Protease Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Source (Plant, Animal, Microbial), By Type (Papain, Trypsin, Serine, Casein, Alkaline Protease, Others (Chymotrypsin, bromelain)), By Application (Food and Beverages, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals) and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The protease is an enzyme, also known as peptidase, which performs the proteolysis of proteins into smaller polypeptides. Proteases are naturally found in animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. There are several types of proteases depending on their various source types, such as papain, bromelain, ficain, and pepsin. The bacterial and fungal sources of proteases are genetically modified by deletion or insertion of genes to enhance its performance, thereby improving the protease quality. These process optimization techniques, coupled with increased demand, have propelled the global protease market.

The proteases such as bromelain and papain are majorly utilized in food products, owing to its flavor and texture enhancement properties. Proteases are incorporated into food products to improve their nutritional value, solubility, and digestibility of food proteins. They modify the functional possessions, coagulation, texture, and emulsification of food products. The proteases are extensively used in the bakery for the production of bread, and other baked foods as it reduces the mixing time and regulates the gluten strength. Thus, the broad utility of proteases in the bakery has fuelled its global protease industry.

Key Market Driver -

Diverse Application In Food and Beverages

Key Market Restraint -

Lack of Plant and Animal Proteases Availability

The growing demand for meat, alcoholic beverages, and dairy products has driven the global protease market. The incorporation of protease in beer aids in improving its clarification and malting thus, fuelling its demand in the alcoholic beverages market. The non-food application of proteases such as in pharmaceuticals and detergents sector has also strengthened its market presence.However, the extraction procedures for proteases from the microbes are relatively costlier and time-consuming, which is also a constraint for protease market growth.

Key Players Covered:

• ABF Ingredients


• Ei DuPont de Nemours and co.


• Koninklijke DSM N.V.


• Novozymes A/S.


• Advanced Enzyme Technologies Limited


• Merck KGaA


• Noor Enzymes Pvt Ltd.


• Amano Enzyme USA Co. Ltd.


• Biocatalysts Ltd.


• BIO-CAT


• Chr. Hansen Holdings A/S

The prominent protease source is from the micro-organisms like Aspergillus niger as it is easily procurable and feasible for use. Papain leads among the other types due to its health benefits such as boosting digestion, acting as an antioxidant, and relatively being more heat resistant. Alkaline protease has a significant application in the soap and detergent industry. The ability of proteases to improve brewing, tenderization of meat, coagulation of milk and as a digestive aid, has led to broadened application spectrum within food and beverages industry.

Regional Analysis:

The Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing protease market driven by the urbanization and growing disposable income of the consumers. The increasing demand for processed foods and the animal feed industry is positively affecting the market. The detergent and pharmaceutical industries are growing, and their incorporation of protease enzymes in the products is fuelling the market expansion in the region.

North America is the leading market for the protease enzymes because of the growing consumer awareness about vegan and gluten-free products. The escalated demand for meat and fortified foods, especially in the U.S., has spurred the protease market. The presence of key players in the region like E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company has also supported the protease market growth.

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Europe is witnessing significant growth in the protease market due to the increased consumption of dietary supplements and alcoholic beverages. The rising health and fitness trend of consumers have led to the vast consumption of dietary supplements. The presence of prominent bakery industries and witnessing consumers demand for bakery products have favourably aided in the protease industry growth.

Protease Market Segmentation Analysis

Key Industry Developments

•  In January 2020, Specialist Supplements, a UK health food company launched GreeNourish complete an organic superfood blend. It is a vegan superfood consisting of bromelain, papain and other nutrients to improve health and body function at cellular level.