Global Immunoassay-Based Food Allergen Testing Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The global market for Immunoassay-Based Food Allergen Testing is estimated at USD 1.17 Billion in 2023 and is predicted to reach USD 1.98 Billion by 2030, with a projected growth rate of 7.72% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.

The identification and quantification of food allergens in food products are facilitated by the use of an analytical diagnostic technique known as immunoassay. This method involves the utilization of antibodies that specifically bind to allergenic proteins present in food, allowing for their detection through various means. The sensitivity and specificity of this technique enable the reliable and precise detection of allergens in food products, making it a valuable tool in the food industry to ensure product safety for consumers with food allergies.

The market for immunoassay-based food allergen testing is witnessing rapid growth due to the increasing prevalence of food allergies and the rising consumer demand for allergen-free food products. The upcoming years are expected to see the development of new and innovative testing techniques, along with the growing adoption of immunoassay-based food allergen testing within the food industry, which will drive market expansion.

Global Immunoassay-Based Food Allergen Testing Market Drivers:

The escalating prevalence of food allergies is a key driver of growth in the immunoassay-based food allergen testing market.

The market for allergen identification techniques utilizing immunoassays is expanding alongside the increasing incidence of dietary allergies. According to the World Allergy Organization, up to 10% of the global population suffers from food allergies, a number that has been on the rise. This has led to a heightened demand for allergen-free food products, accompanied by stricter regulations on food safety. Immunoassay-based food allergen testing plays a crucial role in determining the safety of food products for consumers with allergies. It enables food manufacturers to implement necessary precautions to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the suitability of their products for individuals with food allergies. The testing method provides a reliable and accurate means of detecting and quantifying allergens in food.

The increasing demand for allergen-free food products is driving market expansion.

The growing consumer preference for allergen-free products is fueling the popularity of immunoassay-based food allergen testing. As consumers become more aware of the value of allergen-free food items due to the rising incidence of food allergies, food producers are required to offer a variety of options. Immunoassay-based food allergen testing serves as a critical tool in ensuring the safety of allergen-free food products. It allows food manufacturers to identify and measure the presence of allergens in their products, ensuring compliance with necessary safety standards. By utilizing immunoassay-based food allergen testing, food producers demonstrate their commitment to producing safe and wholesome allergen-free products, thereby earning consumer trust. The market for immunoassay-based food allergen testing is expected to grow as the demand for allergen-free products continues to rise. The development of novel and innovative testing techniques, providing food manufacturers with more precise and reliable testing options, is also anticipated to support market expansion.

Global Immunoassay-Based Food Allergen Testing Market Challenges:

A significant challenge for the immunoassay-based food allergen testing market is the potential for cross-reactivity and false positives. False positive test results occur due to cross-reactivity, where the antibodies utilized in the testing method recognize and bind to proteins that have a similar structure to the target allergen. False positives can lead to unnecessary product recalls and reputational damage for food producers, posing a considerable challenge. Mitigating the risk of cross-reactivity and false positives in immunoassay-based food allergen testing requires continuous research and development of more specific antibodies, as well as improved testing methodologies.

Global Immunoassay-Based Food Allergen Testing Market Opportunities:

The industry employing immunoassays for food allergen testing holds substantial market potential, especially with the increasing popularity of rapid testing kits. Rapid testing kits offer an efficient means of checking food products for allergens without the need for specialized equipment or training. As the demand for more effective and cost-efficient testing methods grows, rapid testing kits are expected to become more prevalent. Businesses utilizing immunoassays for food allergen testing stand to benefit significantly from this trend.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Immunoassay-Based Food Allergen Testing Market:

The impact of COVID-19 on the immunoassay-based food allergen testing market has been mixed. Positively, the pandemic heightened awareness regarding the importance of good hygiene and food safety, leading to increased demand for accurate testing procedures such as immunoassay-based food allergen testing. This surge in demand for allergen testing and other food safety measures positively impacted the industry. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted logistics and supply chains, making it challenging for businesses in the immunoassay-based food allergen testing market to manufacture and distribute their products. Additionally, the closure of restaurants and other food service establishments during lockdowns resulted in decreased demand for food items.

Global Immunoassay-Based Food Allergen Testing Market Recent Developments:

In April 2022, Mérieux NutriSciences, a global leader in food safety, quality, and sustainability, completed the acquisition of Hortec Pty Ltd in South Africa and Laboratorios Bromatológicos Araba, S.A. in Spain. This strategic move aims to further the company's objectives and enhance its capabilities by entering the South African pesticide market and strengthening its presence in Spain. These acquisitions are expected to expand the company's global reach and bolster its market position.

Segmentation of the Global Market for Immunoassay-Based Food Allergen Testing:

By Technological Approach

• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
• Lateral Flow Devices (LFD)
• Other Methods

The global market for immunoassay-based food allergen testing is segmented by technological methods, including Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Lateral Flow Devices (LFD), and other methodologies. ELISA, known for its remarkable sensitivity, specificity, and precision in detecting allergens within food items, dominated the market share in 2022. Conversely, LFD, valued for its portability, rapid outcomes, and user-friendly nature, is poised for the highest growth rate throughout the forecast period. Additional techniques such as Mass Spectrometry (MS), Immuno-Polymerase Chain Reaction (iPCR), and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) contribute to the market's diversity. The sustained dominance of the ELISA segment is expected, driven by the food industry's persistent demand for accurate and reliable testing methodologies. Conversely, the accelerated expansion of the LFD segment will be primarily fueled by the escalating need for swift testing processes. Although the market share of other methodologies is expected to remain modest, there is potential for growth in the forthcoming years.

Segmentation by Food Types Tested:

• Dairy Products
• Bakery & Confectionery Products
• Processed Foods
• Seafood
• Others (including Meat, Poultry, and Beverages)

The segmentation of the immunoassay-based food allergen testing market is further delineated by the types of food under scrutiny, encompassing dairy products, processed foods, bakery and confectionery items, seafood, and other categories such as meat, poultry, and beverages. In 2022, the processed foods category secured the largest market share owing to the heightened occurrence of food allergens in processed items and the burgeoning demand for allergen-free alternatives. The dairy products segment is projected to witness substantial growth during the forecast period attributed to the increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance and milk allergies. Rapid expansion is anticipated in the bakery and confectionery products sector owing to the elevated presence of allergens like peanuts and tree nuts in these commodities. A moderate uptick is expected in the seafood category due to its widespread consumption. Although the others segment is expected to remain relatively small, there exists potential for expansion. Overall, factors such as consumer preferences, the prevalence of food allergies, and regulatory frameworks are poised to influence the market shares of each category.

Segmentation by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Rest of the World

North America dominated the market share in 2022, attributed to the region's escalating incidence of food allergies and stringent regulatory measures by the FDA concerning food safety. Europe is anticipated to witness significant growth during the forecast period, buoyed by the surging demand for allergen-free food products and the abundance of food producers in the region. The Asia Pacific region is poised for rapid growth owing to the increasing adoption of food safety testing methodologies and heightened awareness regarding food allergens among the populace. Moderate growth is anticipated in the Middle East and Latin America, driven by the escalating demand for food safety testing in these regions. Overall, variables such as regulatory frameworks, the prevalence of food allergies, and consumer demand for safe and allergen-free food products are expected to shape the market shares of each region.

Key Players in the Global Market for Immunoassay-Based Food Allergen Testing:

1. Intertek Group PLC
2. TÜV SÜD
3. Eurofins Scientific SE
4. Institut Mérieux (Mérieux NutriSciences)
5. ALS Limited
6. AsureQuality Limited
7. Neogen Corporation
8. Bureau Veritas S.A.
9. SGS SA
10. Microbac Laboratories Inc