Beta-Glucan Market

[350 Pages Report] The market for beta-glucan is estimated at USD 542 million in 2024; it is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% to reach USD 800 million by 2029. The growing need for nutritional supplements stems from urbanization and the hectic pace of modern life. Consequently, food additives are incorporated into food products to enhance their nutritional value without posing any adverse effects. Both the conventional and organic food sectors are witnessing a surge in demand for natural ingredients. According to a 2022 report by BakeryandSnacks, a prominent online publication in the bakery and snacks industries, natural ingredients are at the forefront of consumer preferences: approximately 47% of global consumers seek natural products, and 55% prioritize natural attributes when purchasing products in at least one category. The demand for natural food additives has surged due to stringent EU regulations that restrict the use of synthetic additives, leading to significant growth in the food additives market. Beta-glucan, sourced from various materials including cereals, grains, yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed, is a safe and naturally occurring potent Biological Response Modifier (BRM) that nutritionally stimulates the immune system. Consequently, there is a rising demand for food products enriched with beta-glucan to support a healthy lifestyle.

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Beta-Glucan Market Dynamics

Driver: Beta-glucan's growing role in multiple industrial applications

Beta-glucan has long been recognized for its health-promoting properties, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and lowering cholesterol. Its versatile applications are expanding beyond the realms of health and nutrition. Recently, there's been a surge of interest in utilizing beta-glucan across diverse industries, transcending its traditional use in food and supplements. For instance, beta-glucan is being explored as an eco-friendly alternative in food packaging, aiming to replace conventional petroleum-derived plastics. Research published in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science in 2020 showcased that films made from beta-glucan exhibited promising mechanical strength. These films could potentially serve as edible coatings for fresh produce, enhancing their shelf life and freshness. Moreover, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre has delved into using beta-glucan as a coating agent for paper-based packaging. This application aims to bolster the packaging's resistance to water and increase its longevity. In line with this innovation, Biopack, a leading food packaging company, introduced a beta-glucan-based coating in 2021. This innovative coating not only enhances the water-resistant and durable properties of paper-based packaging but also aligns with sustainability goals, making packaging more environmentally benign.

Restraint: Price volatility of raw materials

Price instability in raw materials significantly impacts the beta-glucan market. A prime example of this is the fluctuation in oat prices, a key source of beta-glucan, due to weather-related events. For instance, a severe drought in Scandinavia in 2018 led to a substantial increase in oat prices. Consequently, this rise affected the prices of beta-glucan products dependent on oats, making them more costly for consumers. Concurrently, in 2018, the demand-driven price surge for beta-glucan derived from yeast also escalated, particularly in the food and beverage sector.

Drawing a parallel to recent data from the IMF, the volatility in raw material prices remains evident. Barley prices experienced a significant increase from USD 104 per Metric Ton in 2020 to USD 178 per MT in 2021, further rising to USD 225 per MT in 2022. Similarly, oat prices saw an uptick, moving from USD 3 per bushel in 2020 to USD 4.8 per bushel in 2021 and reaching USD 5.5 per bushel in 2022. Such price variations underscore the challenges faced by the beta-glucan market, where changes in raw material costs directly impact the affordability and availability of beta-glucan products for consumers..

Opportunity: Increase in application of beta glucan in different industries

Due to growing research and awareness of its functional benefits, beta-glucan is seeing increased adoption across fast-paced sectors like food & beverage and pharmaceuticals. It finds predominant use in food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, and animal feed industries. The rising demand for health-promoting and prebiotic properties in beta-glucan is driving its application in food & beverages and pharmaceuticals. In 2021, Alltech, an animal nutrition company, introduced Optigen, a beta-glucan additive derived from yeast, aimed at boosting the immune system and gut health of poultry.

While beta-glucan has been extensively studied for its potential health advantages, such as immune modulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and cholesterol reduction, recent years have seen increased interest in its application across diverse industries beyond food and supplements. Beta-glucan is being explored as a biodegradable and renewable alternative to petroleum-based plastics in food packaging. A 2020 study in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science highlighted that beta-glucan-based films exhibited favorable mechanical properties, indicating their potential as edible coatings for fruits and vegetables. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has also delved into using beta-glucan as a paper coating to enhance its water resistance and durability. In 2021, Biopack, a food packaging company, launched a beta-glucan-based coating to improve the water resistance and sustainability of paper-based packaging.

Moreover, beta-glucan's potential in wound healing through tissue regeneration and inflammation reduction has been a subject of study. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules affirmed that beta-glucan-based dressings effectively foster wound healing in both human and animal trials. The review also highlighted the well-tolerated nature of beta-glucan-based dressings with minimal side effects.

Challenge:Lack of consumer awareness

A major hurdle facing the beta-glucan industry is the limited awareness among consumers and food manufacturers about its potential uses and benefits. This lack of familiarity can restrict the demand for products containing beta-glucan and hinder market expansion. Research illustrates this issue; a 2018 study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior revealed that while consumers recognized the health advantages of oatmeal, they were less informed about the specific benefits of beta-glucan. The study recommended that raising awareness of beta-glucan's health-promoting properties could stimulate demand for products incorporating this ingredient. Government entities, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), have a role to play in enhancing beta-glucan awareness by disseminating research on its health benefits, including its potential to lower cholesterol and support heart health. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved health claims related to beta-glucan, such as its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Beta-Glucan Market Ecosystem

Prominent companies in this market include well-established, financially stable manufacturers of beta-glucan. These companies have been operating in the market for several years and possess a diversified product portfolio, state-of-the-art technologies, and strong global sales and marketing networks. Prominent companies in this market include Tate & Lyle PLC (England), Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), Koninklijke DSM NV (Netherlands), International Flavors & Fragrances INC. (US), Merck (US).

Cereals & grains are anticipated to dominate the beta-glucan market in terms of market share.

The market for cereals and grains rich in beta-glucan is projected to experience substantial growth in the forthcoming years, fueled by the escalating consumer demand for healthier and functional foods. Beta-glucan, a dietary fiber present in the cell walls of cereals like oats, barley, and rye, offers various health advantages, including cholesterol reduction, enhanced heart health, and immune system fortification.

Oats stand as the predominant source of beta-glucan, and the demand for oat-based products is anticipated to surge in the coming years. The increasing popularity of oat milk and oat-centric snacks underscores this evolving trend. Additionally, barley and rye, as alternative sources of beta-glucan, are also expected to witness rising demand.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a change in consumer preferences towards health-enhancing and immune-boosting foods, further amplifying the demand for cereals rich in beta-glucan. In summary, the market for beta-glucan-enriched cereals and grains is poised for significant expansion, driven by the growing consumer inclination towards functional and healthier food options. Industry participants are actively investing in research and development to introduce new products and improve existing ones, thereby stimulating market growth. Companies are innovating by formulating blends of beta-glucan with other ingredients to craft distinctive products with augmented health benefits. For example, in 2019, Kellogg's unveiled "Hi! Happy Inside" breakfast cereal, touted as a digestive wellness product featuring beta-glucan from wheat as a key component.

The soluble category in the beta-glucan market is forecasted to register the most significant CAGR over the projected period.

Soluble beta-glucan, a form of soluble fiber present in various foods like oats, barley, and mushrooms, offers a range of health advantages. These benefits include lowering cholesterol levels, enhancing immune system functionality, and potentially decreasing the likelihood of certain cancers.

The escalating demand for soluble beta-glucan can be attributed to the growing body of scientific research supporting its health-promoting properties. For instance, a 2022 review published in the Nutrients journal revealed that the consumption of beta-glucan from oats or barley can lead to reductions in both total and LDL cholesterol levels, which are key risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the study suggested that beta-glucan might also provide additional cardiovascular benefits, such as mitigating inflammation and enhancing endothelial function.

The food & beverage segment is projected to dominate the market based on application.

Consuming beta-glucan has been associated with various health advantages, including lowering the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and specific types of cancer. The US FDA has endorsed health claims related to beta-glucan, indicating that "soluble fiber from certain foods like oats and barley, when part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, can potentially reduce the risk of heart disease." In 2021, the Swedish oat milk brand Oatly introduced a new range of beta-glucan-fortified oat milk products in the US market. Branded as "Oatly+ Beta-Glucan," these products are promoted for their potential to enhance heart health and overall well-being. Consequently, the rising demand for beta-glucan in the food and beverage sector is fueled by the growing recognition of its health benefits, especially in preventing and managing chronic illnesses.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience the most rapid growth between 2024 and 2029.

The beta-glucan market has been analyzed across regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Rest of the World. In the Asia Pacific region, the beta-glucan market is propelled by innovations and advancements in beta-glucan-based food, beverage, industrial, and healthcare products. This growth trend is prompting local Asian firms to diversify their product offerings with beta-glucan, aiming to achieve substantial revenue growth. Additionally, the expanding market in the region.

Major players operating in the Tate & Lyle PLC (UK), Kerry Group plc (Ireland), dsm-firmenich (Switzerland), Merck (Germany), Lesaffre  (France), Kemin Industries (US), Angel Yeast Co. Ltd (China), Lallemand (Canada), Associated British Foods Plc (UK), Biorigin (Brazil), Ceapro Inc. (Canada), Specialty Biotech Co., Ltd. (US), Alltech (US), Garuda International Inc. (US), and Leiber (Germany).

Other players in the market include VW-Ingredients (Netherlands), Super Beta Glucan(US), GlycaNova AS  (Norway), NutriScience Innovations, LLC (US), Algalíf Iceland hf. (Iceland), ABAC R&D  (Switzerland), Natural Biologics (New Zealand), BENEO (Germany), L&P Food Ingredient Co., Ltd. (China), Beta Bio Technology sp. z o. o (Poland).

Key Market Players 

Key Market Players in this include Tate & Lyle PLC (London), Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), DSM Firmenich (Switzerland), Merck (US), Kemin Industries (US), Alltech (US), AngelYeast Co., Ltd (China), Lallemand Inc. (Canada),  Leiber (Germany), Lesaffre (France) Associated British Foods Plc (UK), Biorigin (Brazil), Ceapro Inc. (Canada), Specialty Biotech Co., Ltd. (US), Alltech (US), Garuda International Inc. (US), and Leiber (Germany).

Other players include VW-Ingredients (Netherlands), Super Beta Glucan(US), GlycaNova AS  (Norway), NutriScience Innovations, LLC (US), Algalíf Iceland hf. (Iceland), ABAC R&D  (Switzerland), Natural Biologics (New Zealand), BENEO (Germany), L&P Food Ingredient Co., Ltd. (China), Beta Bio Technology sp. z o. o (Poland).

  These players in this market are focusing on increasing their presence through agreements and collaborations. These companies have a strong presence in North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. They also have manufacturing facilities along with strong distribution networks across these regions.

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Scope of the Report

This research report categorizes the beta-glucan market based on source, application, category, type, extraction method (qualitative), and region.

Beta-glucan market:

By Source

• Cereals & Grains
  • Oats
  • Barley
  • Other Sources
• Mushroom
• Yeast
• Seaweed

By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Personal Care
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Dietary Supplements
• Animal Feed
  • Livestock
  • Pets

By Category

• Soluble Beta-glucan
• Insoluble Beta-glucan

By Type

• (1,3) Beta-glucan
• (1,4) Beta-glucan
• (1,6) Beta-glucan

By Extraction Method (Qualitative)

• Beta-glucan from Cereals
• Beta-glucan from Yeast 

Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• RoW

Recent Developments

• In June 2023, Kemin Industries has received approval from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) for its immune support ingredient, BetaVia Complete, as a Novel Food in Thailand. BetaVia Complete is derived from Kemin’s proprietary strain of algae, Euglena gracilis, which is rich in beta-1,3-glucan, protein, and essential fatty acids. The TFDA has approved its use in food supplements at a dosage of 375 milligrams per day after conducting a thorough safety evaluation.
• In December 2022, Kemin Industries expanded its production facility in Cavriago, demonstrating the company's dedication to innovation and sustainability in animal nutrition and health. With these new additions, Kemin aims to meet the rising demand for premium-quality beta-glucan products and further foster innovation in this crucial sector.
• In January 2022, DSM introduced an integrated Food & Beverage operating structure that consolidates three segments of its nutrition business: Food Specialties, Hydrocolloids, and a portion of its Nutritional Products Group. The newly formed Food & Beverage division aims to guide consumers in making choices that balance taste, texture, and health. This strategic move aligns with DSM's objective to evolve into a fully dedicated Health, Nutrition & Bioscience company, building on its announcement from September 2021.
• In June 2020, Lesaffre acquired a majority stake in the Chinese firm, Biohymn Biotechnology, a specialized producer of yeast and yeast extracts. With an eye on its expansion plans and to tap into the Chinese market, Lesaffre made this significant investment. This move aligns perfectly with Lesaffre Human Care's strategy to bolster its footprint in China and enhance its proximity to clients.
• in December 2021, Angel Yeast commenced its yeast product expansion project, targeting an annual output of 20,000 tons. Undertaken by China National Chemical Engineering NO.16 Construction Co., Ltd., this expansion is slated for completion by May 2024. The project aims to significantly boost the company's total production capacity.

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