An analysis by Fact.MR found that citrus essential oil sales increased by over 3000 tons in 2018, thanks in large part to the multi-industry desire for chemical constituents of grapefruit. The report says that the citrus essential oils market is projected to grow at 4.1% CAGR through 2028.

The report predicts sales of grapefruit-based essential oils will see faster momentum than their counterparts in 2019. Benefits of grapefruit essential oil—weight loss, improved immunity, stress relief—have led its adoption among producers of citrus essential oils in line with increased consumer demand.

The study found that the food and beverage industry is a main driver of the citrus essential oil market: over 30% of sales were thanks to the food industry in 2018. There has been a notable rise, the study showed, in the use of citrus essential oils in cake frostings, chocolate, and confectionary, with companies launching multiple products that make use of citrus essential oil as green, clean label ingredients.

The study pointed out that, given citrus’s antimicrobial and antifungal properties, new avenues for demand have opened up in the packaging industry and as a natural preservative in the food and beverage sector.

And, of course, aromatherapy is gradually moving up in the world, creating more demand in that industry for citrus essential oils, according to the study.

The study further suggests that online retail stores will lead citrus essential oil sales. Globalization, increased access to and use of the internet, and the ease of shopping from home, combined with aggressive marketing campaigns and discounts on the part of online retailers, will drive online sales. In 2018, the study says, online retailers sold over 4,000 tons of citrus essential oils.

A sample of the report can be requested here.