GITNUXREPORT 2026

Soy Sauce Industry Statistics

Asia dominates global soy sauce production, driving its multi-billion dollar market growth.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Kikkoman Corporation held 31% global market share in premium soy sauce 2023.

Statistic 2

Lee Kum Kee produced 1.1 million tons annually in 2022 across 20 factories.

Statistic 3

Yamasa Corporation's revenue from soy sauce was ¥45 billion in FY2022.

Statistic 4

Marukome Co. exported soy sauce to 50 countries, $180 million sales 2023.

Statistic 5

Foshan Haitian reported 28% market share in China, revenue RMB 12.5B 2022.

Statistic 6

Kikkoman's U.S. plant in Wisconsin produced 15 million gallons yearly 2023.

Statistic 7

Jiaxing Zhongda employed 5,000 workers for soy sauce output of 500,000 tons.

Statistic 8

San-J International's tamari line grew 22% to $120 million revenue 2022.

Statistic 9

Pearl River Bridge (Zhapu) leads China exports with 150,000 tons shipped 2023.

Statistic 10

Higashimaru Shoyu Co. specializes in aged soy, 12-month ferment, 80,000 kL/year.

Statistic 11

Thai Preserved Food Factory (Pantai) holds 15% Thailand market share.

Statistic 12

Wan Ja Shan (Taiwan) organic soy sauce sales up 18% to NT$2B 2023.

Statistic 13

Maggi (Nestle) soy sauce variants generated $300 million Asia sales 2022.

Statistic 14

Daesang Corp (Korea) produced 300,000 tons, 25% export ratio 2023.

Statistic 15

Shoda Shoyu's revenue ¥38 billion, 10% R&D spend on new flavors.

Statistic 16

AMC (Australia) imported brands portfolio valued at AUD 50M 2022.

Statistic 17

Yamaroku Brewery uses 100% natural fermentation, 2,000 kL/year capacity.

Statistic 18

Brags & Hayes (UK) distributes 20 soy brands, £25M turnover 2023.

Statistic 19

Per capita soy sauce consumption in Japan was 10.5 liters in 2022.

Statistic 20

China urban households consumed average 4.2 liters of soy sauce per year in 2023.

Statistic 21

U.S. per capita consumption stood at 0.85 liters in 2022, up 8% from 2020.

Statistic 22

South Korea's annual soy sauce intake averaged 3.8 kg per person in 2023.

Statistic 23

72% of Japanese consumers use soy sauce daily in cooking, per 2023 survey.

Statistic 24

Global household penetration of soy sauce reached 68% in urban areas by 2023.

Statistic 25

Low-sodium variants consumed by 45% of U.S. health-conscious buyers in 2022.

Statistic 26

Indonesia per capita use was 2.1 liters in 2023, mostly in street food.

Statistic 27

55% of Chinese millennials prefer flavored soy sauces, 2023 data.

Statistic 28

Restaurant usage accounts for 40% of total soy sauce volume in Europe, 2022.

Statistic 29

Women aged 25-44 represent 38% of premium soy sauce buyers globally.

Statistic 30

Home cooking surge post-COVID boosted U.S. consumption by 15% in 2022.

Statistic 31

62% of Vietnamese consumers pair soy sauce with pho daily, 2023 survey.

Statistic 32

Organic soy sauce adoption at 12% among European consumers in 2023.

Statistic 33

Gen Z in U.S. favors tamari (wheat-free) at 28% trial rate, 2023.

Statistic 34

Average serving size of soy sauce in Asian cuisines is 5-10ml per dish.

Statistic 35

75% of Thai consumers use soy sauce in stir-fries weekly, 2022 data.

Statistic 36

Dipping sauce application dominates 52% of global soy sauce use cases.

Statistic 37

Sodium intake from soy sauce averages 15% of daily limit in Japan.

Statistic 38

India consumption grew 18% to 0.45 liters per capita in 2023.

Statistic 39

Brazil's per capita use hit 0.32 liters in 2022, urban bias.

Statistic 40

Global soy sauce market size valued at $27.6 billion in 2023, projected to reach $38.4 billion by 2030 at 4.8% CAGR.

Statistic 41

Asia-Pacific held 82% of global soy sauce market revenue in 2022, valued at $22.1 billion.

Statistic 42

Premium soy sauce segment grew 7.2% in 2023, capturing 18% of total market value.

Statistic 43

Low-sodium soy sauce market expanded to $4.2 billion in 2023, driven by health trends.

Statistic 44

U.S. soy sauce market reached $1.8 billion in 2022, with 12% YoY growth.

Statistic 45

Organic soy sauce segment valued at $1.1 billion globally in 2023, CAGR 9.1% forecast to 2030.

Statistic 46

E-commerce sales of soy sauce surged 25% to $2.5 billion in 2023 worldwide.

Statistic 47

Gluten-free soy sauce market hit $850 million in 2022, targeting celiac consumers.

Statistic 48

Ready-to-use soy sauce blends (with flavors) accounted for 22% of market share in 2023.

Statistic 49

China's domestic soy sauce market valued at $15.4 billion in 2023, 55% urban consumption.

Statistic 50

Japanese soy sauce export market grew to $1.2 billion in 2022, premium shoyu leading.

Statistic 51

Vegan-certified soy sauce segment reached $600 million in 2023, 15% growth.

Statistic 52

Bottled soy sauce packaging dominates 68% of market volume in 2023.

Statistic 53

Price per liter of premium soy sauce averaged $8.50 globally in 2023.

Statistic 54

Market concentration: top 5 companies control 42% of global soy sauce sales in 2023.

Statistic 55

Inflation adjusted, soy sauce retail prices rose 6.8% in 2022 due to supply chain costs.

Statistic 56

Forecast: global market CAGR 5.2% from 2024-2028, reaching $35 billion.

Statistic 57

Institutional sales (restaurants/hotels) comprise 35% of market revenue in 2023.

Statistic 58

Sustainable packaging adoption in soy sauce reached 28% of market in 2023.

Statistic 59

Digital marketing spend by soy sauce brands hit $450 million in 2023.

Statistic 60

Global soy sauce production reached 12.3 million metric tons in 2023, with traditional fermentation methods used for 65% of output.

Statistic 61

China accounted for 8.2 million metric tons of soy sauce production in 2022, dominating with hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) processes for 40% of its volume.

Statistic 62

Japan's soy sauce production volume was 1.45 million kiloliters in fiscal year 2022, with Koikuchi type comprising 82% of total.

Statistic 63

South Korea produced 450,000 tons of soy sauce in 2023, utilizing 70% domestically sourced soybeans.

Statistic 64

The average fermentation period for premium Japanese shoyu is 6-12 months, contributing to 25% of total production value.

Statistic 65

Indonesia's soy sauce output hit 1.2 million tons in 2022, with 55% from small-scale producers using chemical hydrolysis.

Statistic 66

Vietnam manufactured 320,000 metric tons of soy sauce in 2023, incorporating 15% organic soybeans in high-end variants.

Statistic 67

Thailand's soy sauce production grew 4.2% to 280,000 tons in 2022, driven by export-oriented factories.

Statistic 68

The global use of Aspergillus oryzae mold in soy sauce koji production covers 90% of traditionally fermented sauces.

Statistic 69

U.S. soy sauce production reached 150,000 tons in 2023, with 60% imported soybeans processed domestically.

Statistic 70

Brazil produced 95,000 tons of soy sauce in 2022, leveraging its 50% share of global soybean supply.

Statistic 71

India's soy sauce output was 75,000 tons in 2023, with 80% low-sodium formulations for health markets.

Statistic 72

Fermentation tanks in major Chinese factories average 10,000-liter capacity, processing 2.5 million tons annually.

Statistic 73

35% of global soy sauce uses genetically modified soybeans, primarily in non-premium segments.

Statistic 74

Japan's raw material cost for soy sauce production rose 15% in 2022 due to wheat price hikes.

Statistic 75

Automated moromi pressing machines handle 70% of Japanese soy sauce production, yielding 1.2 liters per kg mash.

Statistic 76

Malaysia's soy sauce production totaled 110,000 tons in 2023, with 45% halal-certified.

Statistic 77

Philippines output stood at 85,000 tons in 2022, 60% from coconut water-infused variants.

Statistic 78

Average salt content in traditionally brewed soy sauce is 16-18%, standardized across 80% of Asian producers.

Statistic 79

Global soy sauce factory count exceeds 15,000, with China hosting 70% of them.

Statistic 80

Energy consumption for soy sauce fermentation averages 250 kWh per ton produced.

Statistic 81

Wastewater from soy sauce production totals 10-15 liters per liter of sauce, treated via anaerobic digestion in 60% facilities.

Statistic 82

Koji mold propagation uses 1-2% of total production inoculum, scaled to 500 tons annually worldwide.

Statistic 83

Pasteurized soy sauce holds 75% market share in production due to longer shelf life.

Statistic 84

Microfiltration replaces pasteurization in 10% of premium soy sauces, retaining 95% flavor compounds.

Statistic 85

Soybean-to-sauce yield ratio is 1:0.4 in traditional methods, dropping to 1:0.6 in chemical processes.

Statistic 86

2023 saw 5% increase in organic soy sauce production, reaching 450,000 tons globally.

Statistic 87

pH levels in finished soy sauce range 4.6-5.0, controlled in 95% of productions.

Statistic 88

Amino nitrogen content averages 0.8-1.2 g/100ml in high-quality brewed soy sauces.

Statistic 89

Global soy sauce exports totaled 1.8 million tons in 2023, valued at $2.9 billion.

Statistic 90

China exported 450,000 tons of soy sauce in 2022, mainly to U.S. and EU.

Statistic 91

Japan's soy sauce exports reached $1.1 billion in 2023, U.S. 35% share.

Statistic 92

U.S. imported 320,000 tons of soy sauce in 2022, 60% from China.

Statistic 93

EU soy sauce imports grew 9% to 150,000 tons in 2023.

Statistic 94

South Korea exported 120,000 tons in 2023, targeting Southeast Asia.

Statistic 95

Average export price for Japanese shoyu was $4.20 per liter in 2022.

Statistic 96

Vietnam's soy sauce exports hit 80,000 tons in 2023, +12% YoY.

Statistic 97

Top importer U.S. duties on soy sauce averaged 0.5% in 2023.

Statistic 98

Indonesia exported 95,000 tons in 2022, 70% to Middle East.

Statistic 99

Global trade growth for soy sauce was 6.4% CAGR 2018-2023.

Statistic 100

Netherlands re-exported 45,000 tons of soy sauce in 2023 as EU hub.

Statistic 101

Thailand's exports valued at $250 million in 2022, ASEAN focus.

Statistic 102

Anti-dumping duties imposed by U.S. on Chinese soy sauce at 2.1% avg.

Statistic 103

Malaysia exported 35,000 tons halal soy sauce in 2023.

Statistic 104

Brazil soy sauce exports reached 20,000 tons in 2022, to Mercosur.

Statistic 105

Container shipments of soy sauce totaled 120,000 TEUs in 2023.

Statistic 106

India imported 50,000 tons while exporting 15,000 tons net deficit 2023.

Statistic 107

Singapore as trade hub handled 25% of Asia soy sauce re-exports.

Statistic 108

Currency fluctuations impacted soy sauce trade by 3.2% value loss in 2022.

1/108

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Picture the entire world collectively brewing over twelve million metric tons of this ancient condiment each year, a complex industry where centuries-old fermentation traditions meet modern chemical processes and global market forces.

Key Takeaways

Global soy sauce production reached 12.3 million metric tons in 2023, with traditional fermentation methods used for 65% of output.
China accounted for 8.2 million metric tons of soy sauce production in 2022, dominating with hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) processes for 40% of its volume.
Japan's soy sauce production volume was 1.45 million kiloliters in fiscal year 2022, with Koikuchi type comprising 82% of total.
Global soy sauce market size valued at $27.6 billion in 2023, projected to reach $38.4 billion by 2030 at 4.8% CAGR.
Asia-Pacific held 82% of global soy sauce market revenue in 2022, valued at $22.1 billion.
Premium soy sauce segment grew 7.2% in 2023, capturing 18% of total market value.
Per capita soy sauce consumption in Japan was 10.5 liters in 2022.
China urban households consumed average 4.2 liters of soy sauce per year in 2023.
U.S. per capita consumption stood at 0.85 liters in 2022, up 8% from 2020.
Global soy sauce exports totaled 1.8 million tons in 2023, valued at $2.9 billion.
China exported 450,000 tons of soy sauce in 2022, mainly to U.S. and EU.
Japan's soy sauce exports reached $1.1 billion in 2023, U.S. 35% share.
Kikkoman Corporation held 31% global market share in premium soy sauce 2023.
Lee Kum Kee produced 1.1 million tons annually in 2022 across 20 factories.
Yamasa Corporation's revenue from soy sauce was ¥45 billion in FY2022.

Asia dominates global soy sauce production, driving its multi-billion dollar market growth.

Company Profiles

Kikkoman Corporation held 31% global market share in premium soy sauce 2023.
Lee Kum Kee produced 1.1 million tons annually in 2022 across 20 factories.
Yamasa Corporation's revenue from soy sauce was ¥45 billion in FY2022.
Marukome Co. exported soy sauce to 50 countries, $180 million sales 2023.
Foshan Haitian reported 28% market share in China, revenue RMB 12.5B 2022.
Kikkoman's U.S. plant in Wisconsin produced 15 million gallons yearly 2023.
Jiaxing Zhongda employed 5,000 workers for soy sauce output of 500,000 tons.
San-J International's tamari line grew 22% to $120 million revenue 2022.
Pearl River Bridge (Zhapu) leads China exports with 150,000 tons shipped 2023.
Higashimaru Shoyu Co. specializes in aged soy, 12-month ferment, 80,000 kL/year.
Thai Preserved Food Factory (Pantai) holds 15% Thailand market share.
Wan Ja Shan (Taiwan) organic soy sauce sales up 18% to NT$2B 2023.
Maggi (Nestle) soy sauce variants generated $300 million Asia sales 2022.
Daesang Corp (Korea) produced 300,000 tons, 25% export ratio 2023.
Shoda Shoyu's revenue ¥38 billion, 10% R&D spend on new flavors.
AMC (Australia) imported brands portfolio valued at AUD 50M 2022.
Yamaroku Brewery uses 100% natural fermentation, 2,000 kL/year capacity.
Brags & Hayes (UK) distributes 20 soy brands, £25M turnover 2023.

Company Profiles Interpretation

The global soy sauce industry is a surprisingly sophisticated and vast arena where giants like Kikkoman command premium palates with a 31% share, while powerhouses like Lee Kum Kee churn out over a million tons annually, and even niche players like San-J International find robust growth, proving that this ancient condiment fuels a multi-billion dollar, fiercely competitive, and meticulously brewed modern empire.

Consumption Patterns

Per capita soy sauce consumption in Japan was 10.5 liters in 2022.
China urban households consumed average 4.2 liters of soy sauce per year in 2023.
U.S. per capita consumption stood at 0.85 liters in 2022, up 8% from 2020.
South Korea's annual soy sauce intake averaged 3.8 kg per person in 2023.
72% of Japanese consumers use soy sauce daily in cooking, per 2023 survey.
Global household penetration of soy sauce reached 68% in urban areas by 2023.
Low-sodium variants consumed by 45% of U.S. health-conscious buyers in 2022.
Indonesia per capita use was 2.1 liters in 2023, mostly in street food.
55% of Chinese millennials prefer flavored soy sauces, 2023 data.
Restaurant usage accounts for 40% of total soy sauce volume in Europe, 2022.
Women aged 25-44 represent 38% of premium soy sauce buyers globally.
Home cooking surge post-COVID boosted U.S. consumption by 15% in 2022.
62% of Vietnamese consumers pair soy sauce with pho daily, 2023 survey.
Organic soy sauce adoption at 12% among European consumers in 2023.
Gen Z in U.S. favors tamari (wheat-free) at 28% trial rate, 2023.
Average serving size of soy sauce in Asian cuisines is 5-10ml per dish.
75% of Thai consumers use soy sauce in stir-fries weekly, 2022 data.
Dipping sauce application dominates 52% of global soy sauce use cases.
Sodium intake from soy sauce averages 15% of daily limit in Japan.
India consumption grew 18% to 0.45 liters per capita in 2023.
Brazil's per capita use hit 0.32 liters in 2022, urban bias.

Consumption Patterns Interpretation

From Japan's 10.5-liter dedication to the U.S.'s modest but growing sip, the world is increasingly seasoning its story with soy sauce, though how we use it—whether for daily cooking, health-conscious tweaks, or a street food splash—reveals our distinctly different cultural palates.

Market Analysis

Global soy sauce market size valued at $27.6 billion in 2023, projected to reach $38.4 billion by 2030 at 4.8% CAGR.
Asia-Pacific held 82% of global soy sauce market revenue in 2022, valued at $22.1 billion.
Premium soy sauce segment grew 7.2% in 2023, capturing 18% of total market value.
Low-sodium soy sauce market expanded to $4.2 billion in 2023, driven by health trends.
U.S. soy sauce market reached $1.8 billion in 2022, with 12% YoY growth.
Organic soy sauce segment valued at $1.1 billion globally in 2023, CAGR 9.1% forecast to 2030.
E-commerce sales of soy sauce surged 25% to $2.5 billion in 2023 worldwide.
Gluten-free soy sauce market hit $850 million in 2022, targeting celiac consumers.
Ready-to-use soy sauce blends (with flavors) accounted for 22% of market share in 2023.
China's domestic soy sauce market valued at $15.4 billion in 2023, 55% urban consumption.
Japanese soy sauce export market grew to $1.2 billion in 2022, premium shoyu leading.
Vegan-certified soy sauce segment reached $600 million in 2023, 15% growth.
Bottled soy sauce packaging dominates 68% of market volume in 2023.
Price per liter of premium soy sauce averaged $8.50 globally in 2023.
Market concentration: top 5 companies control 42% of global soy sauce sales in 2023.
Inflation adjusted, soy sauce retail prices rose 6.8% in 2022 due to supply chain costs.
Forecast: global market CAGR 5.2% from 2024-2028, reaching $35 billion.
Institutional sales (restaurants/hotels) comprise 35% of market revenue in 2023.
Sustainable packaging adoption in soy sauce reached 28% of market in 2023.
Digital marketing spend by soy sauce brands hit $450 million in 2023.

Market Analysis Interpretation

While Asia-Pacific, led by China's $15.4 billion appetite, remains the undisputed heavyweight champion guzzling 82% of the world's soy sauce, the global market's impressive simmer towards $38.4 billion is being fueled by a surprisingly sophisticated palate, as health-conscious, premium-seeking, and online-shopping consumers—from gluten-free Americans to shoyu-exporting Japanese—are now willing to pay $8.50 a liter for the good stuff, forcing even the top five companies controlling 42% of sales to spice up their digital marketing and sustainable packaging.

Production Statistics

Global soy sauce production reached 12.3 million metric tons in 2023, with traditional fermentation methods used for 65% of output.
China accounted for 8.2 million metric tons of soy sauce production in 2022, dominating with hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) processes for 40% of its volume.
Japan's soy sauce production volume was 1.45 million kiloliters in fiscal year 2022, with Koikuchi type comprising 82% of total.
South Korea produced 450,000 tons of soy sauce in 2023, utilizing 70% domestically sourced soybeans.
The average fermentation period for premium Japanese shoyu is 6-12 months, contributing to 25% of total production value.
Indonesia's soy sauce output hit 1.2 million tons in 2022, with 55% from small-scale producers using chemical hydrolysis.
Vietnam manufactured 320,000 metric tons of soy sauce in 2023, incorporating 15% organic soybeans in high-end variants.
Thailand's soy sauce production grew 4.2% to 280,000 tons in 2022, driven by export-oriented factories.
The global use of Aspergillus oryzae mold in soy sauce koji production covers 90% of traditionally fermented sauces.
U.S. soy sauce production reached 150,000 tons in 2023, with 60% imported soybeans processed domestically.
Brazil produced 95,000 tons of soy sauce in 2022, leveraging its 50% share of global soybean supply.
India's soy sauce output was 75,000 tons in 2023, with 80% low-sodium formulations for health markets.
Fermentation tanks in major Chinese factories average 10,000-liter capacity, processing 2.5 million tons annually.
35% of global soy sauce uses genetically modified soybeans, primarily in non-premium segments.
Japan's raw material cost for soy sauce production rose 15% in 2022 due to wheat price hikes.
Automated moromi pressing machines handle 70% of Japanese soy sauce production, yielding 1.2 liters per kg mash.
Malaysia's soy sauce production totaled 110,000 tons in 2023, with 45% halal-certified.
Philippines output stood at 85,000 tons in 2022, 60% from coconut water-infused variants.
Average salt content in traditionally brewed soy sauce is 16-18%, standardized across 80% of Asian producers.
Global soy sauce factory count exceeds 15,000, with China hosting 70% of them.
Energy consumption for soy sauce fermentation averages 250 kWh per ton produced.
Wastewater from soy sauce production totals 10-15 liters per liter of sauce, treated via anaerobic digestion in 60% facilities.
Koji mold propagation uses 1-2% of total production inoculum, scaled to 500 tons annually worldwide.
Pasteurized soy sauce holds 75% market share in production due to longer shelf life.
Microfiltration replaces pasteurization in 10% of premium soy sauces, retaining 95% flavor compounds.
Soybean-to-sauce yield ratio is 1:0.4 in traditional methods, dropping to 1:0.6 in chemical processes.
2023 saw 5% increase in organic soy sauce production, reaching 450,000 tons globally.
pH levels in finished soy sauce range 4.6-5.0, controlled in 95% of productions.
Amino nitrogen content averages 0.8-1.2 g/100ml in high-quality brewed soy sauces.

Production Statistics Interpretation

The world's soy sauce industry shows a careful and savory balancing act, where China’s colossal, speed-oriented output sits alongside Japan’s meticulous, time-honored craft, proving that while modern scale can dominate a market, traditional patience still defines the soul of a good condiment.

Trade and Export

Global soy sauce exports totaled 1.8 million tons in 2023, valued at $2.9 billion.
China exported 450,000 tons of soy sauce in 2022, mainly to U.S. and EU.
Japan's soy sauce exports reached $1.1 billion in 2023, U.S. 35% share.
U.S. imported 320,000 tons of soy sauce in 2022, 60% from China.
EU soy sauce imports grew 9% to 150,000 tons in 2023.
South Korea exported 120,000 tons in 2023, targeting Southeast Asia.
Average export price for Japanese shoyu was $4.20 per liter in 2022.
Vietnam's soy sauce exports hit 80,000 tons in 2023, +12% YoY.
Top importer U.S. duties on soy sauce averaged 0.5% in 2023.
Indonesia exported 95,000 tons in 2022, 70% to Middle East.
Global trade growth for soy sauce was 6.4% CAGR 2018-2023.
Netherlands re-exported 45,000 tons of soy sauce in 2023 as EU hub.
Thailand's exports valued at $250 million in 2022, ASEAN focus.
Anti-dumping duties imposed by U.S. on Chinese soy sauce at 2.1% avg.
Malaysia exported 35,000 tons halal soy sauce in 2023.
Brazil soy sauce exports reached 20,000 tons in 2022, to Mercosur.
Container shipments of soy sauce totaled 120,000 TEUs in 2023.
India imported 50,000 tons while exporting 15,000 tons net deficit 2023.
Singapore as trade hub handled 25% of Asia soy sauce re-exports.
Currency fluctuations impacted soy sauce trade by 3.2% value loss in 2022.

Trade and Export Interpretation

While Japan's premium shoyu commands a princely $4.20 per liter, the global soy sauce trade, a $2.9 billion brine rush, flows on a current of American thirst, Chinese volume, and a mere 0.5% tariff drizzle, proving the world's pantry is irresistibly seasoned.

Sources & References

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