Biofortification Market - By Crop Type (Cereals, Legumes, Roots & Tubers, Fruits & Vegetables), By Nutrient (Zinc, Iron, Vitamins (A, E, etc.)), By Technology, By End-use & Forecast, 2024-2032

Biofortification Market Size

Biofortification Market size achieved USD 143.2 million in 2023 and will grow at 7.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2032, Looking ahead, the market is poised for robust growth over the next decade, with projections indicating a strong compound annual growth rate from 2024 to 2032. This anticipated expansion is fueled by increasing awareness of the benefits of nutrient-dense foods, rising health consciousness among consumers, and supportive government policies promoting biofortification initiatives.
 

This projected growth in the biofortification sector is expected to drive considerable advancements in crop development and nutritional enhancement techniques. Researchers and agricultural scientists are actively working on creating new biofortified crop varieties with higher levels of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A. These ongoing efforts are likely to result in a broader range of biofortified crops becoming available to farmers and consumers, contributing to improved nutrition on a global scale and potentially transforming agricultural practices in many regions.
 

As an example of the ongoing progress in this field, in September 2024, the International Rice Research Institute announced the successful development of a new biofortified rice variety with enhanced zinc content. This breakthrough is anticipated to have a significant impact on addressing zinc deficiency, particularly in developing countries where rice is a staple food. The new variety, named "ZincPro Rice," is scheduled for field trials in several Asian countries, with plans for commercial release within the next few years. This development exemplifies the continuing innovation and potential of biofortification to address global nutritional challenges and improve food security in the coming years.
 

Regulatory challenges and varying approval processes across countries, coupled with limited awareness in some regions about biofortified products, present significant hurdles for the global biofortification market. The inconsistent regulatory landscape can lead to delays in product approval and commercialization, as different nations may have divergent standards and requirements for biofortified crops. This regulatory complexity is further compounded by the lack of awareness in certain areas, where both farmers and consumers may be unfamiliar with the concept and benefits of biofortification. This knowledge gap can slow adoption rates and market penetration, potentially limiting the reach and impact of biofortified products in regions where they could provide substantial nutritional benefits. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts in regulatory harmonization, public education, and targeted awareness campaigns to foster a more conducive environment for the growth and acceptance of biofortified crops worldwide.
 

Biofortification Market Trends

The biofortification industry is witnessing several emerging trends that are shaping its future trajectory. There's a growing focus on developing climate-resilient biofortified crops to address food security concerns in the face of changing environmental conditions. Precision breeding techniques and advanced genomic tools are being increasingly employed to accelerate the development of nutrient-enhanced varieties. Consumer demand for natural and minimally processed foods is driving interest in biofortified crops as an alternative to synthetic fortification. There's also a trend towards diversifying the range of crops being biofortified beyond staple grains, to include fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Digital technologies are being leveraged to improve the distribution and adoption of biofortified seeds among smallholder farmers. Additionally, there's an increasing emphasis on biofortification as part of broader nutritional strategies, with governments and international organizations integrating it into their food and health policies. These trends collectively point towards a more holistic, technologically advanced, and consumer-driven approach to addressing global malnutrition through biofortification.
 

Biofortification Market Analysis

The cereals crop type segment will capture USD 102.9 million and demonstrate a 7.9% CAGR through 2032 due to several key factors, the widespread consumption of cereals as staple foods globally, making them an ideal vehicle for delivering essential nutrients to large populations; ongoing advancements in research and development that are improving both the nutrient content and agronomic performance of biofortified cereal varieties; increasing support from international organizations and governments for biofortified cereal crops as part of nutritional and food security strategies; rising consumer awareness about the health benefits of nutrient-enhanced foods; and the relative cost-effectiveness and scalability of biofortifying staple cereals compared to other crop types. These factors collectively position biofortified cereals as a powerful tool in addressing global malnutrition and driving market growth in the coming years.
 

The zinc nutrients segment will expand to USD 52.8 million in 2024 and garner a 7.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This growth trajectory underscores the increasing recognition of zinc's crucial role in human health and the rising demand for zinc-biofortified crops. Zinc deficiency is a widespread global health issue, particularly affecting populations in developing countries, and biofortification offers a sustainable solution to address this nutritional gap. The expansion of the zinc segment reflects ongoing efforts by researchers and agricultural scientists to develop zinc-enriched crop varieties, particularly in staple foods like rice and wheat. This growth is further supported by rising consumer awareness of zinc's importance in immune function, child growth, and overall health, as well as governmental and non-governmental initiatives promoting zinc biofortification as a cost-effective strategy to combat malnutrition. The projected market expansion suggests a promising future for zinc biofortification in improving global nutritional outcomes and driving innovation in the agricultural sector.
 

The biofortification market utilizes three main technologies such as conventional plant breeding, genetic modification, and agronomic biofortification. Conventional breeding selects and crosses plants with naturally higher nutrient levels, a widely accepted method that has produced many successful biofortified crops. Genetic modification offers rapid, precise nutrient enhancement by altering plant genomes, though it faces more controversy. Agronomic biofortification enhances nutrient uptake through agricultural practices like specialized fertilizer use. Each approach has unique advantages and challenges, allowing for flexible strategies in addressing global malnutrition through biofortified crops.
 

The market serves various end-use sectors, each leveraging nutrient-enhanced crops for different purposes. The food industry is a primary beneficiary, incorporating biofortified ingredients into a range of products to improve their nutritional value and appeal to health-conscious consumers. The feed industry utilizes biofortified crops to enhance the nutritional quality of animal feed, potentially improving livestock health and the nutritional content of animal-derived foods. In the healthcare and nutraceuticals sector, biofortified crops are used to develop supplements and functional foods targeting specific health concerns and nutrient deficiencies. Beyond these major sectors, biofortified crops find applications in other industries: they can be used in biofuel production, potentially offering more nutrient-rich byproducts; in cosmetics, where nutrient-rich plant extracts are valued; and in textiles, where enhanced crops might provide fibers with unique properties. This diverse range of end-uses underscores the versatility and far-reaching impact of biofortification across multiple industries.
 

Asia Pacific biofortification market will record 7.9% CAGR during 2024 and 2032. This growth is fueled by a combination of factors, including the high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in the region, a large population base in countries like India and China, increasing government initiatives to combat malnutrition, and rising awareness about the importance of nutrient-rich foods. The growth is further supported by the region's expanding agricultural sector, adoption of modern farming techniques, increased research and development in crop sciences, and rising disposable incomes leading to greater demand for healthier food options. Additionally, partnerships between international organizations and local institutions, the need for climate-resilient crops, and an expanding food processing industry incorporating biofortified ingredients all contribute to this positive outlook. This projected growth underscores Asia Pacific's potential to become a significant player in the global market, addressing both local nutritional challenges and contributing to global food security efforts.
 

Biofortification Market Share

The biofortification industry is characterized by a diverse array of key players, each contributing unique strengths and capabilities to the industry. At the forefront are major agricultural and biotechnology companies such as Syngenta, BASF SE, Bayer AG, DuPont, and Corteva. These industry giants leverage their extensive research and development capabilities, global reach, and significant resources to develop new biofortified crop varieties and advance biofortification technologies. Their involvement spans from genetic modification and conventional breeding to the commercialization of biofortified seeds and crops on a large scale.
 

Complementing these multinational corporations are specialized biotech firms and research organizations that focus on specific aspects of biofortification. Companies like Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc., ArborGen Inc., and Arcadia Biosciences concentrate on developing novel biofortified varieties or improving specific crops. LemnaTec GmbH and Intertek Group plc provide crucial support services in crop phenotyping, testing, and quality assurance, ensuring the efficacy and safety of biofortified products. Charles River Laboratories contributes valuable research support, advancing the scientific understanding underpinning biofortification efforts.
 

The biofortification market also benefits from the involvement of food industry leaders and organizations with a strong focus on nutrition and global health. Nestlé S.A., a major player in the global food industry, brings biofortified products to consumers on a large scale, integrating them into their product lines. Mahyco, with its strong presence in India, plays a vital role in developing and distributing biofortified crops suited to local conditions and needs. HarvestPlus, a non-profit organization, drives biofortification initiatives aimed at improving global nutrition, particularly in developing countries. This diverse ecosystem of market players, combining for-profit companies, research institutions, and non-profit organizations, reflects the collaborative and multifaceted nature of the biofortification industry in addressing global nutritional challenges.
 

Biofortification Market Share

Top companies operating in the biofortification industry include:

• ArborGen Inc.
• Arcadia Biosciences
• BASF SE
• Bayer AG
• Charles River Laboratories
• Corteva
• DuPont
• HarvestPlus
• Intertek Group plc
• LemnaTec GmbH
• Mahyco
• Nestlé S.A.
• Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.
• Syngenta
   

Biofortification Industry News

• In July 2021: A landmark decision was made in the Philippines, as the country granted approval for the commercial cultivation of golden rice. This genetically modified rice variety, engineered to produce beta-carotene, represents a significant step in the nation's efforts to combat vitamin A deficiency, a prevalent nutritional issue among its population.
   
• In November 2020: HarvestPlus made a significant contribution to global nutrition efforts with the release of CSDietary software on the Intake platform. This pioneering tool enables the use of dietary data to inform evidence-based policies and programs, marking a new approach in addressing worldwide nutrition challenges through data-driven strategies.
   

The biofortification market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue and volume (USD Million) (Kilo Tons) from 2024 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Crop Type

• Cereals
• Legumes
• Roots & Tubers
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Others (oilseeds, nuts, species)

Market, By Nutrient

• Zinc
• Iron
• Vitamins (A, E, etc.)
• Others (protein, amino acids)

Market, By Technology

• Conventional plant breeding
• Genetic modification
• Agronomic biofortification

Market, By End use

• Food industry
• Feed industry
• Healthcare & nutraceuticals
• Others (biofuel, cosmetics, textile)

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

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