The global protease industry is estimated to be worth USD 2,263.8 million by 2024. It is projected to reach USD 4,797.6 million by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 8.0% over the assessment period 2024 to 2034.
Protease enzymes are set to show good growth potential in the food industry because of their ability to be incorporated into the flavour and texture, improve metabolism, and boost the nutritional value of foods. Thus, with rapid urbanization and increased busy lifestyles, one of the future demands for protease would be increased use in establishing gut health in the body.
Different proteases, such as bromelain, ficin, actinidin, papain, and calpain, are commonly used in the food industry to improve meat tenderness through proteolytic destruction. As protease is vital for decomposing structural proteins in connective tissues, which reduces meat hardness, food vendors and producers are extensively using protease treatment.
Companies such as Biopioneer are developing new non-toxic protease inhibitors that can be stored at ambient temperature which can remain stable up to 95 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Novozymes strives to foster the development of innovative bio-solutions that respond to major challenges for the world today while emphasizing partnership working to find effective solutions.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Protease Industry Size (2024E) | USD 2,263.8 million |
| Projected Global Protease Industry Value (2034F) | USD 4,797.6 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 8.0% |
The below table presents a comparative assessment of the variation in CAGR over six months for the base year (2023) and current year (2024) for the global protease market. This analysis reveals crucial shifts in performance and indicates revenue realization patterns, thus providing stakeholders with a better vision of the growth trajectory over the year. The first half of the year, or H1, spans from January to June. The second half, H2, includes the months from July to December.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 6.4% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 6.9% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 7.2% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 7.5% (2024 to 2034) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2024 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 6.4%, followed by a higher growth rate of 6.9% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to increase to 7.2% in the first half and remain considerably high at 7.5% in the second half.
Enhancing the Stability and Activity of Proteases by Structural Modification
The global protease market is focusing on the need for structural modifications to proteases to enhance their stability and efficiency under the extreme conditions of industrial processes. Proteases break down proteins to produce amino acids, thus indicating their importance in the food, animal feed, and pharmaceutical industries.
Traditional proteases are generally not functional in extreme temperatures, pH, or organic solvent conditions. To overcome these companies are now concentrating on protein engineering for improvement in stability and activity so that these enzymes can withstand extreme conditions.
Certain leaders in the market, such as Novozymes and DSM, are developing proteases that are more stable in the end-use industry and would also help to reduce production costs and enable proficiency in manufacturing procedures.
Research and development facilities of large companies have successfully modified the structure of enzymes and changed their amino acid composition, thus increasing their resistance to denaturation so that they remain functional during industrial processing. For example, proteases that remain fully functioning at much higher temperatures or under extreme pH conditions are very useful in the detergents and meat processing industry.
Utilizing Recombinant DNA Technology in Protease Production in Protease Production
Recombinant DNA technology has transformed the protease market all over the world because of the improvement in the yield and quality of enzymes. Employing recombinant DNA technology is an essential part of protease production, as manipulating gene sequences of an organism, produces proteins (that is, proteases) more effectively.
By the introduction of such essential genes from host organisms such as bacteria, and yeast, companies can manufacture proteases not just in larger quantities but also in a uniform specification, which is increasingly important for industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed.
Manufacturers, such as DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences and Chr. Hansen is already using recombinant DNA technology to optimize enzyme production aimed at several applications such as biodegradable detergents to protein hydrolysis in foods and beverages.
This technology completely changes the dynamics of the industry by producing high-purity proteases on a large scale and customizing proteases through genetic modification for specific uses. For example, proteases engineered to be active under extreme temperatures or unusual pH conditions may be ideally suited for use in several industrial processes.
Furthermore, recombinant DNA technology may also overcome the challenges of obtaining proteases from their natural source which usually takes a longer time and also gives lower yield. This scientific advancement has helped manufacturers save on production costs and time while succeeding in keeping enzyme activity more consistent.
Global sales increased at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2019 to 2023. For the next ten years (2024 to 2034), projections are that expenditure on such products will rise at 5.1% CAGR.
Between 2019 and 2023, increasing concern about increasing the shelf life of various food and beverage products has led to a rise in demand for various enzymes such as proteases and their derivatives. Due to rising awareness of such topics, a significant group of end-users are demanding naturally sourced proteases, which are sustainable and can also replace the use of additives.
The gradual shift in consumer preferences has also led to innovative solutions among the major companies, such as the use of microbial-based proteases.
Chr. Hansen Holding A/S is at the forefront of creating valuable products, such as cheese, fermented beverages, dairy, and meat alternatives by incorporating proteases as the primary ingredient. These companies have made substantial investments in the establishment of new protease-focused solutions with multifunctional research and development facilities. They have also successfully launched many protease-based products backed by rigorous scientific investigations. thus satisfying the consumer's doubts and needs.
From 2024 to 2034, the sector is expected to accelerate due to several factors, including increased demand for the introduction of customized protease products, new formulations utilizing different forms of proteases, optimized product lines that address health concerns, and collaboration of new production technologies. Additionally, addressing specific consumer groups such as fitness enthusiasts, the aging population, and easy-to-consume products aligned with technological advancements, will help to stabilize the hold of manufacturers in this market.
Tier 1 Companies consist of Novozymes, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, DSM, BASF SE, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Roche CustomBiotech, Amano Enzyme Inc., Sunson Industry Group Co., Ltd., Advanced Enzyme Technologies, Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics. These companies are referred to as the major players of the industry as they are fully established worldwide with majority shares in the business ecosystem.
These companies are considered as the industry leaders who always lead the market with greater level of creativity, research and development and are also known as the trendsetters.
Novozymes, with its innovative ingredient and biological solutions and effective global industry distribution, is the leading provider of sustainable protease products.
Tier 2 Companies are the regional players with adequate market coverage and are known for offering niche products. These include AB Enzymes, Bioseutica, Antozyme Biotech, Tex Biosciences, Bestzyme, Infinita Biotech, Shandong Longda Bio-Products Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Boli Bioproducts Co., Ltd., Enzyme Solutions, and Creative Enzymes.
They are typically more localized and address specific issues of the consumers. Antozyme Biotech is an example of this, which is performing well in India due to its innovative production technology to deliver protease to manufacturers across the world for use in several applications.
Tier 3 companies includes Aumgene Biosciences, Enzyme Bioscience Pvt. Ltd., Sabinsa Corporation, and Biocatalysts Ltd., who are smaller players and are usually limited to the local or regional areas. These companies tend to service localized areas and do not possess the same level of technological facilities as bigger companies but are striving to satisfy the local needs. These companies are smaller in size but still strong in their target industries due to their deep-seated innovations and customer service.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top three territories. USA and Germany are set to exhibit high consumption, recording CAGRs of 7.0% and 7.6%, respectively, through 2034.
| Countries | CAGR 2024 to 2034 |
|---|---|
| USA | 7.0% |
| India | 6.5% |
| Germany | 7.6% |
Proteases in the United States have been focused on developing products with improved functional properties for a much wider spectrum of industrial applications-from food processing to detergent formulations, and dietary supplements. During different stages of protein degradation, proteases play key roles in texture and flavour release in foods.
Advanced enzyme technologies optimizing the performance of proteases both in food and industrial applications, have been sought by companies such as Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics and DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.
American manufacturers are majorly focusing on protein hydrolysis processes to produce pure, high-quality peptides, which are gaining popularity in the field of functional sports nutrition and specific diet purposes. Proteases are being optimized to degrade particular proteins in animal feeds so that they can improve nutritional absorption and digestibility.
Several properties of protease enable them to have more effective applications in both the food and non-food industries, including brewing, textiles, and biopharmaceuticals.
The protease market in China is increasingly leaning towards microbial protease application in various sectors, mostly the food, feed, and textile industries. Companies such as Sunson Industry Group Co., Ltd., have successfully developed a wide range of enzyme products including proteases for a several industries including food, feed, baking, dairy, starch & sugar, fermentation, textile, detergent, leather and many others.
Bacillus and fungi-based microbial proteases are easy to manufacture, cost-effective, and can also be chosen specifically for their application, thus, they are much in demand in these sectors. The booming food processing industry is a strong market driver for proteases in China, where these enzymes help in meat tenderization, protein breakdown, and digestibility improvement in animal feeds.
Emerging functional proteases are also growing in the pharmaceutical market for the development of digestion- and immune-system-oriented therapeutic products.
At the functional level, Asian protease producers are focusing on enzyme stability improvement and substrate specificity enhancement because of their growing demands on eco-friendly and sustainable enzyme solutions. The growing trend is supported by natural sources of protease which include plant- and insect-proteases.
These alternatives are now being explored by companies as a response to the changing consumer demand for plant-based products in the food and beverage industry and a response to global sustainable goals.
Germany's protease market is largely rooted in the converging modern biotechnological methods driven by sustainable development. Proteases in Germany are being designed for specific functions like the degradation of certain proteins specifically for applications in brewing, dairy, and meat processing industries.
The use of advanced technologies in Germany to make a variety of more efficient enzymes with better specifications in protein degradation and optimizing processed product quality is boosting the hold of the market.
Several companies are making significant investments in their research and development work to optimize the low-energy performance of these enzymes. Especially in the pharmaceutical field, proteases are gaining ground in the development of drugs and manufacturing therapeutic enzymes for enzyme replacement therapies.
BASF, a widely known German company, is differentiating their strategies by launching product ranges, such as “protease LavergyTM Pro 104 L”, which is an alternative to detergents, and is widely popular as a stain remover.
Nutraceuticals nowadays comprise functional proteases as an essential ingredient so that consumers can avail supplements for better digestive health and immune system support. The stringent regulatory framework in the country, both in terms of food safety and biopharmaceutical safety, guarantees high-quality, bio-based proteases entering the market; this further encourages sustainable solutions.
| Segment | Product Type |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 25.1% |
Microbial protease is anticipated to be a major segment driving growth in the global protease market. Extracted from microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, or fungi, this type of protease has carved its identity because of its unrivalled advantages such as stability, low-cost affordability, and versatile use, thus making them suitable for many industrial applications.
The segment's growth is attributed to its broad applications across various production conditions at different pH levels and temperatures, and it can be engineered for specific substrates. For instance, alkaline protease is used for the production of detergents in the treatment of protein stains, while acid-stable proteases are utilized in the dairy industry in the preparation of cheese and yogurt.
Brands such as 1MD Nutrition have garnered the attention of female consumers, by introducing microbe-based protease vaginal probiotics, that promotes better immune support, digestive health support, and vaginal health. This also helps to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the body for better microbial environmental balance.
Microbial proteases have recently been sought after in the food processing industry due to their efficiency in the protein hydrolysis process, which is crucial in the production of nutritional supplements, the production of amino acids, and the processing of flavours.
As demand for bio-based solutions rises, the eco-friendly production methods of microbial proteases based on fermentation are positioning themselves as a sustainable alternative to those derived from animals, because of their low emission to the environment, cost-effectiveness, and mass-scale production efficiency.
Several companies are opting to design their specific microbe protease function such as enzyme specificity, owing to advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology, thus major innovations from pharmaceuticals to biofuels and personal care products to cater to consumer demands.
| Segment | End-Use Application |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 37.4% |
The baby food/infant food segment is set to lead the growth of the end-use application segment. Proteases aid in the digestion of proteins, which is essential for an infant's developing digestive system. They also enhance the release and metabolism of nutrients in baby food products. Proteases play a significant role in developing safe and high-quality formulations of baby food products.
Maryruth’s Lipase Protease enzyme capsules are quite popular as they help breakdown large complex molecules of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in the body, thus making them available for easy absorption.
Papain and bromelain proteases derived from plants are among the most widely used enzymes in meat processing, to improve the texture and flavour. Rising demand for pre-cooked and ready-to-eat meals further boosts the growing consumer need for convenience foods, which in turn, requires protease enzyme applications for improving product quality and reducing processing time.
The bakery and the confectionery industry which is an emerging industry also drives protease growth. The use of proteases improves dough conditioning and reduces gluten content in the fermented products produced from this process, which results in better quality texture and shelf life of the products. The increasing demand for allergen-free and gluten-free baked products has further increased the protease market.
Furthermore, consumers are now becoming more aware and interested in protein-rich, functional foods to achieve their health goals. In this scenario, the dietary supplements segment is rising because the proteases present in these supplements promote protein hydrolysis and improve absorption, thus improving their bioavailability and efficacy.
The protease market is growing with several companies such as Novozymes, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, DSM, BASF SE, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Roche CustomBiotech, Amano Enzyme Inc., and others. These companies are investing their resources in a bid to improve the methods of producing stable protease.
The primary focus of such companies is to develop protease using modern, eco-friendly, and easily accessible technologies which also aligns with the current market trends. Novozymes based in Denmark known as the leader in manufacturing biological solutions using their robust and efficient production methods, are catering to the needs of conventional forms of protease which are easy to incorporate in several products.
For instance:
As per form, the industry has been categorized into Liquid, Powder, and Granules.
As per product type, the industry has been categorized into Animal-based [Trypsin, Renin, Pepsin, Others (chymotrypsin, thrombin, elastase, etc.)], Plant-based [Papain, Keratinases, and Others (Ficin, Bromelain, etc.)], Microbial-based [Alkaline, Acid stable, Neutral, and Others (Proteinase K, Peptidase, etc.)].
This segment is further categorized into Dairy Products, Brewing, Meat Products and Processing, Bakery & Confectionary (Breads, Cookies & Crackers, Pastries, Waffles, and Others), Baby/Infant Food, Oil & Fats Processing, Starch and Grain Processing, Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Cheese Processing, Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceutical Products, Personal Care Products, and Animal Nutrition.
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Central Asia, Russia & Belarus, Balkans & Baltic Countries and the Middle East & Africa.
The global industry is estimated at a value of USD 2,263.8 million in 2024.
Sales increased at 6.9% CAGR between 2019 and 2023.
Some of the leaders in this industry include Novozymes, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, DSM, BASF SE, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Roche CustomBiotech, Amano Enzyme Inc., Sunson Industry Group Co., Ltd., Advanced Enzyme Technologies, Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics, and AB Enzymes.
The European territory is projected to hold a revenue share of 19.4% over the forecast period.
The industry is projected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 8.0% from 2024 to 2034.
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