Market Trends of Proteases Industry
Rising Application of Proteases in the Food & Beverage Industry Driving Market Growth
In the food industry, proteases are widely used to enhance various food products' texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Proteases such as papain and bromelain break down muscle fibers to tenderize tough cuts and produce more succulent meat during meat processing. The high consumption of meat across various regions worldwide offers ample opportunities for the growth of protease demand in the meat and poultry industry. According to the US Department of Agriculture and Economic Research Service, in 2022, the per capita consumption of broilers, beef, and pork was 98.9 pounds, 59.1 pounds, and 51.1 pounds, respectively.
Enzymes like chymosin found in rennet are essential for the production of cheese and dairy products as they aid in the coagulation of milk and the formation of curds, as well as enhancing the flavor of the cheese as it ages. Proteases have applications in the baking industry since they alter the structures of gluten, enhancing the dough's elasticity and consistency, which are important qualities for baked goods like biscuits and crackers. Proteases remove proteins that cause haze in beer brewing, guaranteeing its stability and clarity. Similarly, these enzymes are necessary for the production of juice, which removes turbidity caused by proteins to produce clear drinks. Hence, proteases are widely used across the food and beverage industry.
Companies operating in the market have been innovating and developing new products. They are also using other strategies to test and develop new proteases to cater to the rising demand for the same. For instance, in September 2022, Creative Enzymes launched Kex2 Protease from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Recombinant, for the cleavage of secreted peptides in yeast exogenous protein expression. Protease enzymes have diverse applications in the food and beverage industries. The market is expected to grow significantly in the upcoming years due to its vital role in reducing waste production, improving processing efficiency, and preserving natural resources.
North America Dominates the Proteases Market
North America is host to advanced biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries that use proteases for drug development, protein engineering, and therapeutic uses. For instance, in March 2023, Danisco Animal Nutrition & Health, a business unit of IFF, launched Axtra PRIME (a combination of xylanase, beta-glucanase, alpha-amylase, and protease enzymes), an optimized enzyme blend designed to address key challenges in piglet production. Proteases are used extensively in a variety of applications by the large and sophisticated food and beverage industry in North America. Proteases are utilized, for instance, in the brewing process, cheese production, and meat tenderization. Proteases are used by businesses like Anheuser-Busch InBev and Kraft Heinz to improve product quality and processing effectiveness.
The development and commercialization of protease-based products, particularly in food and pharmaceuticals, are supported by the regulatory environment provided by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Protease efficacy and safety are guaranteed by this regulatory support, which increases market acceptance. Protease usage has increased in products due to the growing demand for functional foods and health supplements. There is a growing demand for nutraceuticals in North America as consumers become more conscious of the health benefits of proteases. According to the National Library of Medicine, while the predominant use of proteases has been in treating cardiovascular disease, they are also emerging as useful agents in the treatment of sepsis, digestive disorders, inflammation, cystic fibrosis, retinal disorders, psoriasis, and other diseases.
Hence, the protease market leadership of North America is fueled by strong industrial demand, innovative technology developments, a benevolent regulatory framework, significant R&D expenditure, and a wide range of applications in various industries. All these elements work together to support the regional market's leading position and steady expansion.
