Antimicrobial (Enzymatic) Protein Hydrolysates Market Size for Food & Pet Food Applications – By Source, Form, Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Antimicrobial Protein Hydrolysates Market Size for Food & Pet Food Applications

The global antimicrobial (enzymatic) protein hydrolysates market size for food & pet food applications was valued at USD 256.2 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 7.4% from 2025 to 2034, driven by increasing demand for natural and bio-based antimicrobial agents in the food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care industries.
 

As consumers seek safer alternatives to synthetic preservatives, enzymatic protein hydrolysates offer functional benefits such as enhanced shelf life and improved health attributes. Rising awareness of antimicrobial resistance is pushing industries to adopt protein-based hydrolysates for their efficacy in controlling harmful microorganisms. Additionally, advancements in biotechnology have enabled the efficient production of these hydrolysates, boosting their availability. Expanding applications in nutraceuticals and animal feed further support market growth.
 

Antimicrobial Protein Hydrolysates Market Trends for Food & Pet Food Applications

The antimicrobial (enzymatic) protein hydrolysates industry for food & pet food applications is witnessing a shift toward sustainable and bio-based solutions as consumers and industries prioritize natural ingredients. Increasing use in food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics is driven by their effectiveness in inhibiting microbial growth while maintaining product safety. There is also growing research into the development of hydrolysates from various protein sources like soy, fish, and milk, broadening their applications.
 

Technological advancements in enzyme processing are improving production efficiency, making these hydrolysates more accessible. Additionally, the market is seeing increased interest from the nutraceutical and animal feed sectors for their dual benefits of antimicrobial properties and nutritional enhancement.
 

Antimicrobial Protein Hydrolysates Market Analysis for Food & Pet Food Applications

The enzymatic protein hydrolysates provide numerous benefits including higher ACE-inhibitory activity, improved radical scavenging capacity, health-benefitting properties. Also, they provide ability to prevent bacterial attacks in the digestive system of humans and pet animals which is expected to propel the antimicrobial (enzymatic) protein hydrolysates market for food & pet food applications share for food & pet food applications.
 

The enzymatic protein hydrolysate manufacturers are involved in development of innovative & sustainable processes for the production of protein hydrolysates by enzymatic hydrolysis which are expected to open new growth avenues for enzymatic protein hydrolysates. Increasing instances of health disorders, such as obesity, digestive disorders, osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular issues are anticipated to boost the market growth from food & pet food applications.
 

Based on source, the antimicrobial (enzymatic) protein hydrolysates market for food & pet food applications is segmented into plant, animal and micro-organisms. The animal source segment dominated the market by generating USD 149.9 million revenue in the year 2024 and is expected to reach USD 306.9 million by 2034. Animal-derived proteins are popular sources in the market due to their rich amino acid profiles and bioactive peptides, which exhibit strong antimicrobial properties.
 

Proteins from sources like fish, milk, and eggs are widely available and have been extensively studied for their ability to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. These animal-based hydrolysates are highly effective in food preservation and pharmaceuticals due to their proven safety and functionality.
 

Based on form, the antimicrobial (enzymatic) protein hydrolysates market for food & pet food applications is segmented into liquid, powder & paste. The powder form segment holds a dominant market share of 63% in 2024. The powdered form is more stable, making it easier to transport and handle in various industrial applications like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It also allows for precise dosing, offering manufacturers better control over product formulation.
 

Additionally, powders are versatile, as they can be easily reconstituted into liquids or incorporated into dry mixes, enhancing their usability across different sectors. This convenience and stability make powders the preferred choice in the market.
 

The U.S. antimicrobial (enzymatic) protein hydrolysates market for food & pet food applications dominated around USD 57.9 million in 2024, driven by increasing consumer preference for natural, clean-label ingredients in the food and beverage industry. Concerns about the health risks associated with synthetic preservatives are prompting manufacturers to adopt bio-based antimicrobial solutions like protein hydrolysates. The heightened awareness of antimicrobial resistance has further boosted demand for safer, natural alternatives in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
 

In North America, the growth of the antimicrobial (enzymatic) protein hydrolysates market for food & pet food applications is largely supported by the expanding pet food and animal feed industries, where hydrolysates are valued for their antimicrobial efficacy and nutritional benefits. The region's advanced biotechnology capabilities enable cost-effective production, increasing the availability of these hydrolysates for various applications. Regulatory support for natural and bio-based antimicrobial agents, particularly in food safety and preservation, has further accelerated market expansion.
 

Antimicrobial Protein Hydrolysates Market Share for Food & Pet Food Applications

The competitive landscape of the antimicrobial (enzymatic) protein hydrolysates industry for food & pet food applications is characterized by the presence of key players like A Constantino & C Spa, Aker Biomarine, AMCO Proteins, Biomega Group, and BRF Ingredients. These companies are leveraging their expertise in biotechnology and protein extraction to develop high-quality hydrolysates with effective antimicrobial properties.
 

Aker Biomarine, with its strong focus on marine-based ingredients, stands out for its use of krill as a protein source, offering unique antimicrobial solutions for various industries. Similarly, Biomega Group specializes in marine-based proteins, utilizing sustainable fish by-products, which gives it a competitive edge in markets focused on eco-friendly and bio-based products.
 

AMCO Proteins and BRF Ingredients have established themselves as key players by offering a wide range of protein hydrolysates derived from both plant and animal sources. Their diversified product portfolios allow them to cater to different industries, including food, nutraceuticals, and animal feed. A Constantino & C Spa, known for its enzymatic expertise, focuses on producing high-purity hydrolysates with strong antimicrobial benefits, which are gaining popularity in sectors such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
 

Antimicrobial Protein Hydrolysates Market Companies for Food & Pet Food Applications

Major players operating in the antimicrobial (enzymatic) protein hydrolysates industry for food & pet food applications are: 

• A Constantino & C Spa
• Aker Biomarine
• AMCO Proteins
• Biomega Group
• BRF Ingredients
• Cargill Incorporated
• Crescent Biotech
• IQI Petfood
• Kemin Industries
• Kerry Group
   

Antimicrobial Protein Hydrolysates Industry News for Food & Pet Food Applications Industry

• In February 2020, Kerry Group acquired Pevesa Biotech, a Spanish company involved in rice and pea protein processing. Pevesa is involved in the production of protein isolates and enzymatic non-allergenic, non-GMO plant protein hydrolysates for use in different applications including infant, general and clinical nutrition.
   

The antimicrobial (enzymatic) protein hydrolysates market for food & pet food applications research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Source

• Plant
  • Chickpea
  • Soybeans
  • Common beans
  • Rice
  • Others 
• Animal
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • By-products
• Micro-organisms
  • Algae
  • Fungi
  • Others

Market, By Form

• Liquid
• Powder
• Paste

Market, By End Use

• Food & beverage
  • Culinary & functional food
  • Meat 
• Pet food

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa