Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market Size | Growth Forecast To 2033

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market Overview

Global Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market size, valued at USD 10878.67 million in 2024, is expected to climb to USD 16444.06 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 4.7%.

The global Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) market is a critical component of the broader vitamin industry, playing a vital role in food, pharmaceutical, and animal nutrition sectors. In 2023, the market recorded the production of over 9,500 metric tons of Vitamin B2 globally, with China contributing approximately 58% of total output. Industrial fermentation is the dominant production method, accounting for over 80% of global manufacturing processes due to its cost-efficiency and high yield.

More than 60 countries use Vitamin B2 as a mandatory or recommended supplement in processed foods and animal feed. In 2023, over 3,200 metric tons were used in fortified foods and beverages, while over 4,800 metric tons were utilized in feed additives for livestock, particularly poultry and swine. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors consumed around 1,500 metric tons, driven by the compound’s antioxidant and skin-enhancing properties.

With an increasing focus on micronutrient deficiencies, over 1.1 billion individuals were identified as Vitamin B2-deficient globally in 2023, especially in regions with low dietary diversity. This has led to aggressive governmental and NGO-backed supplementation programs in more than 40 countries, further boosting the consumption of riboflavin in food and health sectors.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Growing demand for animal feed fortification and human nutritional supplements.

Top Country/Region: China leads global production and export with over 5,500 metric tons of Vitamin B2 manufactured in 2023.

Top Segment: Feed Additives remain the largest application segment, contributing to over 50% of total Vitamin B2 consumption.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market Trends

The Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) market is evolving with notable shifts in manufacturing technologies, application expansions, and nutritional awareness campaigns. In 2023, over 78% of production was conducted via microbial fermentation using strains of Ashbya gossypii and Bacillus subtilis, reducing environmental waste and achieving conversion rates above 85%. The trend toward non-GMO fermentation has also gained ground, with over 600 metric tons produced under clean-label certification programs in 2023.

Feed additives remain the backbone of riboflavin usage. In 2023, poultry accounted for 58% of total animal feed consumption of Vitamin B2, followed by swine at 26% and cattle at 14%. The global shift toward antibiotic-free feed has further promoted Vitamin B2 usage as a natural growth enhancer and immune modulator.

In food and beverages, fortified products saw a 17% rise in demand between 2022 and 2023. Over 1,200 new fortified food products containing riboflavin were launched globally in 2023, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 41% of these introductions. The average dosage ranged from 0.2 mg to 1.1 mg per serving in mass-market cereals and beverages.

In pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, tablets and soft gels with dosages of 5 mg to 100 mg represented 92% of vitamin B2 formats sold over the counter. Vitamin B2 is now included in over 240 multivitamin brands globally, often combined with B1 and B6. The cosmetic application has also risen steadily, with over 120 skincare products containing riboflavin as an active ingredient in 2023.

Another notable trend is the regional diversification of suppliers. In 2023, over 30 countries contributed to global exports of Vitamin B2, with emerging players in India and Eastern Europe expanding their footprint through private-label and contract manufacturing deals. This has increased competitive pricing and led to over 8% reduction in average wholesale cost per kg from 2022 to 2023.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for animal nutrition and fortified food products

Riboflavin is vital for livestock growth and health, especially in poultry, which requires Vitamin B2 for optimal egg production, metabolism, and immunity. In 2023, the global poultry population exceeded 34 billion birds, with over 3,000 metric tons of riboflavin incorporated into their feed. Additionally, as fortified foods are now part of national health mandates in over 25 countries, manufacturers have introduced more than 1,000 new products containing Vitamin B2 in 2023 alone, addressing micronutrient deficiency in children and pregnant women.

RESTRAINT

Stringent regulations and quality compliance hurdles

Despite its broad utility, the Vitamin B2 market faces regulatory bottlenecks. Over 60 countries require product registration, safety validation, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance, adding to costs and time-to-market. In 2023, 17% of export consignments were delayed or rejected due to labeling non-compliance or contamination issues. Moreover, batch-to-batch variability in fermentation-based production has led to product recalls in at least 3 major markets, including South Korea and the UAE.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion in cosmetic and dermatological use

The cosmetic segment presents a significant growth opportunity. Vitamin B2’s role in improving skin tone, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting collagen synthesis has made it a desirable ingredient in anti-aging and skin-brightening products. In 2023, over 110 cosmetic brands globally incorporated riboflavin into face serums, creams, and masks. The average product contained 0.05% to 0.3% riboflavin concentration. South Korea and Japan led innovation in this space, introducing over 40 riboflavin-based cosmetic SKUs in a single year.

CHALLENGE

Volatile raw material prices and limited supplier base

The market is constrained by the dependence on fermentation substrates like glucose, corn steep liquor, and yeast extract, whose prices have fluctuated by more than 22% in the past 12 months. In 2023, at least 3 top manufacturers reported production delays due to raw material shortages. Furthermore, the supplier ecosystem remains limited, with the top 5 players controlling more than 70% of the global output. This concentration increases vulnerability to supply disruptions and price manipulation.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market Segmentation

The Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) market is segmented by purity type and application. Purity levels directly affect target usage: lower purities are suitable for feed, while higher purities are essential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Applications include feed additives, food additives, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

By Type

80% Vitamin Global Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market: This grade is primarily used in livestock feed. In 2023, over 5,000 metric tons were consumed globally in poultry and swine nutrition. It provides sufficient bioactivity while minimizing production costs, making it ideal for mass-market use.
80%~96% Vitamin Global Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market: This semi-refined grade is used in processed food fortification, including baked goods, cereals, and beverages. Approximately 2,300 metric tons of this grade were sold in 2023, with 62% used in ready-to-eat foods and 25% in infant formulas.
98%~102% Vitamin Global Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market: This pharmaceutical-grade riboflavin is used in prescription drugs, over-the-counter supplements, and cosmetics. In 2023, 1,900 metric tons of this grade were sold, with 45% going to nutraceuticals and 35% into cosmetic formulations.

By Application

Feed Additives: Over 5,000 metric tons of Vitamin B2 were used as feed additives in 2023, with poultry and swine consuming over 80% of the total. It enhances feed efficiency, growth, and disease resistance.
Food Additives: In 2023, food fortification accounted for approximately 2,300 metric tons of Vitamin B2, predominantly in cereals, baked goods, and dairy products. Consumption was highest in Asia-Pacific and North America, jointly representing 60% of usage.
Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic: This segment consumed around 1,500 metric tons in 2023, with more than 600 million tablets and capsules produced globally containing riboflavin. Cosmetics contributed an additional 120 product launches in the same year.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market Regional Outlook

The Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) market shows diverse performance across regions based on dietary habits, industrial production capacities, and health policy frameworks. Asia-Pacific leads in both production and consumption, followed by Europe and North America. Regulatory support, livestock population size, and nutritional program penetration influence regional demand and supply dynamics.

North America

North America accounted for approximately 18% of global Vitamin B2 consumption in 2023. The United States led with over 1,200 metric tons used across food, pharma, and feed applications. Over 250 food and beverage companies in the region launched fortified products with riboflavin in the last 12 months. Regulatory frameworks such as the FDA’s requirement for nutritional labeling and fortification in school meal programs have bolstered consumption. More than 85% of multivitamin tablets sold in the U.S. in 2023 contained Vitamin B2. Canada’s fortified dairy and bread categories also contributed to over 220 metric tons of usage.

Europe

Europe remains a strong consumer, accounting for around 21% of global Vitamin B2 volume in 2023. Germany, France, and the UK together consumed over 1,500 metric tons, mostly through the food and pharmaceutical segments. The EU’s regulation on mandatory fortification for specific products in child nutrition and prenatal health has sustained demand. Over 100 companies in Europe manufacture and distribute Vitamin B2 supplements and functional foods. The region’s focus on organic and non-GMO ingredients led to over 350 metric tons of riboflavin being used in clean-label products.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the global market with more than 52% of total Vitamin B2 volume in 2023. China led globally, producing over 5,500 metric tons and exporting more than 3,200 metric tons to 40+ countries. India consumed over 600 metric tons, with rising demand in the pharmaceutical and fortified food sectors. Japan and South Korea each introduced over 50 new cosmetic products featuring riboflavin in 2023. Asia’s high poultry and livestock population, exceeding 60 billion animals, has created sustained demand for riboflavin-enriched feed, making the region the largest consumer of the 80% purity segment.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region, while smaller in size, is expanding, with consumption exceeding 700 metric tons in 2023. Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt led in food fortification, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE showed growing pharmaceutical use. UNICEF-supported nutrition programs in Africa led to the distribution of over 45 million fortified food packets containing riboflavin in 2023. In the Middle East, regulatory alignment with international standards has encouraged imports, with over 280 metric tons brought in through distributors.

List of Top Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market Companies

Guangji Pharmaceutical
DSM
BASF
Shanghai Acebright Pharmaceuticals
NB GROUP

Top Two Companies with Highest Share

Guangji Pharmaceutical: Held the largest production share in 2023, with over 2,800 metric tons of Vitamin B2 output and exports to more than 30 countries.

DSM: Accounted for approximately 2,100 metric tons globally, with strong distribution networks in North America and Europe, and leadership in high-purity grades.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) market has attracted significant investments in capacity expansion, fermentation technology, and clean-label product development. Between 2022 and 2024, over $150 million was invested globally in production plants, with China alone contributing $80 million toward upgrading fermentation facilities. Guangji Pharmaceutical commissioned a new facility in Jiangsu province in 2023, expanding their annual output by 18% and reducing production time per batch by 12 hours.

DSM launched a $35 million R&D initiative focused on enhancing fermentation yields using genetically optimized microbial strains. This investment is projected to improve production efficiency by up to 22% and reduce energy costs. BASF committed $20 million in 2024 to develop eco-friendly, solvent-free purification processes for pharmaceutical-grade riboflavin, reducing environmental waste by over 40%.

Opportunities also lie in expanding cosmetic-grade riboflavin production. The segment saw a 15% rise in investment in 2023, with South Korean firms alone accounting for 37% of this capital. India and Brazil are emerging as attractive destinations for contract manufacturing, thanks to favorable tax incentives and growing domestic demand. In 2023, Indian producers exported over 200 metric tons of Vitamin B2 to Southeast Asia and Africa.

New Product Development

The past two years have seen a surge in new product development, particularly in clean-label, high-bioavailability, and multipurpose formulations of Vitamin B2. DSM introduced a nano-encapsulated riboflavin complex in 2023 for enhanced absorption, used in over 120 high-end nutraceutical brands by the end of that year. This innovation resulted in 45% higher bioavailability and a 20% increase in consumer uptake compared to traditional tablet forms.

BASF launched its “EcoB2” range in Q3 2023, targeting the food additive segment with microgranulated, non-GMO Vitamin B2 optimized for long shelf life and minimal taste alteration. Over 75 food manufacturers adopted EcoB2 within the first six months of launch. The formulation allowed a 30% reduction in additive volume while maintaining nutritional integrity.

Shanghai Acebright introduced riboflavin-based effervescent granules for pediatric applications, with flavored options aimed at increasing compliance. These products were rolled out in over 12 countries and received approvals from health authorities in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Kenya. The granules offer precise dosing and fast absorption, with a 98% dissolution rate within 45 seconds.

In cosmetics, South Korea’s B2Glow brand debuted riboflavin-infused sheet masks and under-eye serums, with product concentrations ranging from 0.2% to 0.5%. Consumer trials involving 2,000 users showed noticeable skin brightening in 72% of participants after three weeks of use. In 2024, the company expanded distribution to the European market with 10 SKUs.

Manufacturers have also introduced multi-vitamin blends that combine B2 with B6 and magnesium to support neurological health. These combinations now constitute over 22% of multivitamin SKUs in both the U.S. and Germany. Water-soluble drink powders containing 10–15 mg of riboflavin per serving are gaining popularity among athletes and wellness consumers.

Five Recent Developments

DSM: launched nano-encapsulated riboflavin for enhanced absorption, increasing bioavailability by 45% in clinical trials involving over 600 participants.
Guangji Pharmaceutical: expanded its Jiangsu plant, adding 2,000 metric tons of annual production capacity in 2023.
Shanghai Acebright: introduced pediatric riboflavin granules, capturing market share in 12 countries with over 25 million units sold within 10 months.
BASF: launched “EcoB2” microgranulated riboflavin, adopted by over 75 food producers for fortified cereals and snacks.
NB GROUP: secured $12 million in feed additive expansion, boosting vitamin B2 premix capacity by 40% in India.

Report Coverage of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Market

This report covers the global Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) market comprehensively, analyzing production, consumption, innovation, and trade across all major regions and application sectors. The report evaluates over 50 manufacturers and 100 distributors, mapping their contributions across pharmaceutical, feed, food, and cosmetic sectors.

Segmentation analysis includes detailed insights into purity grades (80%, 80–96%, 98–102%) and how each aligns with different industrial uses. Over 200 data points are included to quantify market volume, application shares, geographical distribution, and product formulations. Supply chain dynamics, such as substrate availability, fermentation efficiency, and export volumes, are also critically evaluated.

More than 25 countries are individually profiled with data on Vitamin B2 consumption, import dependencies, and regulatory frameworks. Asia-Pacific’s production and trade dominance, North America’s health supplement leadership, and Europe’s clean-label trends are all assessed through numerical indicators and real-time industry practices.

The investment section maps over 30 major funding events, plant expansions, and R&D initiatives, offering stakeholders a clear view of strategic capital allocation. The report also highlights shifts toward clean-label and non-GMO production practices, with over 600 metric tons now certified under such schemes globally.