Protective Cultures Market 2023 – Market Size & Segments Analysis, Industry Trends, Manufacturers Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast 2030

The global market value of the protective culture market was valued at USD 105.1 million in 2022, and a CAGR of 10.8% is expected during the forecast period. Protective cultures are bacteria that are used as food additives to inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms and are used in dairy and meat products to enhance their shelf life. Increasing investment by food and beverage manufacturers is also investing in protective cultures in response to consumer demand for organic food and beverages. Increasing demand for dairy products all over the world is driving market growth. Increasing demand for protective cultures in North America and Europe is driving the growth of the market.

Impact of Covid-19

COVID-19 had badly impacted the protective culture market due to disruption in the supply chain, stringent lockdown conditions, and physical distancing. Due to COVID-19, the priorities of people changed; people shifted towards essential goods only, and this factor had badly affected the market. A shift in food industry priorities was also the reason behind the decline in the industry. Initially, there was a surge in demand for packaged food, leading to increased use of protective cultures in food production to enhance shelf life and safety. Economic uncertainties and fluctuations in raw material availability affected the market dynamics. Increasing demand for processed food is driving growth in the market during the forecast period.

Growth Drivers

The increasing use of dairy products and meat is driving the growth of the protective culture market. Increasing awareness about food preservation, consumer demand for natural and clean-label products, advancements in food safety regulations, and the rising preference for extending the shelf life of food products without synthetic additives are driving the market towards a new height. The expanding applications of protective cultures in various industries, such as dairy, meat, and beverages, contribute significantly to market growth. With rising concerns about foodborne illness, there is a growing interest in protective culture as a safe alternative to synthetic preservatives, contributing to market growth.

Ongoing technical advancements in biotechnology and microbiology are driving the growth of the market. Enhanced shelf life and maintenance of food quality due to protective cultures appeal to both manufacturers and consumers, boosting their use in various food products. Favorable regulations are supporting the use of protective cultures, as safe food additives encourage their adoption by food manufacturers. Increasing demand for minimally processed food is driving growth in the market.

Increasing awareness among people about food hygiene and food preservation is driving the growth of the market significantly. Collaborations between food manufacturers and suppliers of protective cultures help innovate and expand the use of these cultures in diverse food products. Ongoing research and development efforts to improve strains of protective cultures and their protection methods contribute to market expansion.

Segmentation

Product form

·         Freeze dried

·         Frozen

Microorganism type

·         Yeast

·         Molds

·         Bacteria

Applications

·         Dairy Products

·         Meat

·         Poultry

·         Seafood Products

Regional Outlook

·         Asia Pacific

·         North America

·         Europe

·         Latin America

·         Middle East and Africa

Protective Cultures Market Application Segmentation

On the basis of the application, the protective culture market is segmented into dairy products, meat, poultry, and seafood products. Dairy products are the leading segment. These are extensively used in cheese and yogurt production to prevent spoilage and enhance shelf life. Meat and seafood are another leading segment that is employed to maintain freshness and inhibit harmful bacteria in processed meats and seafood products. Beverages are utilized in fermented beverages like wine and beer to control undesirable microorganisms. Bakery and confectionary products help extend the shelf life of baked goods by inhibiting mold growth. Fruits and vegetables are applied to maintain freshness and quality. Increasing demand for it in ready-to-eat meals, sauces, dressings, and more where preservation and shelf life are critical factors. Increasing demand for it in seafood products is also witnessing moderate growth during the forecast period.

Protective Cultures Market Microorganism Type Segmentation

On the basis of microorganism type, the protective culture market is segmented into yeast, molds, and bacteria. Bacteria are the leading segment in the protective culture market. Lactic acid bacteria are the leading segment and are supposed to drive growth during the forecast period. Increasing use of these bacteria due to their versatility in food applications, their ability to inhibit spoilage organisms, and their ability to produce quality and safety in various food products is driving the growth of the market significantly. Certain yeast strains, like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are employed in fermentation processes to enhance product quality and shelf life. Specific mold strains, like penicillium, are utilized in cheese production to impart distinct flavors and prevent spoilage. Some markets include other specialized microorganisms or combinations tailored for specific applications, contributing to preservation and food quality.

Regional Outlook

On the basis of regions, the protective cultures market is segmented into 5 regions: Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Increasing demand for food preservation is driving the growth of the market. Europe, including countries like Germany, Russia, France, Greece, Italy, England, and Denmark, is dominating the world of protective culture due to stringent food safety regulations in these countries. Increasing awareness about food hygiene is driving the market to new heights. Expanding the food industry and raising awareness about food quality are driving growth in the Asia-Pacific region, including countries like India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Increasing demand for packaged food in the market is also driving growth in the markets in the Middle East and Africa. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are the leading markets in the region.

Latin America, including countries like Brazil and Argentina, is witnessing moderate growth during the forecast period due to rising awareness about food safety. Increasing demand for packaged and processed foods is driving growth in the world market during the forecast period. This market is yet to see its peak due to increasing trend of packaged, and processed food.

Key Players

·         Chr Hansen

·         Dupont

·         Sacco. S.R.L.

·         CSK Food Enrichment B.V.

·         THT S.A.

·         Dalton Biotechnologies

·         Biochem S.R.L

·         Meat Cracks Technology GmbH

·         Royal DSM N.V.

·         Bioprox

·         Other Players