The global food allergen testing market revolves around the testing of various food items for allergens that can cause adverse reactions in consumers. Rising cases of food allergies globally has boosted the need for reliable food testing solutions. Food allergens are undeclared ingredients that are mistakenly introduced or cross-contaminated during food processing. The testing helps identify presences of major food allergens such as milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soybeans and others.

The global food allergen testing market is estimated to be valued at US$ 957.88 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period of 2024 to 2031.

The need for food allergen testing arises mainly due to the increasing prevalence of food allergies worldwide such as celiac disease, wheat allergy, peanut allergy and seafood allergy. As per statistics, nearly 220 million people globally suffer from food allergies. Compulsory labeling of major food allergens in various countries has raised the demand for analytical testing in the food industry.

Key Takeaways

Key players operating in the food allergen testing market are Fable & Mane, Henkel AG, Procter & Gamble Co., Unilever Corporation, Kao Corporation, Aveda Corporation, Avon Products Inc., L€TMOreal S.A., Revlon, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Natura & Co., and Coty Inc.

The global food allergen testing market offers lucrative growth opportunities such as development of rapid testing kits, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests as well as automated/robotic food testing systems. Adoption of immunoassay-based techniques and DNA-based methods to improve the reliability and speed of tests further augment the opportunities.

Key players are expanding their footprints globally through investments in new testing facilities, acquisition of regional players as well as tie-ups with food testing laboratories. For example, SGS SA invests heavily in allergen testing facilities across Europe and North America. Players are focusing on emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Latin America for future expansion.

Market Drivers
Increasing consumer health awareness along with strict food safety regulations drive the growth of Food Allergen Testing Market Growth. The demand is especially high from bakery, dairy and packaged food industry where ambiguity regarding food ingredients can cause severe health issues. Stringent labeling acts mandating declaration of major food allergens in pre-packaged foods also boost the need for validation testing.

Market Restrains
High capital requirement for establishing specialized testing facilities poses a major challenge. Variations in testing methodologies and lack of global standards can affect the reliability of test results. Issues pertaining to limited sample size during proficiency testing as well as possibilities of false negatives also hinder the market growth. Absence of universal regulations in developing economies acts as a key restrain.

Segment Analysis
Peanut and soy represent the largest sub-segment in the food allergen testing market. They account for over 25% of the total market share due to the high prevalence of peanut and soy allergies globally. For instance, according to a study published in 2018, approximately 1.4% of U.S. adults and 4-6% of children are allergic to peanuts. Detection of peanut and soy residues is critical to ensure the safety of highly sensitive individuals.
Another sub-segment which is rapidly gaining traction is 'multiplex testing', which allows detection of multiple allergens from a single sample. It provides enhanced accuracy and reduces cost and time of traditional singleplex testing methods. This is driving its adoption in the food processing industry.

Regional Analysis
North America dominated the global food allergen market in 2018 owing to stringent food safety regulations and a high rate of food allergies. The region contributed over 35% revenue share.
Europe was the second largest regional market on account of growing awareness about food allergies among consumers and manufacturers. Key European countries providing robust growth opportunities are UK, Germany, Italy, and France.
Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing region during the forecast period. Countries like India and China are anticipated to offer lucrative opportunities for major players to expand their geographic footprint. Rising disposable incomes and shifting dietary preferences in the region are fueling market growth.

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