The 2023 contract season for potassium sorbate is already underway
Product information
Potassium sorbate is a salt of sorbic acid (E200). It also occurs as a substance in nature, for example in rowan berries, but is synthetically produced for commercial purposes. This is done via a chemical process, without the use of genetically modified bacterial strains or molds.
Potassium sorbate is used as a preservative in a variety of applications. In beverages, meat and sausage products in particular, as well as in sports, health and personal care, pet food, and agricultural additives, to name but a few, potassium sorbate is an irreplaceable part of the manufacturing processes – and that applies not only to food.
Potassium sorbate is used primarily as a preservative, as it is virtually tasteless as well as odorless, which means that it has little or no effect on the final properties of the end product.
Compared to sorbic acid, potassium sorbate has the advantage that it is highly soluble in water and also in fat. No animal products are used in the production of potassium sorbate.
Market information
Prices for chemical industry products in China are currently falling in many areas. Despite falling raw material prices, potassium sorbate is relatively stable in relation to the high price level. With rates for sea freight currently falling, there will hopefully be some room for maneuver downwards in the future, provided that rising fuel costs do not further impact rates. Ongoing developments remain to be seen.
Since, as in the past, the requirements for the coming year are largely concluded between September and December, there may again be bottlenecks in availability, as was the case last year, and reaching the duty-free quota may become critical. We therefore advise you to determine your requirements and conclude contracts in good time.
Outlook
Due to the political situation in the Far East and in Eastern Europe and given the developments over the last few weeks, it is unfortunately hard to predict how prices and availability might change. Inflation and the currently less than positive outlook for the global economy could put pressure on prices, but unexpected reactions and political decisions could have unforeseeable effects and consequences here.
We will be happy to monitor further developments for you and look forward to receiving inquiries about your contract volumes.
Stefan Koch
Head of BU Life Science
Telephone: +49 40 300 501 8141
E-mail: s.koch[at]tergroup.com