According to a new report by Transparency Market Research, Albany, N.Y., USA, driven by the rising demand for low-fat foods and the robust expansion of the global pharmaceutical excipient industry, the global microcrystalline cellulose market is expected to exhibit moderate growth over the period between 2014 and 2020. The report, titled "Microcrystalline Cellulose Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020," states that the market will expand at a 5.80% CAGR over the report's forecast period and rise from a valuation of $632.9 million in 2013 to $936.3 million by 2020. 

Microcrystalline cellulose is widely used in the food and beverages industry as texturizer, anti-caking agent, bulking agent, fat substitute, and emulsifier. Due to its bio-based origin, MCC is considered safe for consumption. MCC is also used as a natural laxative. Characteristics of MCC such as excellent binding ability, compressibility, and large surface area with high internal porosity make it a suitable excipient for use in a number of pharmaceutical applications. 

Leading manufacturers of MCC in the market are increasingly focusing on the use of eco-friendly raw materials for the production of MCC. This is a good opportunity that can be capitalized by companies in the market in the forthcoming years. However, the high cost of production and low yield of MCC is expected to hamper the overall growth of the global MCC market over the report's forecast period. 

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved microcrystalline cellulose as a food-safe ingredient. Following this announcement, the demand for microcrystalline cellulose has significantly increased in the food and beverages industry, adding further to the future growth prospects of the global MCC market. The flourishing low-fat food industry also presents excellent growth opportunities for the global MCC market.