Cysteine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Production Process (Natural, Synthetic), By Application (Conditioner, Flavor Enhancer, Reducing Agent, Human Insulin Production, Others), By End-Use Industry (Food and Dietary Supplement, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, Animal Feed, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2023-2031

Market Overview

The global cysteine market size was valued at USD 127.82 Million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 203.49 Million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.30% during the forecast period (2023-2031). One of the primary factors driving cysteine market growth is a significant increase in the pharmaceutical industry worldwide.

Cysteine is a semi-essential amino acid used to make proteins in the human body. It is essential in many biological processes and has applications in many industries. Cysteine is used as a food additive (E920). It functions as a dough conditioner, enhancing the texture and shelf life of baked items such as bread, buns, and pastries. It is extensively utilized in the manufacture of commercial bread.

The market is reaching and acquiring big numbers with amazing Cysteine market share due to the increasing demand for food and drinks and health care items. The Cysteine Market is driven by macroeconomic variables such as increased health awareness, improved customer health standards, and increased spending power. The Global Cysteine Market research provides a comprehensive analysis of the market. The research thoroughly examines major segments, trends, drivers, restraints, the competitive landscape, and significant factors in the market.

Market Dynamics

Market drivers

Increased consumption of processed foods

The global trend toward convenience foods and processed food consumption has been a primary driver of the cysteine industry. Cysteine is a food ingredient primarily used as a dough conditioner to improve the quality and texture of various baked foods. The food industry's need for Cysteine has increased as consumers want ready-to-eat and long-shelf-life products. 

Cysteine functions as a reducing agent, breaking down disulfide bonds in proteins and softening and elasticizing dough. This produces bread with increased texture, volume, and shelf life. According to United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data, global consumption of wheat-based products, including bread, has gradually increased. The use of Cysteine as an ingredient in bread and pastry manufacture has been pushed by consumer desires for bakery items with improved texture and longer shelf life. Consumption of processed and convenience foods has increased significantly in emerging nations such as China and India, driving up demand for Cysteine. The cysteine market trend continues to be critical as consumers seek convenience and high-quality products, resulting in a growing market for this amino acid in the food industry.

Market restraints

Price volatility

Price volatility in the cysteine market refers to changes in the cost of Cysteine caused by various variables. These variations can impact manufacturing costs, pricing strategies, and profitability for cysteine manufacturers and enterprises. Raw materials used in cysteine manufacture, such as human hair or animal feathers, might fluctuate in price depending on availability, demand, and geopolitical events. For example, a scarcity of ethically sourced raw resources can result in higher prices. 

According to historical pricing data, cysteine prices have fluctuated over the years due to various variables. Data from market analysis reports, for example, may show periodic spikes or dips in cysteine prices. Furthermore, research and development in cysteine production processes could result in cost-cutting advances. Data on production technology advances might indicate their possible impact on cysteine pricing. Cysteine industry stakeholders must actively monitor these issues and devise methods to limit the impact of price changes.

Market opportunity

Clean label and natural ingredients trend

As customers want clean labels and natural ingredients in their food, we can address this by supplying Cysteine derived from plant-based or fermentation processes. Some corporations have begun manufacturing Cysteine through microbe fermentation technologies or extracting it from plant sources such as corn. This plant-based Cysteine can be promoted as a natural and sustainable alternative to animal-derived Cysteine.

According to the Plant-Based Foods Association, plant-based food sales in the United States will reach USD 7.2 billion in 2020, indicating a 27% increase over the previous year. Businesses can get into the expanding demand for natural and clean label products by delivering Cysteine produced from plant-based or fermentation processes, coinciding with evolving customer expectations for transparency and sustainability in their food choices.

Regional Analysis

The global market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia pacific dominates the global market

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global Cysteine market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4% over the forecast period. The global market is expected to develop throughout the forecast period, owing to the growing bakery markets of significant nations such as China and India. China is the world's largest producer of L-cysteine. The traditional process of generating Cysteine from duck feathers and human hair is used in the country. The classic method involves boiling feathers or hair in powerful hydrochloric acid and activated carbon, followed by electrolysis. Cysteine availability is critical for the preparation of animal feed using lesser quantities of protein-rich source ingredients.

The animal feed industry in China is the largest in the world. According to the Ministry of Agriculture's 13th five-year plan (2016-2020), the country intends to raise production volume to 220 million metric tons by 2020. Several significant investments will be made in the coming years, which may boost market demand for Cysteine. Furthermore, China's bakery business has entered a phase of tremendous expansion. The country is expected to become the top baked goods producer and consumer.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period. Europe had a substantial market share. Russia produces the greatest feed-in in Europe, accounting for 43.5 million metric tonnes in 2021, followed by Germany, which produces 27 million metric tonnes. The region's feed additive manufacturing, such as Cysteine, is increasing due to rising feed output in the countries.

In recent years, meat consumption has surged in European countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. The rising use of animal feed additives containing a proportionate amount of prominent Cysteine such as lysine, methionine, and threonine for boosting animal growth performance is expected to drive the regional market. Furthermore, higher demand for high-quality meat and meat products is expected to stimulate the region's feed additives market, increasing cysteine consumption in the feed sector. 

North America is a significant marketplace. Cysteine Market insights demonstrate North America as a moderate market in terms of region. Various applications in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed drive the North American cysteine market. It is essential in various industries as a functional component, conditioner, flavor enhancer, and reducing agent. The market, which includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is a substantial sector of the global market. 

Moreover, cysteine is extensively utilized as a dough conditioner in making bread and baked goods in the United States. It increases dough elasticity, improves texture, and extends product shelf life. Furthermore, Cysteine is a taste enhancer in processed meat products, adding savory and umami qualities. This is particularly important in the meat-heavy North American diet. Furthermore, North American consumers want high-quality hair care products. Cysteine is a hair-strengthening and conditioning component found in shampoos, conditioners, and treatments.

Segmental Analysis

The global cysteine market is segmented based on the production process, application, end-use industry, and region.

The production process is further segmented into Natural and synthetic.

Synthetic process holds the major market share. Synthetic Cysteine is Cysteine that has been chemically produced in a laboratory or industrial setting. Chemical synthesis methods are commonly used to manufacture synthetic Cysteine. To make Cysteine, precise chemical ingredients must be combined. Synthetic Cysteine may be used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and culinary items. It offers a regulated and standardized source of Cysteine.

Furthermore, because synthetic Cysteine can be manufactured in a controlled and scalable manner, it is appropriate for large-scale production. The synthetic manufacturing process is projected to maintain its supremacy in the future. This is because synthetic Cysteine is less expensive, more efficient, and less harmful to the environment to make than natural Cysteine.

Natural Cysteine is derived from natural sources, usually through fermentation or plant-based extraction techniques. Natural Cysteine is consistent with the food and beverage industry's clean label and natural ingredients trends. Consumers who like products with minimum processing and natural sourcing often favor it.

The segment can be bifurcated by application into Conditioner, Flavor Enhancer, Reducing Agent, and Human Insulin Production.

Flavor Enhancer is a significant contributor to the market. Cysteine can be a flavor enhancer, improving specific foods' overall taste and scent. The increasing demand for processed foods and beverages is driving the expansion of the flavor enhancer industry. Flavor enhancers like Cysteine are commonly found in processed foods and beverages. The rising popularity of ethnic cuisines is also fueling demand for flavor enhancers. Cysteine-containing spices and herbs are frequently used in ethnic cuisines.

Cysteine is a conditioner in various industries, including food and cosmetics. This application uses it as a functional ingredient to improve product texture, quality, or appearance.

Based on the end-user industry, the market is sub-segmented into Food and Dietary Supplement, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, and Animal Feed.

Food and Dietary Supplements influenced the market growth. Cysteine is widely used in the food and dietary supplement industries to improve numerous products' quality and nutritional content. The increased demand for processed foods and beverages is driving the rise of the food and dietary supplement business. Cysteine levels in processed meals and beverages are frequently high. The increased popularity of ethnic cuisines is also boosting cysteine demand. Cysteine-containing spices and herbs are frequently used in ethnic cuisines.

Cysteine is used in the pharmaceutical industry to make a variety of pharmaceuticals, primarily as a reducing agent and stabilizer in synthesizing pharmaceutical compounds. Cysteine is found in various medicinal goods, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and cancer treatments. It's also utilized in the manufacture of human insulin.

Recent Developments

• September 2023- WACKER increased production of specialty silicone in China.
• June 2023- The Ajinomoto Group expands its global biopharmaceutical cell culture media business by acquiring sole ownership of Ajinomoto Genexine Co. Ltd., its Korean joint venture company.