Protective Cultures Market

Protective Cultures Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global protective cultures market recorded a CAGR 24.0% from 2018 to 2022 and expected to reach a valuation of around US$ 391.7 million in 2023. According to the study conducted by Persistence Market Research, global sales of protective cultures are predicted to increase at around 25.2% CAGR to reach a market size of US$ 3,706.7 million by the end of 2033.

The global protective cultures market, particularly in the food & beverages industry is generally marked by products used as substitute for artificial preservatives and thus promote healthy eating. Protective cultures for food & beverage products are manufactured and distributed by various bioscience companies, which develop natural solutions for food ingredients.

Bioscience companies operating in the global market are focused on developing protective cultures for the food & beverage industry to help them reach a growing health-conscious consumer base.

What are the Key Trends Driving the Demand for Protective Cultures?

“Increase in the Usage of Protective Cultures in Dairy and Meat Products”

Protective cultures, generally referred to as bacterial cultures, are used in meat and dairy products in order to extend their shelf life. The short shelf life of these food products has become a prime concern for the food and beverage industry, which is driving the use of protective cultures.

Protective cultures inhibit the growth of pathogens and other microbiological agents that cause food spoilage. Hence, the vitality and relevance of protective cultures is projected to have a vital role in boosting the growth of the protective cultures market.

• In 2020, Chr Hansen, a Danish bioscience company, launched new product FreshQ in the protective cultures market, especially for white cheese and yogurt applications. The product launched by Chr Hansen focuses on synthetic and artificial preservatives, which is used to increase the shelf life of yogurt and cheese products.

“Increase in Consumer Awareness Regarding the Usage of Artificial Preservatives in Food Products”

The use of artificial and chemical preservatives in order to increase the shelf life of various food products is not preferred by several food researchers and scientists. Since the use of protective cultures in food and beverage products naturally increases the shelf life of the products, many scientists consider the use of protective cultures as superior and safe.

Owing to this factor, protective cultures in food and beverages are projected to attract a huge consumer base over the forecast period. The growing dairy and meat products market is expected to boost the demand for protective cultures over the forecast period.

“Advancements in the Retail Sector are expected to boost the Growth of the Protective Cultures Market”

Growing retail sector and the increase of FDI have resulted in the opening of various hypermarkets, departmental stores, and retail outlets. Food products sold in these stores might have come from long distances and hence, it is very important to prevent the spoilage of these. This factor creates lucrative opportunities in the global protective cultures markets over the forecast period.

“Increase in the Consumption of Packaged and Processed Food among Consumers is expected to Create Demand for Protective Cultures”

The demand within the global market for food and beverage protective cultures has been rising on account of the growing popularity of packaged food. Peculiar eating habits and changing lifestyles of the masses have brought packaged and processed food under the spotlight recently. With the increase in demand for processed and packaged food, the global protective cultures market is anticipated to grow considerably over the forecast period.

“Growing Consumption of Fermented Food”

The fermentation process includes the use of microbes, to process sugar and starch in food and produce lactic acid in order to extend the shelf life of food products. Fermented products show an increased demand, especially from the Western markets. Fermented food products bring together mega-trends of eating natural and healthy food. The growing consumer awareness about the link between a healthy gut and overall wellness is driving the fermented food market. Protective cultures are used as natural means to prevent spoilage of fermented products like cheese, yogurt, and sausages, among others.

Country-wise Insights

What Makes Germany a Favorable Protective Cultures Market?

“Consumers are increasingly seeking for Label Before purchasing”

Germany accounts for around 18.1% of the Europe protective cultures market and is a rapidly growing market. The trend of clean-label products in the European market has enabled consumers to make food choices by reading ingredient labels. This trend has made a huge impact on consumer purchasing decisions, and even they are ready to pay premium pricing for products with ‘clean labels'.

However, the demand for protective cultures in Germany is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of around 20.5% during the forecast period.

What is the Demand Position of Protective Cultures in the United States?

“Increasing Demand of Natural Food Products”

The demand for protective cultures in the United States is anticipated to reach around US$ 88.9 million in 2023 and holds a market share of 88.3% in the North American marketplace. Owing to the increasing awareness of protective cultures among the young population, along with the higher demand of safe and natural in different food products.

Category-wise Insights

Which Form Holds the Prominent Value Share of the Global Protective Cultures Market?

“Increasing Demand of Freeze-dried form is Propelling the Market Growth”

The freeze-dried cultures segment is anticipated to hold the highest market value share of around 55.0% in 2023 in the global market. Due to the handling features and long-term storage, freeze-dried cultures continue to be preferred. Furthermore, the freeze-dried form is considered the most convenient form for their application in a variety of industries.

Why Application is expected to thrive the Global Protective Cultures Market?

“Growing Consumption of Dairy Products”

The global protective cultures market application segment is categorized into dairy products, meat & poultry products, seafood, and others. The dairy products is further segregated into cheese, yogurt & butter, and other dairy products. Also, others segment is further bifurcated into bakery & confectionaries, vegetable foods, beverages.

The dairy products application segment currently holds the leading market share of 52.7% in 2023 in the global market. This can be accredited to the growing consumption of dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and others. Furthermore, consumers prefer natural and healthy dairy products that can be consumed on the go and do not need to be refrigerated to stay fresh.

Competitive Dashboard

Companies are developing a new range of protective cultures value added with functional and organoleptic properties, especially for manufacturers of processed food products, dairy, and meat as well as bakery, confectionery, and others. In addition, protective cultures manufacturers are more focused on offering superior protective properties against various unwanted bacteria, yeast as well as molds, and also ensures that it offers better stability and enhanced flavor appeal. Furthermore, manufacturers are also targeted toward producing customized protective cultures, especially for the dairy industry.

• In 2020, Koninklijke DSM unveiled its new protective culture in its natural food protection solutions product portfolio. Delvo Guard eliminate the food waste in dairy and increases the shelf life of dairy products such as yogurt, fresh cheese, and sour cream.
• In October 2019, Dow DuPont launched its new dairy-free protective culture for plant-based fermented products. HOLDBAC line of protective cultures are renowned for their ability to prolong shelf life, ensure product quality by preventing yeast, and mold spoilage without the use of synthetic preservatives.
• In January 2019, Kerry Group PLC introduced its new non-GMO yeast named Acryleast as a natural solution for acrylamide reduction. This new product will have no impact on the taste or the texture of food products. The food industry is concerned about acrylamide's position as a potential carcinogen due to a growing body of research. As a result, the company has introduced non-GMO yeasts.
• Chr Hansen Holdings A/S acquired the assets of Austria-based supplier of animal rennet to the cheese industry, Österreichische Laberzeugung Hundsbichler GmbH. This acquisition will help in the expansion of its culture enzyme production and presence in the traditional segments of specialty cheese.

Protective Cultures Industry Report Scope

Protective Cultures Industry Research Segmentation

By Form:

• Freeze Dried
• Frozen  

By Target Organism:

• Yeast & Molds
• Bacteria

By Application:

• Dairy Products
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt & Butter
  • Other Dairy Products
• Meat & Poultry Products
• Seafood
• Others
  • Bakery & Confectionaries
  • Vegetable Foods
  • Beverages

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia & Pacific
• East Asia
• Middle East & Africa

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