Protein ingredients market size, industry trends, regional outlook, company share and segment forecasts, 2014 to 2020

Health benefits and nutritional content of protein ingredients, with its essential functional properties make it a vital constituent of the human body. They assist in maintaining muscles, losing fat and promote proper healing of body. The human body requires 13 essential amino acids that form the building blocks of proteins. However, the human body is unable to produce nine of these amino acids and thereby they must be obtained through other food sources, essentially called protein supplements. Two major sources of protein are animal source (dairy proteins) and plant source (soy proteins). Dairy proteins are derived from sources such as fish, milk, gelatin, egg and meat, and soy proteins are derived from sources such as rice, soy, wheat, canola, pea etc. Concentrates, isolates and hydrolysates are types of proteins obtained from milk and soy with isolates having maximum protein content.

Presently, the protein ingredient market is one of the fastest growing markets. In addition, scientific research indicates that intake of protein supplements has many health benefits that help keep the body fit, which has been a key driver for market growth. Besides, prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes etc, along with consumer awareness for dietary supplements and functional foods has played an indispensable role in recent market development. On the other hand, sensitivity towards wheat glucan in the U.S. and unattractive prices has negatively impacted the egg protein market, owing to which plant and dairy proteins are expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years. However, fluctuating price of protein ingredients is expected to hamper market development. Another challenge is the imbalance in supply of protein grains, resulting in volatile soya bean prices that affect the cost of production of protein ingredients, and adversely affect production.

Soybeans are vegetable foods with all eight amino acids, necessary for human body growth. Isolates of soy protein which are a refined form of soy have 90% protein content, and accounted for a considerable percentage of overall soy protein ingredient demand in 2013. In addition, soy being edible has a subtle amount of cholesterol and saturated fats which has resulted in growing demand and high consumption globally. However, owing to allergenic potential in human body, it has less utilization. Apart from soy proteins, whey proteins, milk proteins and casein are other highly consumed dairy proteins.

The largest consumer of protein ingredients has been the food and beverage industry closely followed by infant formulation applications. Other important applications include cosmetics, animal feed and personal care. Furthermore, rising demand for functional food in developed countries has had a positive impact on the market.

Growing consumer awareness regarding health benefits has been instrumental in market growth, Europe being the largest regional market in terms of global demand. Asia Pacific is expected to grow on account of growing exports and domestic demand.

Grand View Research has recently published a detailed report titled "Protein Ingredients Market Analysis By Product [Plant (Wheat, Soy Concentrates), Animal (Egg, Milk Concentrates)] By Application (Food & Beverages, Infant Formulations, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Animal Feed), And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025". This market research report provides complete estimate and forecast for major market segments on the basis of products, applications and regions. The report also contains detailed industry trends, market dynamics, drivers, restraints and key opportunities. In-depth market analysis such as Porter’s five force model, PESTEL, opportunity prioritization and comprehensive competitive landscape including detailed profiles of top companies are included in the report.