Global Algae Protein Market Size, Share & Industry Trends Analysis Report By Type (Microalgae and Macroalgae), By Source (Freshwater and Marine), By Application (Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Human Food), By Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2022 - 2028
The Global Algae Protein Market size is expected to reach $4.4 billion by 2028, rising at a market growth of 8.1% CAGR during the forecast period.
Algae are considered an alternate and sustainable source of protein due to their high protein content. With millions of species available, businesses are beginning to employ algae as a source of protein for both people and animals. Green and blue-green algae contain between 40 and 60 percent protein and provide excellent amino acid purity and nutritional advantages.
As algae are easy to grow and manage, it is now being studied as a possible source of protein by several firms. After extraction, these sources of high-protein algae can be utilized for several purposes. One of the benefits of this kind of protein is that it does not require land for production and can be cultivated in quality-controlled aquatic habitats, such as ponds.
Compared to traditional sources of animal proteins that largely contribute to climate change, it is a sustainable protein source. Diverse acidic, alkaline, and aqueous procedures are used to extract the seaweed and microalgae proteins from the algae. Multiple rounds of centrifugation are then followed by additional rounds of filtration process or precipitation to achieve the algal protein content.
While this is the standard way of manufacture, various techniques, such as ultrasonic extraction, electromagnetic current, and microwave-assisted withdrawal, have been evaluated. The proteins from algae can then be utilized for human and animal nutrition, in addition to aquaculture.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
Reduced agricultural productivity, which disrupts the raw material supply, labor shortages in industrial facilities, and distribution system disruptions have affected supply chains. Due to the global lockdown, several commercial algae production and processing facilities were stopped or operating at a reduced capacity, which drastically affected global production. Nonetheless, some study indicates that algae-derived nutraceuticals may serve as immune boosters against COVID-19 and other viral diseases. Consequently, the increasing popularity of algae nutraceuticals, particularly spirulina-based products, has raised consumer demand, which would contributed to the industry's growth throughout the pandemic.
Market Growth Factors
Awareness Of The Health Advantages Of Omega-3 Among Consumers
According to the Global Organization for EPA and DHA (GOED), omega-3 is the most studied nutrition in the world, with over 8,000 clinical trials done in the last decade. On the market, omega – 3 is best recognized as a product derived from algae. The expansion of the algae products market has been propelled by the global increase in healthcare expenditures, as well as the rising prevalence and consumer awareness of omega-3 for preventative healthcare.
Demand Expansion In The Pharmaceutical Sector
Antimicrobials, antivirals, therapeutic proteins, medicines, and antifungals are among the possible pharmacological applications of algae. Polyphenols, phycobiliproteins, and vitamins are examples of potent water-soluble antioxidants found in algae. By inducing premalignant lesions to retreat, antioxidants limit the progression of cancer. Polyphenols, phycobiliproteins, and vitamins are the most effective water-soluble antioxidants found in algae. Antioxidants limit the progression of cancer by triggering the regression of precancerous lesions.
Market Restraining Factors
Digestibility Issues With Algae Protein
The high quantities of cell wall anionic polysaccharides can bind to proteins and form a viscous media, so compounding the difficulties of protein extraction is one of the most significant obstacles associated with protein extraction from algae. It has been proposed that the morphology of various seaweed species is a significant role in determining protein output, with more robust thallus forms requiring more processing. Several brown algae species were observed to have lower in vitro digestibility (51.8%–57.1%) compared to red algae P. palmata and P. tenera, which was attributed to higher quantities of dietary fiber.
Type Outlook
Based on the Type, the Algae Protein Market is segmented into Microalgae and Macroalgae. The microalgae segment acquired the highest revenue share in the algae protein market in 2021. It is because Astaxanthin, Vitamins A, C, E, H, B1, B2, B6, and B12, polysaccharides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and carotene are abundant in microalgae. Seaweed, also known as macroalgae, is a significant source of critical nutrients and new bioactive compounds. Red and brown seaweeds are rich in vital fatty acids and a range of elements, including vitamins, proteins, and minerals.
Source Outlook
By Source, the Algae Protein Market is classified into Freshwater and Marine. The marine segment revenue registered a significant share in the algae protein market in 2021. Traditionally, marine algae, also known as seaweed, are consumed by humans, particularly in Asian nations such as South Korea and Japan. It is typically used as an ingredient or a side dish in a variety of meals and soups. Some types of seaweed are known to have comparable amounts of protein to other protein sources, such as soy, egg, milk, and meat.
Application Outlook
Based on the Application, the Algae Protein Market is bifurcated into Dietary Supplements, Human Food, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, and Others. The human food segment witnessed a substantial revenue share in the algae protein market in 2021. The beneficial qualities of algae protein, such as reducing allergies, staying stable at low temperatures, and adding fiber, should improve product demand. The need for processed food products is being pushed by a growing working population, increased urbanization, and population expansion; these factors should have a positive impact on the growth of the algal protein market.
Regional Outlook
Region-wise, the Algae Protein Market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. The North America segment procured a significant revenue share in the algae protein market in 2021. Dietary supplements and food are the leading application sectors in the North American market, which may be due to the increased interest in fitness among consumers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In addition, it is projected that the developing aquaculture industry would raise demand for the product throughout the projection period.
The market research report covers the analysis of key stake holders of the market. Key companies profiled in the report include Cyanotech Corporation, E.I.D. Parry Limited (Murugappa Group), Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems, LLC (The Clorox Company), Corbion N.V., DIC Corporation, NOW Foods, Inc., ENERGYbits, Inc., Vimergy LLC, and Far East Microalgae Industries, Co., Ltd.
Scope of the Study
Market Segments covered in the Report:
By Type
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