Jaggery is a commonly used sweetener in Indian households. Jaggery is known for its unique taste and texture, and it is also believed to have various health benefits, including relieving fatigue, improving bone health, and maintaining blood pressure levels. It is available in different forms and shapes and is sold through various distribution channels such as general trade, modern trade, and online platforms.

In this article, we will have a look at jaggery’s health benefits, demand, and global jaggery market:

Popularity And Health Benefits

Jaggery is widely used and has various applications in both sweet and savoury dishes. Its popularity extends beyond India, with jaggery being used as an ingredient in the cuisines of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Jaggery, an unrefined sugar primarily extracted from sugarcane, is popularly known as medicinal sugar and has been used as a sweetener in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3000 years. It is believed to be beneficial in treating throat and lung infections.

Additionally, the rising health concerns associated with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity have led to a shift towards jaggery which is a relatively healthier alternative to white sugar. Jaggery, being an unrefined sugar is packed with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Jaggery also has a lower glycemic index as compared white sugar, it causes a slower increase in blood sugar levels.

Global Market Growth

The jaggery market in India has experienced significant growth in recent years, with India’s packaged jaggery market size reaching INR 55.6 billion in 2022. This growth is expected to continue, with the market projected to reach INR 122.1 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.1% during 2023-2028. In addition to that, the global liquid jaggery market is valued at US$ 544.8 million and is expected to top US$ 1.2 billion by 2032.

Rising Demand In India

With the growing awareness of clean-label and organic products, consumers are seeking out natural and minimally processed alternatives to traditional sugar. Packaged jaggery, which is often marketed as a natural and organic product, is gaining popularity in India. It is preferred over conventional sugar in various food and beverage applications, including baked goods, desserts, and beverages. The demand for packaged jaggery is expected to increase in the coming years, driven by a growing preference for clean-label and organic products among health-conscious consumers.

OFB’s Insight

The consumption of white sugar has been linked to various health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. As a result, consumers are increasingly looking for healthier alternatives to traditional white sugar. Jaggery is gaining popularity by just fitting in the space of being an ideal alternative that is now used as a natural sweetener in tea and coffee. Its unique taste and texture have made it a popular choice among health enthusiasts as well, driving the overall growth of the market. The market thus is expected to continue expanding, supported by the above factors such as the wide availability of jaggery across different distribution channels and growing awareness of clean-label and organic products.