Microbial Protein Market Research Report By Microbial Source (Bacteria, Yeast, Fungi, Algae), By Function (Protein Supplement, Animal Feed, Food Ingredient, Biomedical Applications), By Production Method (Submerged Fermentation, Solid-State Fermentation, Electrospinning), By Application (Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Agriculture and Animal Feed), By Form (Powder, Liquid, Concentrate) and By Regional (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa) - Forecast

Global Microbial Protein Market Overview

Microbial Protein Market Size was estimated at 3.76 (USD Billion) in 2022. The Microbial Protein Industry is expected to grow from 4.21(USD Billion) in 2023 to 11.4 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Microbial Protein Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 11.72% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

The microbial protein market is emerging due to the increasing acceptance of sustainable proteins and the increasing demand for alternative feed ingredients from the food and beverage sector. The environmental factors and the concerns to lower greenhouse gas emissions emanating from traditional farming of animals are also factors that are making farming of microbial proteins to gain plants as an alternative.

There is some novel protein market research on emerging trends associated with the introduction of new production technologies, such as fermentation and cell culture, in order to enhance production efficiency and cost efficiency. Now, there’s a trend of creating human microbial protein with numerous potential applications in functional food, supplement, and cosmetic industries.

The major contributing factors for the market growth include population growth, increased domestication rates of livestock leading to more demand for sustainable animal protein sources, sensitization of the population on the negatives of conventional livestock keeping and improvement of production methods. New applications of microbial protein and breaking into new markets present opportunities for development and growth.

Microbial Protein Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Sustainable Protein Sources

Increased population and concerns over the environmental footprint of conventional protein sources, such as meat and soy, are promoting the demand for more sustainable solutions. Microbial protein appears to be one of the viable alternatives for numerous reasons. It can be produced using various renewable feedstocks and has a much lower carbon footprint than animal-based proteins. These considerations are perfectly in line with the rapidly changing consumer demands for more sustainable food options.At the same time, microbial protein boasts incredibly high nutritional value and can be easily customized to meet consumers’ dietary needs. Thus, it is likely to become a valuable option for food manufacturers and consumers. Given these circumstances, it is expected that the demand for this sustainable protein source will only continue to rise in the future, contributing to the further growth of the Microbial Protein Market Industry.

Technological Advancements and Innovation

The ability to produce microbial protein at scale is provided by the progress in the field of fermentation and biotechnology. The researchers create new strains of microorganisms that are capable of more efficient conversion of feedstocks into protein, thus lowering the costs of production and enhancing its overall sustainability. Besides, new types of innovative technologies, such as precision fermentation, are being developed to improve the production of microbial protein.Due to these advancements, the production of microbial protein has become cost-effective and scalable.

Government Support and Investments

With the emergence of microbial protein as a sustainable and healthy source of food, governments have started taking steps to unleash its potential. They are encouraging research and development in this area by designing helpful policies and giving attractive monetary benefits. Such steps are advent in Europe, where multiple initiatives have been started by the European Union to promote the use of microbial protein as food and feed. Therefore, the growth of the Microbial Protein Market Industry will be fueled by such actions.

Microbial Protein Market Segment Insights

Microbial Protein Market Microbial Source Insights

The microbial protein market is segmented by the source of the microbe into bacteria, yeast, fungi and algae. The bacteria segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2023 and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The growth of the bacteria segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for bacterial protein to be used as an alternative source of protein in animal feed and aquaculture feed. Yeast is an important segment of the microbial protein market and is anticipated to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period.Yeast protein is a vital source of essential amino acids and vitamins and it is used in a multitude of applications in the food and beverage industry. Fungi and algae are relatively smaller sources of the microbial protein market, and this segment is expected to grow steadily during the forecast period. The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing demand for microbial protein to be used in the food and beverage industry, animal feed, and aquaculture feed. Microbial protein is a sustainable and cost-effective source of protein, and it is expected to play a crucial role in the food system in the years to come.The microbial protein market is highly competitive, with a number of key players operating in the market. Some of the key players in the market include DuPont, Novozymes, AB Enzymes, Kerry Group, ADM among others. These companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop new and innovative microbial protein products. The market is also expected to witness the entry of new players as the demand for microbial protein increases over the years.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Microbial Protein Market Function Insights

The Microbial Protein Market is segmented by Function into Protein Supplements, Animal Feed, Food Ingredients, and Biomedical Applications. The protein supplement segment is expected to be the largest market segment for the year 2023. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the increasing use of plant-based protein supplements among health-conscious consumers. The animal feed segment is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for microbial protein as an alternate source of protein.The cheaper cost of production is another factor responsible for the growth of the segment. The food ingredient segment is projected to grow at a steady pace owing to the increasing use of microbial protein as a functional ingredient. The biomedical application segment is expected to show moderate growth owing to the development of microbial protein for therapeutic applications.

Microbial Protein Market Production Method Insights

The Microbial Protein Market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective protein sources. Production method is a key segmentation factor, with various technologies employed to produce microbial proteins. Submerged fermentation is a widely used method, accounting for a major share of the Microbial Protein Market revenue. It involves cultivating microorganisms in a liquid medium, providing optimal conditions for growth and protein production. This method offers high yields and scalability, making it suitable for large-scale production.Solid-state fermentation is another technique, where microorganisms are grown on solid substrates such as agricultural residues or plant biomass. This method is gaining popularity due to its low energy consumption and reduced waste generation. It is particularly suitable for producing microbial proteins from renewable resources. Electrospinning, a relatively new technology, has emerged as a promising method for producing microbial proteins with unique structural and functional properties. It involves using an electric field to generate fine fibers from a protein solution.Electrospun microbial proteins have potential applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The choice of production method depends on factors such as the desired protein characteristics, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Submerged fermentation remains the dominant method due to its established technology and high yields, but solid-state fermentation and electrospinning are gaining traction as sustainable and innovative alternatives.

Microbial Protein Market Application Insights

The Microbial Protein Market is segmented into various applications, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, cosmetics and personal care, and agriculture and animal feed. Among these segments, the food and beverages segment is expected to dominate the market in the coming years, accounting for a significant share of the overall revenue. The growing demand for plant-based and sustainable food options is driving the growth of this segment. The pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals segment is also expected to witness substantial growth due to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the increasing adoption of microbial proteins as dietary supplements.Furthermore, the cosmetics and personal care segment is gaining traction owing to the increasing demand for natural and eco-friendly ingredients in skincare and haircare products.

Microbial Protein Market Form Insights

The Microbial Protein Market is segmented based on form into powder, liquid, and concentrate. The powder segment held the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to continue its dominance throughout the forecast period. The growth of the powder segment can be attributed to its ease of handling, longer shelf life, and cost-effectiveness compared to other forms. The liquid segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to its increasing use in various applications such as food and beverage, animal feed, and pharmaceuticals.The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing demand for sustainable and high-quality protein sources, rising awareness of the health benefits associated with microbial protein, and the growing adoption of microbial protein in various industries.

Microbial Protein Market Regional Insights

The Microbial Protein Market is expected to reach USD 6.58 billion by 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.72% during 2024-2032. North America dominates the Microbial Protein Market with a revenue of USD 2.3 billion in 2023. The market growth in this region is primarily driven by the increasing demand for microbial proteins in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the production of plant-based meat alternatives. Europe accounts for the second-largest share in the Microbial Protein Market, with a revenue of USD 1.6 billion in 2023.The market growth in this region is attributed to the growing awareness of the environmental sustainability and health benefits of microbial proteins. APAC is the fastest-growing region in the Microbial Protein Market, with a CAGR of 12.5% during 2024-2032. The increasing demand for microbial proteins in the aquaculture industry in this region is a major factor driving the market growth. South America and MEA are also expected to witness significant growth in the Microbial Protein Market, owing to the growing demand for microbial proteins in the animal feed industry.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Microbial Protein Market Key Players And Competitive Insights

The major players in the Microbial Protein Market are continuously focusing on the expansion of their production capacity to meet a growing demand for microbial protein. The manufacturers are also investing in research and development to increase the efficiency of the production process and introduction of new products. The leading players in the Microbial Protein Market are adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures to obtain a larger share of the market. The development of the Microbial Protein Market is majorly impacted by a growing demand for cost-effective and sustainable sources of protein. The competitive leaderboard of the Microbial Protein Market is expected to remain highly fragmented, with a few major players and several other small and medium-sized players.

In 2021, AB Mauri, a key player in the Microbial Protein Market, announced its collaboration with Clasta, a company providing microbial protein derived from natural gas, to expand the production capacity of AB Mauri and meet an increasing demand for microbial protein in the food and beverage industry. The company is also investing in research and development to improve the efficiency of the production process for developing new products. Ingredion, another major player in the Microbial Protein Market, is adopting strategies to increase its presence and expand production capacity. The acquisition announced the construction of a new microbial protein manufacturing plant in the United States. Ingredion is also investing in research and development to improve the functionality of its microbial protein products and develop new applications for them. The focus of Ingredion on innovation and expansion will help the company retain its position as a key player in the Microbial Protein Market.

Key Companies in the Microbial Protein Market Include

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  Perfect Day

  
  


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  Hampton Creek

  
  


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  Calyxt

  
  


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  Air Protein

  
  


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  DuPont

  
  


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  Impossible Foods

  
  


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  Motif FoodWorks

  
  


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  Novameat

  
  


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  Nature's Fynd

  
  


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  Beyond Meat

  
  


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  ADM

  
  


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  Spiber

  
  


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  Upside Foods

  
  


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  Tate Lyle

  
  


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  Ingredion

  
  

Microbial Protein Market Industry Developments

The microbial protein market is projected to reach USD 11.4 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.72% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for sustainable and alternative protein sources, coupled with rising concerns over animal-borne diseases and environmental issues associated with traditional protein production methods, is driving market growth. Innovations in fermentation technology and advancements in strain development are further propelling market expansion. Key players are focusing on strategic collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to strengthen their market position and expand their product offerings. Recent developments include ADM's acquisition of Sojaprotein to enhance its plant-based protein portfolio and Corbion's partnership with AAK to develop and market fermentation-derived proteins.

Microbial Protein Market Segmentation Insights

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  Microbial Protein Market Microbial Source Outlook

  
  
  
  
  • Bacteria
  
  
  • Yeast
  
  
  • Fungi
  
  
  • Algae
  
  
  
  

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  Microbial Protein Market Function Outlook

  
  
  
  
  • Protein Supplement
  
  
  • Animal Feed
  
  
  • Food Ingredient
  
  
  • Biomedical Applications
  
  
  
  


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  Microbial Protein Market Production Method Outlook

  
  
  
  
  • Submerged Fermentation
  
  
  • Solid-State Fermentation
  
  
  • Electrospinning
  
  
  
  


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  Microbial Protein Market Application Outlook

  
  
  
  
  • Food and Beverages
  
  
  • Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals
  
  
  • Cosmetics and Personal Care
  
  
  • Agriculture and Animal Feed
  
  
  
  


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  Microbial Protein Market Form Outlook

  
  
  
  
  • Powder
  
  
  • Liquid
  
  
  • Concentrate
  
  
  
  


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  Microbial Protein Market Regional Outlook

  
  
  
  
  • North America
  
  
  • Europe
  
  
  • South America
  
  
  • Asia Pacific
  
  
  • Middle East and Africa