| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| CAGR | 5.04 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Microbial Protein Market Analysis
The Microbial Protein Market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.04% during the forecast period.
- The microbial protein market is an emerging and promising sector in the food and agriculture industry as these proteins have gained attention due to their potential to address various challenges faced by traditional protein sources like meat and plant-based proteins. With the increasing global demand for protein-rich foods and the environmental concerns associated with meat production, microbial proteins offer a viable alternative to traditional animal-based proteins.
- Microbial protein production is generally considered more sustainable compared to conventional animal agriculture. It requires fewer natural resources, emits fewer greenhouse gases, and has a smaller environmental footprint. Additionally, microbial proteins can be engineered to be nutritionally rich, providing essential amino acids and other nutrients, making them attractive for meeting dietary needs.
- Moreover, advances in biotechnology and fermentation technologies have made it even easier and more cost-effective to produce microbial proteins at scale. Several technologies are used in microbial protein production, which aims to optimize the yield, quality, and efficiency of producing proteins using microbial organisms.
- For instance, genetic engineering involves modifying the genetic material of microorganisms, such as bacteria, yeast, or fungi, to enhance their ability to produce specific proteins. This could include introducing genes that encode for the target protein or manipulating the organism's metabolic pathways to boost protein production.
- Such developments happening in the market, coupled with the market players' focus on innovations and developing new products with multiple application capabilities, are expected to further boost the market's growth during the forecast period.
Microbial Protein Market Trends
Increasing Demand for Alternative Protein Sources
- Changing dietary preferences among consumers is evident globally, and the low inclination toward meat and meat-based products is visible among European and North American consumers, which is creating significant demand for alternative protein sources like microbial protein. Similarly, the percentage of consumers becoming more flexitarian or vegan has paved great opportunities for manufacturers to introduce and innovate more in the plant protein segment.
- Additionally, the demand for alternative proteins is fueled by forces ranging from health concerns to climate action and the increasing awareness of ethical issues in factory farming due to increased meat consumption. Such factors have decreased meat consumption and, thus, created space for the market to grow. For instance, according to the Federal Agency of Agriculture and Food (Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung, BLE), in 2022, around 6.5 million tons of meat were consumed in Germany, which was a decrease compared to the year before in which almost 6.8 million tons of meat were consumed.
- Such a shift in consumer demand from animal protein to plant protein can significantly contribute to the rise of the alternative protein market, including microbial protein. With this growing room for the market, several companies and startups have been working on producing microbial proteins and incorporating them into various food products.
- For instance, in May 2023, Shanghai-based Changing Bio officially debuted the company's first line of alt dairy products made with a microbial protein derived from yeast. The company launched a new ChangingPRO line, including whipped cream and a low-fat parmesan powder high in protein and probiotics featuring the novel protein Kluvy mixed with plant-based ingredients. Such factors and developments are expected to drive and support the growth of the market during the forecast period.
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Asia-Pacific is The Fastest Growing Region
- Microbial protein was gaining attention and popularity in Asia, particularly in certain regions and industries. In the Asia-Pacific region, where population growth and rising demand for protein-rich foods pose significant challenges to food security and sustainability, microbial protein has been considered a potential solution. The region has seen increased interest in alternative protein sources due to concerns about environmental impact, animal welfare, and food safety.
- Notably, some countries in Asia have been early adopters of plant-based and alternative protein products, and microbial protein falls under this category. Similarly, food technology companies from various other countries and regions have been exploring the regional market and developing various microbial protein-based products, such as meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and protein supplements. They are focused on catering to the emerging market in the region and grabbing a major market share.
- For instance, in July 2023, Israeli food tech startup Nextferm, a developer of alternative yeast-based nutrients, inked an agreement for the commercial manufacturing of its fermented vegan protein in India. Nextferm announced that it aimed to produce a neutral-tasting yeast-based protein, 'ProteVin,' that was claimed to have similar nutritional value to animal-derived protein at a lower cost.
- Similarly, the company asserted that ProteVin can be used for various products in the alternative protein market, including milk and dairy substitutes, meat substitutes, and additional categories such as infant nutrition, adult nutrition, sports nutrition, and fruit drinks. Such developments happening in the region and products being launched with multiple application capabilities are expected to further boost the market's growth during the forecast period.
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Microbial Protein Industry Overview
The global microbial protein market is concentrated, with the top five companies occupying the major share of the market. The major players in this market are Algenol Biotech LLC, Corbion Biotech, Inc., ENOUGH (3F Bio Ltd.), Mycorena AB, and Roquette Frère (sorted alphabetically). The major strategies adopted by the players include expansions and acquisitions to establish their position in the market studied. Furthermore, different companies operating in the market have been partnering with various regional distributors to supply their products across their markets. Similarly, a few players are also focused on offering organic microbial protein ingredients to suit the growing demand for organic ingredients. Such offerings also aid in the growth of the market studied.
Microbial Protein Market Leaders
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Algenol Biotech LLC
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Corbion Biotech, Inc.
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ENOUGH (3F Bio Ltd.)
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Mycorena AB
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Roquette Frère
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Microbial Protein Market News
- May 2023: Changing Bio made a significant debut by launching its innovative microbial protein-based cream and cheese crafted from yeast. These groundbreaking products boast an extraordinary resemblance to traditional dairy in both taste and texture, yet they are entirely free from animal-derived ingredients.
- April 2023: Mycorena expanded the availability of its flagship product, Promyc, across numerous European countries through strategic collaborations with leading plant-based food companies. With the introduction of Mycolein, Mycorena is dedicated to broadening its portfolio of sustainable food solutions, thereby contributing to the burgeoning demand for healthier alternatives within the food industry.
- April 2021: Superbrewed Food made a noteworthy entrance into the market with its proprietary microbe-based protein. This remarkable innovation possesses the versatility to generate a diverse array of animal-free food products. Superbrewed Food's initial focus was on introducing a cost-effective line of dairy-free cheeses that are not only rich in protein but also dairy-free milk options, catering to health-conscious consumers.
Microbial Protein Industry Segmentation
Microbial protein refers to protein derived from microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, or algae.
The global microbial protein market is segmented based on protein type, end-user, and geography. Based on the protein type, the market is segmented as algae protein and mycoprotein. Based on the end-user, the market is segmented as food and beverages, and supplements. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done on the basis of value (in USD) and in volume terms (in tons) for all the above-mentioned segments.
| By Protein Type | Algae Protein | ||
| Mycoprotein | |||
| By End-User | Food and Beverages | Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products | |
| Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products | |||
| Supplements | Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition | ||
| Sport/Performance Nutrition | |||
| By Geography | Asia-Pacific | Australia | |
| China | |||
| India | |||
| Indonesia | |||
| Japan | |||
| Malaysia | |||
| New Zealand | |||
| South Korea | |||
| Thailand | |||
| Vietnam | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| Europe | France | ||
| Germany | |||
| Italy | |||
| United Kingdom | |||
| North America | Canada | ||
| Mexico | |||
| United States | |||
| Rest of North America | |||
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Microbial Protein Market Research FAQs
What is the current Global Microbial Protein Market size?
The Global Microbial Protein Market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.04% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in Global Microbial Protein Market?
Algenol Biotech LLC, Corbion Biotech, Inc., ENOUGH (3F Bio Ltd.), Mycorena AB and Roquette Frère are the major companies operating in the Global Microbial Protein Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Global Microbial Protein Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Global Microbial Protein Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Global Microbial Protein Market.
What years does this Global Microbial Protein Market cover?
The report covers the Global Microbial Protein Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Global Microbial Protein Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Microbial Protein Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Microbial Protein market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Microbial Protein analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
