Grape skins, seeds, pulp, and even stems are getting a new life, according to recent research from Growth Market Report. Known as grape pomace, the winemaking byproduct is showing value as food, nutraceutical, and personal care products, and the whole market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2033.
With a projected compound annual growth rate of 6.7 percent through 2033, the market data firm expects grape pomace to continue driving interest with the broader adoption of circular economy practices in the wine industry.
The report says growing demand for natural and clean-label ingredients is a key factor behind the market’s expansion. Food manufacturers increasingly use plant-based antioxidants and natural colorants to replace synthetic additives.
Grape pomace extracts can function as natural antioxidants and preservatives, potentially extending shelf life. These are popular ingredients that appear in functional foods, dietary supplements, and fortified beverages.
The nutraceutical sector also contributes to rising demand. Grape pomace contains polyphenols, a compound associated with cardiovascular and immune health, prompting manufacturers to incorporate the extracts into capsules, powders, and functional food products.
A 2023 study by the Department of Food Science and Technology of the University of California, Davis, suggests that compounds such as phenols and oligosaccharides, present in grape pomace, can directly interact with the gut microbiome, inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Advances in extraction technologies also support market growth. Methods such as solvent extraction, enzymatic extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction allow processors to isolate polyphenols, flavonoids, and other compounds more efficiently.
Researchers and manufacturers are also exploring applications in biodegradable packaging materials and bioenergy.
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