Table of Contents
Overview
The Global Proteases Market, valued at USD 3.0 billion in 2024, is on track to reach a significantly higher valuation by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2034. North America, contributing USD 1.3 billion, continues to show steady growth as enzyme-based solutions gain wider acceptance across major food, nutrition, and industrial applications. Proteases, which naturally break down proteins into peptides and amino acids, remain essential in industries seeking cleaner processing, better texture development, and improved efficiency.
Market expansion is closely linked to rising protein-processing needs and supportive public investments. Programs such as the USDA’s $14.5 million reimbursement for food safety inspections, the USDA’s $110 million commitment to meat and poultry processing, the Local MCap round totaling $55.8 million, the USDA’s $9.5 million Local Meat Capacity grant, and the $215 million USDA grant program collectively reinforce safer and more scalable protein production. Global financial support also strengthens market potential, including the Saudi agricultural fund’s $533 million in food-sector loans.
Private sector funding adds further momentum. Investments such as €3 million into a mycelium-based meat startup and Cream Co. Meats securing $4 million highlight the growing focus on protein innovation—an area where proteases remain indispensable for improving product quality and processing performance.
Top Key Players in the Market
- Novonesis Group
- DSM-Firmenich AG
- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
- Associated British Foods plc (AB Enzymes)
- Amano Enzyme Inc.
- Novus International Inc.
- Biocatalysts Ltd.
- BASF SE
- Kemin Industries Inc.
- Enzyme Development Corp.
1. Novonesis Group
Novonesis Group is a global biosolutions company specializing in enzymes, microbial cultures, proteins, and fermentation-based solutions used across food, agriculture, household care, bioenergy, and industrial sectors. Created from two leading biotech organizations, the company focuses on sustainability and high-performance applications driven by biotechnology. Its portfolio supports cleaner manufacturing and improved efficiency in industries dependent on biological processes.
Under the leadership of CEO Ester Baiget, Novonesis continues to grow its global footprint with advanced biosolutions that help industries transition toward environmentally efficient production. Its innovation strategy focuses on food security, climate-friendly solutions, and bio-industrial transformation, making the company one of the most recognized players in biosolutions worldwide.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Lyngby, Denmark |
| CEO | Ester Baiget |
| Employees | ~10,582 |
| Revenue | ~$4.1 Billion |
| Industry | Biosolutions, Biological Ingredients |
| Products | Enzymes, Microbial Cultures, Specialized Proteins |
| Global Rank | Listed among major global biosolutions leaders |
| R&D Centers | Multiple across Europe & US |
| Market Focus | Food, Agriculture, Household Care, Bioenergy |
| Website | https://www.novonesis.com |
2. DSM-Firmenich AG
DSM-Firmenich AG is a global leader in nutrition, health, and beauty formed through the merger of Royal DSM and Firmenich in 2023. The company creates science-backed solutions for food, fragrances, wellness, and personal care. With a strong innovation pipeline, DSM-Firmenich supports healthier living and environmentally responsible production in multiple industries worldwide.
Led by CEO Dimitri de Vreeze, the company operates in over 60 countries with advanced R&D centers and end-to-end ingredient development. DSM-Firmenich’s solutions power major sectors including fragrance design, food fortification, nutritional lipids, and consumer health. Its sustainability leadership makes it a key global influencer in responsible ingredient development.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 (Merger) |
| Headquarters | Kaiseraugst (Switzerland) & Maastricht (Netherlands) |
| CEO | Dimitri de Vreeze |
| Employees | ~30,000 |
| Revenue | €12+ Billion |
| Industry | Nutrition, Health, Beauty Ingredients |
| Products | Nutritional Ingredients, Fragrances, Wellness Solutions |
| Global Reach | 60+ Countries |
| Innovation Focus | Bio-based Ingredients & Sustainable Chemistry |
| R&D Centers | Global multi-site network |
| Website | https://www.dsm-firmenich.com |
3. International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF)
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. is a leading global creator of flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and bioscience solutions. Its technologies support everyday consumer products used in food, beverages, personal care, home care, and household essentials. The company operates globally with large R&D facilities and an innovation-driven portfolio.
Guided by CEO J. Erik Fyrwald, IFF prioritizes science-based ingredient development with a strong focus on sustainable formulations. The company continues to expand its bioscience and fermentation platforms while maintaining one of the world’s largest portfolios of fragrance and flavor technologies.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1958 |
| Headquarters | New York City, USA |
| CEO | J. Erik Fyrwald |
| Employees | ~22,400 |
| Revenue | ~$11.48 Billion |
| Industry | Flavors, Fragrances, Bioscience |
| Products | Flavors, Fragrances, Enzyme Solutions |
| Global Reach | 65+ Countries |
| Stock Listing | NYSE: IFF |
| Innovation Verticals | Food, Beauty, Home Care, Biosciences |
| Website | https://www.iff.com |
4. Associated British Foods plc (AB Enzymes)
AB Enzymes, a subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc, is a global enzyme technology provider serving food, animal nutrition, and industrial processing sectors. Its product range includes enzymes for baking, textiles, pulp & paper, and feed applications. The company is recognized for its biotechnology expertise and strong global distribution networks.
AB Enzymes focuses heavily on research and collaboration with industries to improve efficiency and create cleaner production methods. With decades of enzyme development experience, it remains a key global supplier supporting large-scale manufacturing operations worldwide.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | Associated British Foods plc |
| Founded | 1900s (ABF corporate origin) |
| Headquarters | Darmstadt, Germany |
| CEO | Leadership under ABF corporate management |
| Industry | Industrial & Food Enzymes |
| Products | Baking Enzymes, Feed Enzymes, Industrial Enzymes |
| Global Presence | 50+ Countries |
| Parent Revenue | £19+ Billion |
| R&D Focus | Sustainable Enzyme Innovation |
| Key Sectors | Food, Feed, Industrial Processing |
| Website | https://www.abenzymes.com |
5. Amano Enzyme Inc.
Amano Enzyme Inc. is a global specialty enzyme manufacturer based in Japan, known for its broad enzyme portfolio covering proteases, lipases, carbohydrases, and specialty fermentation products. The company supports food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets with customized enzyme formulations.
With a heritage built on biotechnology expertise, Amano Enzyme invests heavily in R&D and operates advanced production facilities in Japan, the US, and Europe. Its strong focus on quality manufacturing and technical innovation makes it a top-tier enzyme supplier to global industries.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1899 |
| Headquarters | Nagoya, Japan |
| President & CEO | Shinji Nishikawa |
| Industry | Enzymes, Biotechnology |
| Products | Proteases, Lipases, Specialty Enzymes |
| Global Offices | USA, Europe, Asia |
| R&D Centers | Japan & USA |
| Focus Sectors | Food, Pharma, Nutraceuticals |
| Core Capability | Fermentation Technology |
| Website | https://www.amano-enzyme.com |
6. Novus International Inc.
Novus International is a leading animal nutrition solutions provider offering methionine products, feed additives, enzymes, and nutrition technologies designed to improve livestock performance. Its science-driven approach supports producers with innovations that enhance feed efficiency and sustainability.
Headquartered in Missouri, Novus operates globally with a strong R&D foundation and partnerships across the feed and livestock ecosystem. Its solutions address efficiency, health, and environmental optimization within modern animal production.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Missouri, USA |
| CEO | Dan Meagher |
| Industry | Animal Nutrition |
| Products | Methionine, Feed Additives, Enzymes |
| Global Presence | 60+ Countries |
| R&D Centers | Multi-regional |
| Parent Ownership | Mitsui & Nippon Soda (previous majority owners) |
| Sector Focus | Poultry, Dairy, Swine Feed Efficiency |
| Website | https://www.novusint.com |
7. Biocatalysts Ltd.
Biocatalysts Ltd. is a UK-based enzyme developer specializing in customized enzyme solutions for food, beverage, and industrial applications. The company supports global manufacturers with tailored enzymes manufactured through advanced fermentation and downstream processing technologies.
With strong expertise in rapid enzyme development, Biocatalysts offers both off-the-shelf and bespoke enzymes, enabling clients to optimize processing efficiency and product performance. Its innovation platform accelerates commercialization timelines.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Cardiff, UK |
| CEO | Stuart West |
| Industry | Custom & Specialty Enzymes |
| Products | Tailored Enzymes, Specialty Proteases, Carbohydrases |
| Technology | Precision Fermentation |
| Global Reach | 50+ Countries |
| R&D Expertise | Enzyme Discovery & Engineering |
| Manufacturing | UK, Global Distribution |
| Website | https://www.biocatalysts.com |
8. BASF SE
BASF SE is one of the world’s largest chemical companies, supplying enzymes through its Nutrition & Health division for feed, food, and industrial applications. BASF’s biotechnology platforms support sustainable production, enzyme engineering, and large-scale manufacturing capabilities.
The company operates globally with strong investments in R&D, digitalization, and material innovation. Its enzyme portfolio contributes to efficiency improvements in feed conversion, food processing, and industrial biocatalysis.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1865 |
| Headquarters | Ludwigshafen, Germany |
| CEO | Martin Brudermüller |
| Revenue | €68+ Billion |
| Employees | ~112,000 |
| Industry | Chemicals & Biotechnology |
| Products | Enzymes, Chemicals, Nutrition Ingredients |
| Global Reach | 80+ Countries |
| Stock Listing | Frankfurt Stock Exchange |
| Innovation Spend | €2+ Billion annually |
| Website | https://www.basf.com |
9. Kemin Industries Inc.
Kemin Industries is a global ingredient supplier specializing in food, feed, health, crop technologies, and industrial applications. With strong biotechnology capabilities, Kemin develops enzyme-based solutions supporting animal nutrition, food safety, and functional ingredient performance.
Headquartered in Iowa, the company operates worldwide with manufacturing sites, laboratories, and R&D centers that support innovation across its ingredient portfolio.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1961 |
| Headquarters | Des Moines, Iowa, USA |
| CEO | Dr. Chris Nelson |
| Industry | Ingredients, Enzymes, Nutrition |
| Products | Enzymes, Antioxidants, Specialty Ingredients |
| Employees | 3,000+ |
| Global Locations | 90+ Countries |
| R&D Facilities | US, Europe, Asia |
| Sector Focus | Food, Feed, Health Ingredients |
| Website | https://www.kemin.com |
10. Enzyme Development Corporation
Enzyme Development Corp. (EDC) is a US-based enzyme supplier founded in 1953 specializing in natural, fermentation-derived enzymes. It serves food processing, dietary supplements, and industrial applications with a broad line of proteases and specialty enzymes.
The company focuses on high-quality sourcing, regulatory compliance, and technical support. EDC remains recognized for its expertise in natural enzyme formulation and longstanding supply partnerships across the food and supplement industries.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1953 |
| Headquarters | New York, USA |
| President | Michael Altschul |
| Industry | Enzymes |
| Products | Bromelain, Papain, Proteases |
| Specialization | Natural & Fermentation-Derived Enzymes |
| Global Reach | 30+ Countries |
| Regulatory Focus | Food-Grade Compliance |
| Primary Sectors | Food, Supplements, Industrial |
| Website | https://www.enzymedevelopment.com |
Conculsion
Proteases have become essential to modern food, nutrition, and industrial systems because they enable cleaner, more efficient, and more natural processing. Their ability to break down complex proteins supports better texture, improved digestion, and higher-quality production across various sectors. As industries move toward sustainable and bio-based practices, proteases provide dependable solutions that reduce waste and enhance performance without relying on harsh chemicals. Their versatility also encourages continued innovation in areas such as alternative proteins, animal nutrition, and health applications. With strong scientific interest and expanding uses, proteases remain a vital component of future biological and industrial development.
