baked goods.

Key Market Players

• Hubei Yizhi Konjac Biotechnology Co. Ltd 
• Zhejiang Shangfang Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
• Ishibashi-ya Co. Ltd
• Baoji Konjac Chemical Co.,Ltd 
• NOW Health Group, Inc. 
• Slendier
• Andi-Johnson Group
• The Konjac Sponge Company Ltd
• NAH Foods Ltd
• Low Carb Canada Corp.

Report Scope:

In this report, the global konjac market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•  Konjac Market, By Product Type:

o   Gum

o   Flour

o   Dietary Fiber

o   Sponge

•         Konjac Market, By End-Use:

o   Food & Beverages

o   Pharmaceutical

o   Cosmetics  

•          Konjac Market, By Distribution Channel:

o   Supermarkets/hypermarkets

o   Specialty stores

o   Online

o    Others  

•          Konjac Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  Germany

§  Spain

§  Italy

§  United Kingdom

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Vietnam

§  South Korea

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Turkey

§  Kuwait

§  Egypt

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the global konjac market.

Available Customizations:

Global konjac market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).