Key Players
Competitive Landscape
Global protease market is highly fragmented owing to the presence of multinational companies and specialty enzyme manufacturers. Novonesis and IFF offer enzymes for food, feed and household care applications. BASF has presence in detergent applications, while AB Enzymes, Biocatalysts and Kerry Group are focusing on food processing and specialty enzyme products. Sunson and Amano Enzyme supply protease through regional and international distribution channels. Product launch, partnership, technical service and distribution expansion are some of the strategies adopted by key players.
Since 2025, key players in protease market are increasingly focusing on product launch, regional laboratories and distribution expansion in order to cater to growing demand from end users. Novonesis launched liquid detergent proteases in March 2025, IFF expanded its Latin American enzyme network during 2026, and AB Enzymes opened a new office and baking laboratory in Brazil in June 2026. Amano Enzyme also presented work on enzyme selection for collagen peptide manufacturing in July 2026. These major steps are taken by companies for improving product availability, strengthening technical support and expanding protease applications across food and industrial processing.
Company developments mapped to drivers, trends and opportunities (2026-2036)
| Development | Driver | Trend | Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2026: Amano Enzyme announced an IFT FIRST presentation on enzyme selection for collagen peptide manufacturing. | Increasing production of collagen peptides is driving demand for protease used for controlled hydrolysis and required peptide formation. | Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on protease selection according to collagen source and required peptide properties. | Increasing use of collagen peptides in food, nutrition and healthcare products is expected to create significant revenue sales opportunities for protease manufacturers. |
| June 2026: AB Enzymes GmbH opened a new office and baking laboratory in Curitiba, Brazil. | Expanding bakery production and increasing use of bakery enzymes are driving demand for local testing and technical support facilities. | Enzyme manufacturers are increasingly focusing on expansion of application laboratories near major customer markets. | The new laboratory is expected to support customer trials and create significant growth opportunities in bakery and dough processing applications. |
| March 2026: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) opened a fermentation-based enzyme hub in Argentina and an application lab in Brazil. | Increasing demand for food and industrial enzymes in Latin America is driving expansion of fermentation and application facilities. | Companies are increasingly expanding fermentation capacity along with technical service in major regional markets. | The regional hub is expected to improve enzyme availability and create new growth avenues across food and industrial processing in Latin America. |
| March 2025: Novonesis launched Progress Beyond and Progress Go proteases for liquid laundry detergents. | Increasing use of liquid detergents and demand for efficient stain removal is boosting demand for protease products. | Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on protease stability, formulation compatibility and performance at lower wash temperature. | Development of protease for liquid detergents is expected to create lucrative revenue growth opportunities in household care applications. |
Source: Future Market Insights, Protease Market Report, 2026-2036.
Novonesis, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), BASF SE and Kerry Group plc have wider product portfolio and presence across several regional markets.
AB Enzymes GmbH, Biocatalysts Ltd, Sunson Industry Group Co., Ltd. and Amano Enzyme Inc. are focusing on specialty enzyme production, new applications and regional customer support.
How do current companies differ in the Protease Market?
Novonesis and IFF are offering protease across food, feed and household care applications. BASF is focusing on detergent and industrial formulation, while AB Enzymes, Biocatalysts and Kerry Group supply products for food processing. Amano Enzyme and Sunson have presence in specialty enzyme production and regional distribution. Wider product range, competitive pricing, technical support and local availability are some of the factors expected to influence company position in protease market.
Which companies document qualification or application support for protease programs?
Protease manufacturers are providing product specifications, handling information and technical support for food and industrial applications. Novonesis and IFF have regional technical teams, while AB Enzymes and Biocatalysts support customers during product selection and application trials. Specialty manufacturers are serving regional markets through distributors and local partners. Growing need for technical service and shorter product trial time is expected to support expansion of application laboratories.
Which companies provide capability beyond basic protease supply?
Novonesis and IFF have large scale enzyme production, fermentation and application development capabilities. BASF has detergent formulation capabilities, while AB Enzymes, Biocatalysts and Kerry Group are focusing on food processing and specialty enzyme products. Development of protease for different raw materials, temperature and pH condition is expected to strengthen the product portfolio and create new growth opportunities for these companies.
Which companies support customers across major regions?
Novonesis, IFF, BASF SE and Kerry Group have wider presence across several regional markets. AB Enzymes operates through direct offices and distribution networks across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Biocatalysts works through specialist partners, Amano Enzyme uses regional operations and distributors, while Sunson supplies international markets from its manufacturing base. Expansion of local laboratories, manufacturing capabilities and distribution channels is expected to strengthen the market activities of these companies.
Representative Company Overview
| Company | Positioning | Verified Development |
|---|---|---|
| Novonesis | Broad bioscience company with protease products for detergent and animal nutrition applications. | June 2025: completed acquisition of dsm-firmenich's share of the Feed Enzyme Alliance. |
| International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) | Global bioscience company offering enzymes for food, home care and industrial applications. | The company enzyme resources include protease applications in food, home care and animal nutrition programs. |
| BASF SE | Protease products for home care applications and separate presence in feed enzymes. | October 2025: announced evaluation of strategic options for its feed enzyme business. |
| AB Enzymes GmbH | Enzyme manufacturer focusing on food processing and bakery applications. | May 2026: strengthened distribution across Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. |
| Biocatalysts Ltd | Specialty enzyme developer serving food, brewing and custom manufacturing applications. | The company current portfolio includes liquid protease products for brewing and food processing. |
| Kerry Group plc | Food biotechnology company offering protease for meat processing and nutrition applications. | The company current enzyme portfolio includes protease solutions for food and nutrition uses. |
| Sunson Industry Group Co., Ltd. | China based manufacturer offering protease for food, feed and industrial processing. | The company current portfolio includes protease products for food, feed and industrial processing. |
| Amano Enzyme Inc. | Specialty microbial enzyme manufacturer serving food and healthcare applications. | The company current portfolio includes specialty proteases and other microbial enzyme applications. |
Research Methodology
The company analysis includes official announcements and product information published. Government records, technical literature and company sources were used for reviewing product applications, regional presence and market developments. The company comparison does not represent individual market share or overall ranking.
