A recent report co-written by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Chinese Society of Biotechnology predicts that the Chinese demand for food additives will reach 4.8 million tons by 2010.

The report goes on to say that the target will be reached thanks to the booming food and catering industries.

According to the report, China has over 1,500 food additive producers turning out 1,600 types of products. Furthermore, China's annual output of food additives is currently recorded at 3.25 million tons, worth around 3.5 billion yuan (about USD 420 million).

The global market for food additives has reached USD 20 billion with an annual growth rate of 2.5 to 4%, concludes the report.