Growing Demand for Sustainable Protein Alternatives
The increasing global population and rising protein demand have pushed industries to seek sustainable, efficient, and low-resource alternatives to traditional animal and plant proteins. Single cell proteins—produced using microorganisms like yeast, algae, and bacteria—require significantly less land, water, and time to grow. Additionally, SCP production emits fewer greenhouse gases, aligning with climate action goals. These benefits make SCP ideal for use in animal feed and human nutrition, particularly as consumers and companies move toward sustainable and ethical food sourcing. As environmental concerns rise, SCP emerges as a compelling solution for future food security and resource optimization.
Advancements in Fermentation and Biotechnology
Technological progress in microbial fermentation, genetic engineering, and bioprocess optimization has dramatically improved SCP yield, nutritional content, and commercial scalability. Modern bioreactor systems and precision fermentation allow for controlled, efficient production of SCP using diverse feedstocks, including agricultural waste and industrial by-products. Enhanced strain engineering also enables higher protein synthesis and better flavor profiles, making SCP more appealing for food applications. These innovations have reduced production costs and enabled large-scale production for sectors like aquaculture and meat substitutes. As R&D intensifies, SCP is becoming more viable as a mainstream protein source in global food and feed markets.
Rising Adoption in Human Nutrition and Meat Alternatives
While SCP has traditionally been used in animal feed, its potential in human food—especially in meat analogues, dairy alternatives, and functional foods—is rapidly gaining attention. Health-conscious consumers are demanding clean-label, high-protein, and allergen-free products, all of which SCP can deliver. Additionally, SCP is rich in essential amino acids and can be fortified with vitamins and minerals, enhancing its appeal in nutraceuticals. Companies like Solar Foods and Calysta are innovating SCP-based food products targeting plant-based diets. The growing acceptance of lab-grown and microbial-based food offers a major commercial opportunity for SCP expansion in the global alternative protein market.
Regulatory and Consumer Acceptance Challenges
Despite its benefits, the SCP market faces hurdles related to stringent food safety regulations, novel food approvals, and consumer perception. In many regions, SCP derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or unconventional substrates may trigger regulatory delays or bans. Additionally, consumers may be hesitant to accept microbial protein due to unfamiliarity, concerns about safety, or misconceptions about taste and nutrition. Overcoming this restraint requires strong regulatory frameworks, transparent labeling, and education campaigns to build trust and awareness. Without proactive efforts, regulatory bottlenecks and low consumer acceptance could limit SCP’s growth, particularly in the food and beverage sector.
The following Key Market Indicators present a comprehensive overview of the social and economic landscape of the selected region, offering critical insights into market-specific trends and developments. These indicators, combined with data from government statistics, industry associations, and corporate sources, form the analytical foundation of NextGen Intelligence Stats' market models.
| Aspects | Details |
Base Year
|
2024 |
Historic Data
|
2021-2023 |
Forecast Period
|
2025-2035 |
Regions & Countries Covered
|
North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & |
Companies Profiles
|
|
Segmentation Level Customization
|
Additional Segments and Sub Segment |
Company Level Customization
|
Market share analysis at country levels |
Country level Data Customization
|
Segmental volume analysis Pricing Analysis of Product Company Market Share |
On September 20, 2023: DSM-Firmenich has developed new single-cell proteins (SCP), which the company says have the capacity to produce net-zero carbon proteins. SCP will ensure the sustainability of food systems by partially decoupling animal production from conventional inputs and associated challenges, e.g., fertilizer use, deforestation and water, while helping to fill the projected protein gap.The use of SCPs as an animal feed ingredient is a game changer that can reduce the land and water footprint required for animal farming and contribute to 1.5 degrees of global warming goals.
On Nov 17, 2023: MicroHarvest, a leading industrial biotechnology company dedicated to advancing sustainable protein production, has just launched its cutting-edge pilot plant in Lisbon enabling the company to produce single-cell protein samples. The pilot plant will accelerate MicroHarvest’s journey towards commercialization and market availability. The plant will produce protein samples for customers, allowing the company to further hone its technology and test production runs before bringing them to commercial scale.
Companies in the Single Cell Protein market are actively seeking product approvals as a means to extend their market reach and ensure their products are accessible in a wider range of regions. This helps improve availability and strengthens their presence across diverse geographical areas. In addition to focusing on approvals, many businesses are adopting expansion strategies to enhance their production and research capabilities
Moreover, some market players are acquiring smaller firms to solidify their market position. This enables them to broaden their product offerings, enhance their expertise, and better meet the growing demands of the market.
• Cargill Incorporated
• Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
• Evonik Industries AG
• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• Nutreco N.V.
• Green Plains Inc.
• Novozymes A/S
• Angel Yeast Co. Ltd.
• Lallemand Inc.
• Calysta Inc.
• Other Key Players
The Global Single Cell Protein Market valued at around USD 11.32 Billion in 2024 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.45% from 2025 to 2032.
The Single Cell Protein Marketis expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.45% from 2025 to 2035.
Growing Demand for Sustainable Protein Alternatives, Advancements in Fermentation and Biotechnology, Rising Adoption in Human Nutrition and Meat Alternatives, Regulatory and Consumer Acceptance Challenges
North America held largest share accounting for approximately 35.4% of the revenues in 2024.
North America Single Cell Protein (SCP) Market share, 2024
Source: NextGen Intelligence Stats and Consulting LLP
North America held largest share accounting for approximately 35.4% of the revenues in 2024. This position of leadership is largely due to the region's initial embrace of sophisticated biotechnologies, massive investments in research and development, and strong consumer consciousness towards sustainable and alternative proteins as human nutrition and animal feed. The existence of established key players in the industry and a favorable regulatory environment further support the market leadership of North America.
After North America, Europe accounted for the second-largest revenue share due to its aggressive sustainability targets and robust focus on innovative, sustainable food production practices. The most dramatic expansion in the SCP market, however, is expected from the Asia Pacific region, which will grow at the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the next few years. This phenomenal growth in Asia Pacific is driven by its huge and expanding population, rising disposable incomes, high demand for sustainable animal feed proteins, and increased food security concerns. Additionally, favorable government policies and the burgeoning start-up culture in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are speeding up the adoption of SCP technologies, making Asia Pacific the future hub of growth in this cutting-edge protein business.
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Report Description & Objective
1.3. Assumption And Limitation
2.1. Data Collection
2.2. Primary Research & Secondary Research
2.3. Bottom-Up Approach & Top-Down Approach
2.4. Market Analysis & Size Estimation
2.5. Quality Check & Final Review
3.1. Report Scope
3.2. Executive Summary
4.1. Top Trends To Watch
4.2. Top Strategies Followed By Key Players
4.3. Top Investment Pockets
5.1. Market Definition
5.2. Market Drivers
5.3. Market Restraints & Challenges
5.4. Market Opportunities
6.1. Porter’s Five Forces’ Analysis
6.2. Value Chain Analysis / Supply Chain Analysis
6.3. PESTLE Analysis
6.4. Regulatory Landscape
6.5. Ingredients Analysis
6.6. Pricing Analysis
7.1. The Single Cell Protein Market, By Source
7.2. The Single Cell Protein Market Attractiveness, By Source
7.2.1. Algae
7.2.2. Fungi
7.2.3. Bacteria
7.2.4. Yeast
8.1. The Single Cell Protein Market, By Feedstock
8.2. The Single Cell Protein Market Attractiveness, By Feedstock
8.2.1. Organic
8.2.2. Conventional
9.1. The Single Cell Protein Market, By Application
9.2. The Single Cell Protein Market Attractiveness, By Application
9.2.1. Food & Beverages
9.2.2. Animal Feed
9.2.3. Dietary Supplements
9.2.4. Pharmaceuticals
9.2.5. Others
10.1. The Single Cell Protein Market, By Geography
10.2. The Single Cell Protein Market Attractiveness, By Geography
10.2.1. North America
10.2.2. Europe
10.2.3. Asia Pacific
10.2.4. Middle East & Africa
10.2.5. Latin America
11.1. North America Market Overview, By Source
11.2. North America Market Overview, By Feedstock
11.3. North America Market Overview, By Application
11.4. North America Market Overview, By Country
11.4.1. United States
11.4.2. Canada
12.1. Europe Market Overview, By Source
12.2. Europe Market Overview, By Feedstock
12.3. Europe Market Overview, By Application
12.4. Europe Market Overview, By Country
12.4.1. Germany
12.4.2. France
12.4.3. UK
12.4.4. Italy
12.4.5. Spain
12.4.6. Rest of Europe
13.1. Asia Pacific Market Overview, By Source
13.2. Asia Pacific Market Overview, By Feedstock
13.3. Asia Pacific Market Overview, By Application
13.4. Asia Pacific Market Overview, By Country
13.4.1. India
13.4.2. China
13.4.3. Japan
13.4.4. South Korea
13.4.5. Rest of Asia Pacific
14.1. Middle East & Africa Market Overview, By Source
14.2. Middle East & Africa Market Overview, By Feedstock
14.3. Middle East & Africa Market Overview, By Application
14.4. Middle East & Africa Market Overview, By Country
14.4.1. GCC
14.4.2. South Africa
14.4.3. Rest of Middle East & Africa
15.1. Latin America Market Overview, By Source
15.2. Latin America Market Overview, By Feedstock
15.3. Latin America Market Overview, By Application
15.4. Latin America Market Overview, By Country
15.4.1. Brazil
15.4.2. Argentina
15.4.3. Rest of Latin America
16.1. Key Developments
16.1.1. Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements
16.1.2. Mergers & Acquisitions
16.1.3. New Product Developments
16.1.4. Other Developments
16.2. Company Share Analysis
16.3. Company Profiles
16.3.1. Cargill Incorporated
16.3.1.1. Company Overview
16.3.1.2. Product Overview
16.3.1.3. Financial Insights
16.3.1.4. Recent Developments
16.3.1.5. SWOT Analysis
16.3.2. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
16.3.3. Evonik Industries AG
16.3.4. Koninklijke DSM N.V.
16.3.5. Nutreco N.V.
16.3.6. Green Plains Inc.
16.3.7. Novozymes A/S
16.3.8. Angel Yeast Co. Ltd.
16.3.9. Lallemand Inc.
16.3.10. Calysta Inc.
16.3.11. Other Key Players
Data Collection
Primary Research & Secondary Research
Bottom-Up Approach & Top-Down Approach
Market Analysis & Size Estimation
Quality Check & Final Review
By Source
• Algae
• Fungi
• Bacteria
• Yeast
By Feedstock
• Organic
• Conventional
By Application
• Food & Beverages
• Animal Feed
• Dietary Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others
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