Press Release

Protective Cultures Market to Grow with a CAGR of 9.12% through 2028

Increasing demand for food with prolonged shelf life and increasing application of protected cultures in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries is expected to drive the Global Protective Cultures Market growth in the forecast period, 2024-2028.

According to TechSci Research report, Protective Cultures Market - Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018–2028F, the Global Protective Cultures Market stood at USD 222.01 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 9.12% in the forecast period, 2024-2028. The increasing demand for natural and clean-label products, customer preference for goods with extended shelf lives, and heightened consumer awareness of food safety and quality are the primary drivers of market revenue growth. To mitigate the growth of harmful bacteria, protective cultures are a type of microorganisms added to food products to enhance their shelf life and maintain their quality. Manufacturers are focusing on developing protective cultures derived from natural sources in response to the growing demand for natural and clean-label products, which further fuels market revenue growth. Protective cultures are also gaining popularity among producers as a long-term strategy to reduce food waste, prompting their adoption in the food and beverage industry. Moreover, the rising consumer concern regarding food safety and quality drives the demand for goods with prolonged shelf lives.

The necessity for protective cultures arises from their ability to provide a reliable and secure method of food preservation. Additionally, the potential of protective cultures to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses has led to their increased application in meat and poultry products, contributing to market revenue growth. The demand for food products with extended shelf lives is also propelled by the growth of e-commerce and the increasing popularity of online food delivery services. Protective cultures are gaining traction in the food delivery sector as they offer a secure and cost-effective alternative for food preservation. Furthermore, the demand for protective cultures, which enhance the flavor and texture of such products, is driven by the growing popularity of fermented dairy products. Another factor driving market revenue growth is the expanding application of protective cultures in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Protective cultures are used in the production of probiotic supplements and cosmetics to enhance their efficacy and shelf life. Additionally, their utilization is expanding in the pharmaceutical sector due to their ability to improve drug stability and prevent microbial contamination. However, market revenue growth is anticipated to be restrained during the forecast period due to the high cost associated with protective cultures. Furthermore, the adoption of protective microorganisms in food products may be limited in certain regions due to strict regulations governing their use.

Fermented and functional food and beverages are experiencing a surge in popularity in recent times. Protective cultures find application in a diverse range of fermented products, including cheese, yoghurts, sour cream, fermented vegetables, pickles, and fermented sausages. Hence, one of the key drivers for the growth of protective cultures is the increasing demand for fermented food products. Additionally, the rising consumer interest in clean-label and shelf-stable products is projected to propel the expansion of the protective cultures market. Factors such as growing disposable income and evolving consumer preferences also play a significant role in driving the development of the protective cultures market. Furthermore, the growing demand for natural preservatives, as protective cultures are also used in bio-preservation, contributes to the overall expansion of the global market.

However, during the analysis period, the growth of the global market for protective cultures faces challenges such as complex laws, restrictions, possible side effects, high and volatile prices of raw materials, and a lack of knowledge. Nevertheless, market participants are presented with new opportunities during the forecast period through continuous product launches by key market players, offering innovative flavors and textures.

Browse over 26 market data Figures spread through 91 Pages and an in-depth TOC on "Global Protective Cultures Market


The Global Protective Cultures Market is segmented into product form, target microorganism, composition, application, regional distribution, and company.

Based on the target microorganism, the protective cultures market is categorized into bacteria, yeast & molds. The yeast & molds segment accounted for a larger market share in 2022. Yeasts belong to the fungi group, which also includes molds and mushrooms. These single-celled organisms have evolved to thrive in specialized environments. Yeast typically colonizes high-salt or high-sugar foods, such as pickles, maple syrup, and others, contributing to their deterioration. Fruits and liquids with a low pH are also susceptible, and some yeasts develop on the surfaces of meat and cheese. Molds consist of interconnected microscopic cells and can be found on bread, fruit, damp paper, and other surfaces. They have the potential to spoil various dry foods, salted fish, fruits, jellies, bread, pickles, jams, and similar products.

Based on region, Europe is expected to grow during the forecast period.  Europe accounted for the largest share of the protective cultures market, primarily due to the region's robust dairy industry. The European dairy market has experienced a positive impact from the strong global demand for milk products and the decision to increase production. Additionally, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness rapid growth in the protective cultures market during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for dairy products and natural & clean label products, driven by the rising awareness about protective cultures in developing countries such as India and China. China holds a position of utmost significance in the dairy product market, primarily driven by the escalating consumption of dairy products. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a surge in demand for dairy products, including natural snacks, fermented dairy products like sour milk and yogurt, alongside continual product and packaging innovations. Consequently, the protective cultures market is poised for remarkable growth in the upcoming years, owing to the rising consumption of dairy products and the advantageous features of protective cultures, such as their ability to inhibit the growth of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. Furthermore, the expanding awareness about natural and clean label products among the Asian population is playing a pivotal role in facilitating market expansion.

Major companies operating in Global Protective Cultures Market are:

  • Aristomenis D. Phikas & Co S.A
  • Biochem S.R.L
  • Bioprox
  • Chr. Hansen
  • CSK Food Enrichment B.V.
  • Dalton Biotechnologies S.R.L
  • Dow, Inc.
  • DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
  • DSM
  • Kerry Group PLC

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“The growth of the protective cultures market is influenced by several key factors. One of these factors is the rising demand for natural food additives and the widespread acceptance of private label products. Another important driver is the increasing demand for long-term preservatives and highly transparent products. This market expansion is also driven by health-conscious consumers who seek dairy products with clear labeling and ingredient transparency. Consequently, clean-label products, which feature natural, basic, and familiar ingredients, are gaining popularity. The combination of these factors will determine the future growth of the protective cultures market.,” said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research-based management consulting firm.

Protective Cultures Market Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028 Segmented By Product Form (Freeze-Dried and Frozen), By Target Microorganism (Yeasts & Molds and Bacteria), By Composition (Single-Strain, Multi-Strain and Multi-Strain Mixed), By Application (Dairy & Dairy Products, Meat & Poultry Products, Seafood and Others), By Region and Competition”, has evaluated the future growth potential of Global Protective Cultures Market and provides statistics & information on market size, structure and future market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in Global Protective Cultures Market.