Food allergen testing involves detecting potentially harmful food proteins such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish in various food products. It helps food manufacturers prevent product recalls and ensures food safety compliance. Advance food allergen testing technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunoassay and mass spectrometry are widely used in food testing laboratories for allergen identification and quantification at trace levels. Food processors employ these testing methods to identify the presence of allergens in raw materials and finished food products.
The global food allergen testing market is estimated to be valued at US$ 957.88 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics:
The food allergen testing market growth is majorly driven by growing awareness about food safety and stringent regulations regarding food labeling across various countries. According to a survey conducted by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) in 2018, over 50 million Americans suffer from food allergies. Moreover, prevalence of food allergies has increased by 50% over past decade. The growing number of consumers suffering from food allergies has pushed food manufacturers to adopt advanced testing methods to prevent allergen cross-contamination in food products. Furthermore, regulatory bodies have framed stringent norms mandating food companies to test for allergens and maintain trace level declarations on food labels. For instance, European Union has made it compulsory for food manufacturers to declare if a product contains any of the top 14 allergens as an ingredient or if it has been produced in a facility handling those allergens. Such stringent labeling regulations promote adoption of testing technologies, thereby driving market growth.
Segment Analysis
The global food allergen testing market is dominated by the peanut & soy sub-segment. Around 30% of food allergies are caused due to peanuts and soy is among the top 8 allergens. Stringent regulations regarding identifying major allergens in food products have resulted in rising testing of these substances. The lactose sub-segment is also prominent as a large section of the global population suffers from lactose intolerance.
PEST Analysis
Political: Stringent food safety regulations in regions like Europe and North America regarding labeling major allergens are driving large food companies to extensively test for allergens. Various awareness campaigns by food authorities are also boosting the market.
Economic: Rising disposable incomes in developing nations are propelling the demand for packaged and ready-to-eat foods which require allergen testing. However, high costs of allergen testing equipment remains a challenge.
Social: Growing health consciousness among people and increasing rates of food allergies globally are key factors. Around 220-250 million people globally suffer from food allergies.
Technological: Advancements like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have accelerated test results. Real-time PCR provides detection of small traces within 24 hours with high accuracy.
Key Takeaways
The Global Food Allergen Testing Market Growth is estimated to be valued at US$ 957.88 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
North America dominated over 40% of the global market share in 2024 owing to the widespread presence of major food companies and strict regulations regarding allergens in the region. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to be the fastest growing market due to rising health awareness and expanding food processing industry in countries like China and India.
Key players operating in the food allergen testing market are Fable & Mane, Henkel AG, Procter & Gamble Co., Unilever Corporation, Kao Corporation, Aveda Corporation, and Avon Products Inc. Key players are focusing on increasing their presence in emerging nations and launching advanced allergen detection kits. Rising investments in R&D are also expected to strengthen their market position.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
