Zein Protein Market Size, Share and Global Trend By Source Type (Conventional, Organic), Application (Food & Beverage Industry, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics, Coating Agents) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Zein Protein obtained from corn is of great importance for the food & beverage industry due to its advantageous features. Zein protein, being a plant protein, is one of the important alternatives for consumers looking for non-dairy or non-meat protein. The product has various application across different significant industries such as pharmaceutical, adhesives, cosmetics, and others, which is propelling the growth of the market. The hydrophobic, grease-proof, and tough coatings formed by zein protein is making the product more desirable commercially. 

Several key market players operating in global zein protein market are focusing on launching innovative coating products with the help of zein protein and expanding their distribution network to reach emerging regions, where the market has huge potential to grow. For instance, Flo Chemical appointed Thew Arnott for the distribution of its Flo Zein products in European countries. Zein Products, Archer Daniels Midland, and Glanbia Plc. are some of the prominent companies in the global zein protein market.

 Zein protein, found in corn, is a class of prolamine protein (they are rich in amino acid, prolin) that represents almost half the protein in maize/corn. The product is derived from corn gluten and is a water-soluble protein. The capacity of Zein and its resins to form tough coatings that can resist microbial attack is expected to fetch commercial desirability to the product.

Rising health concern and increasing consumer inclination towards plant-based protein is fueling the growth of zein protein market. Plant protein has potential health benefits, such as boosting metabolism and digestion, inducing weight loss, reducing calorie count, providing crucial vitamins and minerals,  and others. Intensifying consumer preference towards all-natural food products that employs plant-based ingredients in its manufacturing has led to wide utilization of zein protein to manufacture food ingredients, especially food coating agents.

Low adoption of zein protein across some developing regions, along with the high processing cost of zein protein is projected to restrain the growth of global zein protein market during the forecast period.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

Some of the key companies that are present in the global zein protein market include Burcon Nutrascience Corporation, Zein Products, Cargill Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Company, Penta International, Cosucra Groupe Warcoing, Glanbia Plc., DowDuPont, Ingredion Inc., and AGT Food & Ingredients. 

SEGMENTATION

By source, zein protein market is segmented into conventional and organic. The organic segment is projected to be growing significantly during the forecast period, owing to the rising demand for natural and organic ingredients. Gluten-free nature of zein protein is accepted to fetch it popularity as an all-natural ingredient which will further intensify the market demand for organic zein protein during the forecast years.

The application of zein protein in food & beverage is projected to be the highest in the forthcoming years; hence food & beverage segment is expected to dominate the global zein protein market. Increased adoption of zein protein as coating agents for chocolates, nuts, jelly bars, nut meats, dried fruits, and others due to their crucial food characteristics enhancing properties is expected to drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period. Furthermore, escalating demand for plant-based ingredients in food products is projected to drive the growth of the segment.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Europe, followed by North America is projected to hold the major market share during the forecast years, owing to its widening recognition as an efficient coating agent for food products. As compared to other plant-based coatings, zein protein is capable of enhancing the aroma, appearance, and texture of the food, hence it is getting great acceptance in the well-established food & beverage industry of Europe. Presence of key market players in North America and Europe is also expected to contribute in the growth of the regions in the forthcoming years.  The growing demand of plant-based ingredients and food products in the Asia Pacific due to rising awareness towards health benefits offered by them is projected to play a significant role in boosting the growth of zein protein market in the Asia Pacific.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In February 2018, Thew Arnott, a leading specialty ingredients company, launched a range of all-natural corn protein coatings, called Flo Zein, to cover dried fruits and nuts, in the Europe market.
• In November 2016, Thew Arnott launched vegan coatings for confectionery products under its range of AraTAs coatings. Zein protein is a major ingredient used in the formation of this vegan coating, and it is an alternative to Thew Arnott’s Shellac coatings