Microbial Transglutaminase Market

Market Overview

The global microbial transglutaminase market size was valued at USD 108.94 million in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 246.57 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period (2022-2030).

Microbial transglutaminase is an enzyme, which is widely used in food processing industry to improve food quality and extended shelf life. In the last decade, novel applications of transglutaminase have emerged in tissue engineering, textiles & leather processing and other applications. Growing demand of microbial transglutaminase in improving food flavor, appearance and texture has benefited the growth of the market. In many countries, food processing sector is a prime contributor to the economy. Increasing demand of meat, fish and bakery products are positively impacting the growth of the market.

The discovery of microbial transglutaminase-producing strains has revolutionized applications in the food processing industry. Various food sectors such as meat, fish, dairy, and bakery drive the demand for transglutaminase due to its easy availability and cost-efficiency. In the milk industry, it is used to improve the texture of milk and increase output by 15–25%. The dairy industry is a big contributor to market growth; around 600 million tonnes of milk is produced every year, as per the FAO.

The high cost of manufacturing transglutaminase of animal origin has encouraged scientists to search for new sources (such as plants and microorganisms) of this enzyme. As a result, the R&D of transglutaminase production from microorganisms has garnered significant interest. An enzyme of microbial origin is now commonly used for food treatment and has been shown to improve food flavor, appearance, and texture.

Regional Analysis

Regionally, the global market is segmented into Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East, and Africa.

North America microbial transglutaminase market is witnessing exponential growth as a result of rapidly expanding food processing and dairy industries. In the last few decades, the U.S. and Canada have experienced a significant change in food preferences. Americans prefer more meat in their daily intake to fulfill the protein and vitamin demands. After the dairy crisis in 2009, the North America dairy industry has managed to recover to a great extent and is likely to continue witnessing significant growth in the coming years. From the last decade, the U.S. has constantly been supplying dairy products to China, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Canada, Mexico, and other countries.

Europe is expected to account for significant share of the global market with growing dairy products sector in the region.

Asia Pacific is expected to account for largest share of the market with fastest growth. Asia Pacific is the global hub for textile, dairy products, and the food processing industry, and China has the largest textile industry followed by Bangladesh. The food processing industry is growing significantly in China and India. However, China is struggling in the food processing market after the outbreak of African swine fever, which has infected more than 150–200 million swine across China, reducing China’s pork production by over 35% in 2019. On the other hand, the Indian food processing industry is poised to experience high growth with increased demand for pork and buffalo meat across the globe.

Middle East is expected to account for relatively low share of the global market due to dependence of region on imported meat and food products.

Africa is expected to account for least share of the global microbial transglutaminase market. Meat, poultry, and seafood value chain are currently facing challenges. Poultry and pork and subsequently, meat processing industries in Africa are under tremendous pressure because of low-cost imports. In addition, lack of veterinary protocols and regulations and lapse in the trade agreements with several countries have increased, which is further limiting the international market growth.

Segmental Analysis

Global microbial transglutaminase market is segmented by source, application, and region.

Based on source, the market is segmented into Streptomyces Mobaraense, Streptoverticillium Griseocarneum, Streptoverticillium Hygroscopicus, and other sources. Streptomyces Mobaraense segment is expected to account for largest share among source. The market has witnessed a significant surge in the prices of transglutaminase obtained from animal tissues due to complicated downstream procedures. This has compelled different players to look for alternative sources like microorganisms including Streptomyces mobaraense, Streptoverticillium griseocarneum, and Streptoverticillium hygroscopicus, among others. It has been found that the microbial transglutaminase can improve texture, appearance, and food flavor. Apart from this, it can improve shelf life of certain foods and reduce their allergenicity.

With the rapidly expanding end uses, the demand for microbial transglutaminase also increased across the globe. To cater to the constantly growing demand, players left with nothing but genetic engineering and bioengineering to bridge the demand and supply gap. Today, many manufacturers are opting for Streptomyces mobaraense strain because the transglutaminase obtained from it, is simple for separation and purification. On top of that, it is proven to be a cost-effective way to obtain high yield.

Based on application, the market is segmented into Food Processing Industry, Bakery Products, Dairy Products, Textile, and Other Applications.