Amino Acids Market

Amino Acids Market Size

The global Amino Acids Market size was valued at USD 26.95 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 51.35 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.61% from 2023 to 2030. The increasing health awareness of consumers has resulted in a significant demand surge for nutrient-rich foods fortified with essential amino acids. This trend has prompted the food and beverage industry to introduce products that comply with customer preferences, thereby boosting demand. A prime instance of this is the introduction of low-fat yogurt containing fortified amino acids and vital vitamins that cater to consumers' requirements for a healthy lifestyle.

Manufacturers in developing economies often face the challenge of producing amino acids from low-quality alternative ingredients like cassava or sorghum, as opposed to more digestible options like corn and soybeans. The use of sub-optimal ingredients to produce amino acids can adversely affect market growth.

For instance, in African countries, the use of cassava to produce amino acids has led to lower yields and reduced product quality. This highlights the need for investment in research and development to identify more efficient and cost-effective means of producing amino acids, thereby driving amino acids market growth.

Analyst’s Review 

The utilization of amino acids is expanding across various end-use industries like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage. Environmentally conscious agricultural specialists are utilizing safe amino acid fertilizers to increase the yield and caliber of crops. The growing demand for nutritional supplements, primarily for health purposes, is expected to stimulate amino acids market growth during the projected time frame. Additionally, amino acids are now widely used in the production of energy bars that cater to fitness enthusiasts and athletes.

Bioactive supplements containing amino acids are increasingly employed in the animal feed industry due to their multitude of health benefits for animals. Amino acids are also significant components in pet food products and veterinary supplements, as they improve the digestibility of the food, thus bolstering the immune system. For instance, amino acids like taurine and cysteine are commonly used in cat food to promote healthy vision and strong muscles.

Market Definition

Amino acids are organic compounds containing an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a side chain that varies between different types of amino acids. There are 20 different types of amino acids that can be combined in many different ways to form proteins, the building blocks of all living organisms. Besides being integral to protein synthesis, amino acids have a diverse range of uses across various industries. In the animal feed industry, amino acids are used as bioactive supplements as they offer several health benefits to animals. They are also critical ingredients in pet food products and veterinary supplements to enhance food digestibility and strengthen the immune system. Amino acids are used in agriculture as well, where they are employed as environment-friendly fertilizers to optimize crop production and quality.

Additionally, the rising demand for dietary supplements, primarily for fitness and health purposes, is fueling the amino acids market's growth. In food and beverage products, amino acids are used to reinforce nutrient-rich products with added health benefits. In conclusion, amino acids have versatile uses and applications in various end-use industries due to their numerous benefits for health, nutrition, and agriculture.

Market Dynamics

Amino acids can be classified into three groups non-essential amino acids, essential amino acids, and conditional amino acids, based on the varying requirements of different amino acids. As each essential amino acid has a distinct function in the organism, the symptoms of a shortage vary accordingly. The availability of diverse amino acid types has resulted in the development of various products with different compositions and benefits, thereby contributing to the expansion of the amino acids market. Moreover, the increase in the demand for dietary supplements due to rising awareness of health and fitness has contributed to the growth of the amino acids market.

The amino acids market is witnessing high competition among existing players, presenting a significant challenge for new entrants. This is due to several established players offering high-quality amino acid products for various end-users, such as the food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, and dietary supplement manufacturers, among others. However, the presence of local players and small-scale manufacturers offering low-quality or counterfeit products at lower prices is adversely affecting the global amino acids market. Furthermore, with an increasing number of manufacturers offering a wide range of amino acids for various applications, the market is expected to become highly competitive, further intensifying the competition for other players.

Segmentation Analysis

The global amino acids market is segmented based on product, raw material, application, and geography.

By Product

Based on product, the market is categorized into L-glutamate, Lysine, Methionine, and others. In 2022, the L-glutamate segment accounted for the majority share of 52.94%. L-glutamate is a nonessential amino acid that is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its flavor-enhancing properties. As an excellent source of the umami taste, L-glutamate is often added to various processed foods, such as soups, snacks, and seasonings to improve their flavor profile. Additionally, L-glutamate is used in the production of nutritional supplements, energy drinks, and pharmaceuticals owing to its role in protein synthesis and neurotransmitter regulation. Furthermore, L-glutamate has shown promising results in treating various medical conditions, such as sickle cell disease and neuropathic pain, making it a valuable component in the healthcare industry.

By Raw Materials

Based on raw material, the amino acids market is bifurcated into plant-based and animal-based. In 2022, the plant-based category accounted for 85.44% share, thus dominating the raw material segment. One of the primary reasons for their broad adoption is their ability to offer a complete amino acid profile containing all nine essential amino acids required for optimal human nutrition. Furthermore, plant-based amino acids are devoid of allergens, antibiotics, and hormones, making them a safer and healthier substitute for animal-based proteins. In addition, plant-based sources are more sustainable and eco-friendly than animal-based sources, making them align with the growing global trend of sustainability.

By Application

Based on application, the amino acids market is segmented into food & dietary supplements, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and others. The food & dietary supplements category dominated the segment with the highest revenue share of 53.29% in 2022. Amino acids are extensively used in the food and dietary supplement industries due to their vital role in human nutrition. As the building blocks of proteins, amino acids play a crucial role in the growth, repair, and maintenance of various bodily tissues, such as muscles, skin, and hair.

In addition, certain amino acids serve as precursors for the synthesis of vital molecules, such as neurotransmitters and hormones, which regulate several physiological processes, including mood and energy metabolism. The use of amino acids as dietary supplements has been associated with various health benefits, including improved athletic performance, muscle growth, and cognitive function.

Amino Acids Market Regional Analysis

Based on regional analysis, the global amino acids market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific dominated the market share of 50.77% in 2022 and is growing at a CAGR of 10.11% from 2023 to 2030. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing market owing to the rising income and purchasing power of consumers, as well as the increasing demand for nutritional and healthy food products. This presents a significant opportunity for growth and diversification in the food sector of the region.

The growth in demand for high-quality processed food in economically developing nations such as India is also a factor driving the demand for amino acids in the food industry. For instance, in India, the increasing demand for protein supplements and sports nutrition products is expected to drive the growth of amino acid-based dietary supplements.

Competitive Landscape

The global amino acids industry study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the global market. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures to expand their product portfolios and increase their respective market shares across different regions. Expansion and investments involve a range of strategic initiatives, including investments in R&D activities, new manufacturing facilities, and supply chain optimization.

List of Key Companies in Amino Acids Market

• Ajinomoto Inc.
• Asiamerica Group
• CJ CheilJedang Corp.
• Evonik Industries AG
• Kingchem Life Science LLC
• Merck KGaA
• Nagase America LLC
• AMINO GmbH
• FUFENG GROUP
• KYOWA HAKKO BIO CO., LTD.

Key Industry Developments 

• January 2022 (Product Launch): Bayer AG launched Ambition, the first-ever amino acids biostimulant, in the Chinese market. This product promotes photosynthesis and facilitates the growth of plants. Ambition offers a valuable opportunity for crops to reach their full potential by strengthening plant defenses, optimizing nutrient efficiency, and enhancing overall crop production.

The Global Amino Acids Market is segmented as:

By Product

• L-Glutamate
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Others

By Raw Materials

• Plant-Based
• Animal Based

By Application

• Food & Dietary Supplements
• Animal Feed
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Europe
• France
  • U.K.
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • North Africa
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America