In 2023, the global 9-decanoic acid methyl ester (9-DAME) market was valued at USD 204.2 million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2024 to 2030. The expanding use of 9-DAME as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, particularly for fruity and waxy flavors, significantly contributes to market growth. Additionally, its role in fragrances enriches perfumes, colognes, and beauty products with complex scent profiles.
Growing demand for flavors and fragrances is anticipated to drive the market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the increasing consumption of soaps and detergents, where fatty acid methyl esters are essential components, supports this growth.
Esters contribute fruity tastes to products like jams, jellies, wines, and dairy items. Although extracting these esters from natural sources is costly and time-intensive, demand remains high. Rising consumer preference for functional and eco-friendly products, including bio-based flavors, presents new opportunities for market players.
However, 9-DAME has limited use in perfumes due to its instability when exposed to perspiration, which can cause breakdown and unpleasant odors. Therefore, it is mainly used in lower-cost toiletries, while essential oils dominate high-end fragrance production.
In pharmaceuticals, methyl decanoate is utilized in heavy-duty hand cleaners, skincare lotions, and shampoos. The pharmaceutical sector is predicted to be the second fastest-growing application area.
The flavors and fragrances segment held the largest revenue share of 62.4% in 2023, driven by increasing consumer interest in natural and organic products. Growth in population, disposable income, and changing preferences are boosting demand for a wide array of scent and flavor applications, including perfumes, colognes, food, and beverages.
The pharmaceuticals segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.8%, as 9-DAME enhances the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs, stabilizes formulations, prevents degradation, and supports controlled drug release, improving treatment effectiveness and reducing dosing frequency.
North America accounted for 25.4% of the 9-DAME market in 2023, supported by a strong chemical manufacturing industry capable of meeting domestic demand and minimizing imports. Favorable regulations enable wide use of 9-DAME across pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, fostering market growth.
The U.S. market experienced robust growth in 2023, driven by increasing demand for skincare products. Additionally, 9-DAME’s surfactant properties make it valuable in detergents and cleaning formulations.
Asia Pacific led the global 9-DAME market with a 44.9% share in 2023, driven by population growth and rising consumer interest in fragrances and flavors. The region’s preference for natural and organic products containing 9-DAME supports sustained market expansion.
China’s market is poised for significant growth due to abundant raw materials and rising use of 9-DAME in fragrances and skincare products for its moisturizing effects.
Europe’s market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1%, supported by regulatory frameworks encouraging use of natural and sustainable ingredients, including in cosmetics and flavor-enhanced food and beverages.
Leading companies include Merck & Co., Inc., Tokyo Chemical Industry (India) Pvt. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc., and Cayman Chemical. These players hold substantial market shares and influence industry trends.
| Report Attribute | Details |
| Market size in 2024 | USD 214.2 million |
| Projected revenue in 2030 | USD 303.8 million |
| Growth rate | CAGR of 6.0% (2024–2030) |
| Base year | 2023 |
| Historical data | 2018 – 2022 |
| Forecast period | 2024 – 2030 |
| Quantitative units | Volume (tons), Revenue (USD million), CAGR (2024–2030) |
| Report coverage | Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth drivers, market trends |
| Segments covered | Application, Region |
| Regional scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America |
| Countries included | U.S.; Canada; Mexico; UK; Germany; France; China; India; Brazil; Argentina |
| Key companies profiled | Merck & Co., Inc.; Tokyo Chemical Industry (India) Pvt. Ltd.; Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc.; Cayman Chemical; VWR International, LLC.; LGC Limited; LARODAN AB |
The report projects revenue growth and analyzes trends across global, regional, and country levels for 2018 to 2030, segmented as follows:
The global 9-DAME market was valued at approximately USD 204.2 million in 2023.
The market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% between 2024 and 2030, reaching around USD 303.8 million by 2030.
The flavors and fragrances segment dominated in 2023, accounting for the largest revenue share.
Leading companies include Merck & Co., Tokyo Chemical Industry, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, and Cayman Chemical.
Asia Pacific led globally in 2023 with a 44.9% share, driven primarily by population growth and rising demand for natural products.
