Single Cell Protein Market Introduction

Single-cell protein (SCP) refers to a type of protein that is derived from microbial cells, such as bacteria, yeast, fungi, and algae. These microorganisms are grown on a range of renewable feedstocks, including agricultural waste, industrial byproducts, and wastewater, in a process known as fermentation. The resulting SCP is a high-quality, sustainable protein source that can be used as an alternative to traditional protein sources, such as meat and soy.SCP has a range of potential applications, including animal feed, aquaculture, food ingredients, and functional foods. SCP is particularly attractive as an animal feed source, as it has a high protein content, is rich in essential amino acids, and is easy to digest. It also has a low environmental impact, as it can be produced using waste streams that would otherwise be discarded.SCP is a relatively new and emerging market, but it has the potential to become an important component of the sustainable food system, particularly as concerns about the environmental impact of conventional protein sources continue to grow.

Single Cell Protein Market Size

The global single-cell protein market size was valued at USD 800 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8% from 2021 to 2028. The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing demand for protein-rich food and feed, rising concerns regarding food security, and the need for sustainable protein sources to support the growing population.Single-cell protein (SCP) is a high-quality protein source produced from microbial cells such as yeast, bacteria, and fungi. SCP can be used as a substitute for traditional protein sources such as soybean, wheat, and corn in animal feed and aquaculture feed, and as a functional ingredient in food products. With the growing demand for protein-rich food and feed, the demand for SCP is expected to increase in the coming years, driving the growth of the market.

Single Cell Protein Market Share

The single-cell protein (SCP) market is still in its early stages and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to a report by Meticulous Research, the global SCP market was valued at $925.2 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $3.3 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% from 2020 to 2027.The animal feed segment is expected to be the largest application segment for SCP, accounting for more than 60% of the market share in 2020. This is due to the high demand for sustainable protein sources in the animal feed industry, particularly in aquaculture and poultry production. The food and beverages segment is also expected to grow significantly, driven by increasing demand for plant-based protein sources and alternative meat products.Geographically, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the largest market for SCP, accounting for more than 35% of the market share in 2020. This is due to the increasing demand for animal feed and food products in the region, as well as the presence of a large number of SCP manufacturers. North America and Europe are also expected to be significant markets for SCP, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and plant-based protein sources.Key players in the SCP market include companies such as Novozymes, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Alltech, Inc., Unibio, Inc., and Lallemand, Inc. These companies are investing in research and development to improve the efficiency and scalability of SCP production, as well as expanding their global presence through strategic partnerships and collaborations.

Single Cell Protein Market Trends

Here are some of the key trends in the global single-cell protein market:

Growing Demand for Alternative Protein Sources: With the increasing demand for protein-rich food and feed, there is a growing need for alternative protein sources that are sustainable, affordable, and can meet the nutritional requirements of animals and humans. Single-cell protein is emerging as a viable alternative protein source, as it is produced using microbial cells, which are highly efficient in converting nutrients into protein.

Increasing Use of Single-Cell Protein in Aquaculture Feed: Single-cell protein is finding increasing use in aquaculture feed, as it is a sustainable and affordable protein source that can meet the nutritional requirements of fish and other aquatic animals. The use of single-cell protein in aquaculture feed can also help reduce the pressure on wild fish stocks and support the growth of sustainable aquaculture.

Growing Interest in Plant-Based Single-Cell Protein: With the rise of plant-based diets, there is a growing interest in developing plant-based single-cell protein, which can serve as a sustainable and environmentally friendly protein source for humans and animals. Several startups and research organizations are working on developing plant-based single-cell protein using microorganisms such as fungi and algae.

Increasing Investment in Research and Development: With the growing demand for single-cell protein, several companies and research organizations are investing in research and development to develop new and innovative production methods, improve the nutritional profile of single-cell protein, and develop new applications for single-cell protein.

Emergence of Novel Applications for Single-Cell Protein: Single-cell protein is finding new applications in the food and feed industry, such as in the production of meat alternatives, functional foods, and pet food. With the growing interest in alternative protein sources and sustainable food production, the potential applications for single-cell protein are expected to expand in the coming years.

Single Cell Protein Market Driving Factors

There are several driving factors behind the growth of the single-cell protein (SCP) market, including:

Rising demand for sustainable protein sources: SCP is a sustainable protein source that can be produced using renewable feedstocks, such as agricultural waste, industrial byproducts, and wastewater. As concerns about the environmental impact of conventional protein sources, such as meat and soy, continue to grow, there is increasing demand for sustainable protein alternatives.

Increasing demand for animal feed: The animal feed industry is the largest market for SCP, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and high-quality protein sources in the aquaculture and poultry production sectors.

Growing population and increasing food demand: As the global population continues to grow, there is increasing demand for food products. SCP can provide a sustainable and efficient protein source to meet this growing demand.

Advancements in biotechnology and fermentation: The development of new biotechnologies and fermentation processes has made SCP production more efficient and cost-effective, allowing for greater scalability and commercial viability.

Growing demand for plant-based protein sources: The demand for plant-based protein sources is increasing, particularly in developed countries where consumers are seeking out alternative meat products. SCP can be used as an ingredient in plant-based meat products, providing a sustainable and nutritious protein source.

Supportive regulatory frameworks: Governments and regulatory bodies are providing support and incentives for the development of sustainable protein sources, including SCP, which is driving investment and innovation in the industry.

Single Cell Protein Market Regional Analysis

Here is a regional analysis of the global single-cell protein market:

North America: North America is one of the largest markets for single-cell protein, driven by the growing demand for protein-rich food and feed, increasing focus on sustainable protein sources, and the presence of several key players in the region. The United States is the largest market for single-cell protein in North America, accounting for a significant share of the regional market.

Europe: Europe is another significant market for single-cell protein, driven by the increasing demand for alternative protein sources, rising concerns regarding food security, and the need for sustainable protein sources to support the growing population. The market in Europe is dominated by countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market for single-cell protein, driven by the increasing demand for protein-rich food and feed, rising concerns regarding food security, and the growing population in the region. The market in Asia-Pacific is dominated by countries such as China, India, and Japan, which are also significant producers of single-cell protein.

Rest of the World: The rest of the world, including regions such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, is also expected to offer significant growth opportunities for the single-cell protein market. The growth in these regions can be attributed to the increasing demand for protein-rich food and feed, rising concerns regarding food security, and the need for sustainable protein sources to support the growing population.

Single Cell Protein Market Forecasts 2030 

The global single-cell protein (SCP) market is expected to reach $3.3 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% from 2020 to 2027. Looking ahead to 2030, the SCP market is expected to continue to grow, driven by the following factors:

Increasing demand for sustainable protein sources: The demand for sustainable protein sources is expected to continue to grow, driven by increasing concerns about the environmental impact of conventional protein sources, as well as rising awareness of the health benefits of plant-based diets.

Growing demand for animal feed: The animal feed industry is expected to remain the largest market for SCP, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and high-quality protein sources in the aquaculture and poultry production sectors.

Technological advancements in SCP production: Advances in biotechnology and fermentation processes are expected to continue to drive improvements in SCP production efficiency and scalability, making it more cost-effective and commercially viable.

Increasing demand for plant-based protein sources: The demand for plant-based protein sources is expected to continue to grow, particularly in developed countries where consumers are seeking out alternative meat products.

Supportive regulatory frameworks: Governments and regulatory bodies are expected to continue to provide support and incentives for the development of sustainable protein sources, including SCP, driving investment and innovation in the industry.Based on these factors, it is likely that the SCP market will continue to experience strong growth in the coming years, reaching a market size of several billion dollars by 2030. However, the exact growth trajectory will depend on various factors such as consumer demand, regulatory policies, and technological advancements.

Single Cell Protein Market Key Industry Players

Here are some of the key industry players in the global single-cell protein market:

Archer Daniels Midland Company: ADM is one of the leading players in the global single-cell protein market. The company produces single-cell protein from corn and wheat for use in animal feed and pet food.

Lallemand Inc.: Lallemand is a global leader in the production of yeast and other microorganisms for various applications, including the production of single-cell protein. The company offers a range of single-cell protein products for use in animal feed and aquaculture.

DSM: DSM is a global leader in the production of nutritional and specialty ingredients for various applications, including the production of single-cell protein. The company offers a range of single-cell protein products under its Balancius brand for use in animal feed and aquaculture.

Novozymes: Novozymes is a global leader in the production of enzymes and microorganisms for various applications, including the production of single-cell protein. The company offers a range of single-cell protein products for use in animal feed and aquaculture.

Unibio: Unibio is a Danish biotech company that produces single-cell protein from methane gas using a proprietary fermentation process. The company offers a range of single-cell protein products for use in animal feed and aquaculture.

Algama Foods: Algama Foods is a French food tech company that produces plant-based single-cell protein using microalgae. The company offers a range of plant-based protein products, including meat alternatives, under its Algama brand.

Solar Foods: Solar Foods is a Finnish food tech company that produces single-cell protein using a proprietary fermentation process that utilizes CO2 and renewable energy. The company offers a range of protein products, including meat alternatives, under its Solein brand.