Food Allergen Testing Market

Food Allergen Testing Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

The global Food Allergen Testing industry is estimated to be worth USD 900.1 million by 2024. It is projected to reach USD 1,909.3 million by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 7.8% over the assessment period 2024 to 2034.

As health concerns increase and consumers demand allergen-free products, the food allergen testing market is rising. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) studies food allergies are common among millions of people worldwide, and as such, there is always a need for efficient testing methods that guarantee the safety of the food products around.

The market covers a wide range of technologies, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and mass spectrometry. The users of these technologies perform a basic function of allergen detection to comply with both its regulations and our customers' standards.

In the interest of public health, it is a standard requirement by authorities across the globe to have food allergen labelling. For instance, the Food and Drug Administration in the USA requires the detailed labelling of certain allergens on packaged food products by manufacturers.

Similar provisions exist in Europe, where the European Food Safety Authority requires the labelling of allergens according to the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation. Such requirements and policies create pressure on food companies to adopt stringent testing measures that will validate their claims of being allergen-free to avoid expenses incurred in the retrieval of products or lawsuits.

Some of the primary industry tendencies influencing the food allergen testing marketplace include the boost of the packaged and processed food industry, the growth of free-from products (which includes dairy-free and gluten-free), and the increasing demand from purchasers for food label transparency.

Attributes	Description
Estimated Global Food Allergen Testing Industry Size (2024E)	USD 900.1 million
Projected Global Food Allergen Testing Industry Value (2034F)	USD 1,909.3 million
Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034)	7.8%

However, as more clients actively are searching for allergen-free options, manufacturers are responding as a result. The companies are investing in food allergen testing to enhance their product safety and verify their claims, which is essential for retaining consumer satisfaction, and trust.

Key Industry Highlights

Increasing Popularity of Multiplex Allergen Testing Solutions

Multiplex allergy testing systems are gaining popularity since they can detect many allergens in a single test. Traditional methods of testing usually require a separate examination for each allergen, which is both expensive and time-consuming. Multiplex solutions simplify the diagnostic process. Multiplex technologies simplify the testing procedure by combining assays, lowering the time and resources required for complete allergy screening.

These multiplex systems are particularly suitable for complex food matrices or products that contain multiple ingredients, where the risk of cross-contamination is high. By providing a holistic approach to allergen testing, multiplex solutions allow manufacturers to verify product safety more efficiently, enhancing overall quality control.

As food production becomes more complex, with multi-ingredient and processed foods dominating the market, the demand for multiplex allergen testing is expected to increase, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for comprehensive allergen detection.

Allergen Testing Analysis Integrates AI and Machine Learning

The integration of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being adopted in allergen testing to improve the interpretation of results and accuracy respectively. With such technology, large amounts of data can be processed automatically, making it easier to recognize cross-contamination risks and trends. AI can assist in analyzing many allergen test data to identify trends that can suggest risks associated with particular processing batches or lines.

With time, ML algorithms can update the testing protocols by 'learning' where the risk of contamination is the greatest and streamlining how allergen testing is conducted to ensure such risks are effective and low.

Moreover, AI-based systems can assist traceability by linking it to supply chain management and locating and cutting off the source of the cross-contamination more efficiently. Technologies such as MIL and AI have applications in allergen testing as they provide more focused analyses in understanding production activities and improving allergen management policies and practices.

Technological Advancements in Allergen Testing

Innovations developed into ELISA, PCR, and mass spectrometry allowed an improvement in testing solutions offered to global manufacturers where heightened demand for sensitive and specific levels of allergen tests increases. Advanced traceable amounts of allergens are accurately detected in complex compositional food matrices.

Biosensors and LFFs are becoming increasingly popular owing to their ability to test allergens quickly on-site, enabling real-time monitoring within food processing plants. This implies that allergen testing could be incorporated in food manufacturers' overall quality control, reducing the possibility of contamination and ensuring allergen-free claims.

Also, the integration of digital technology and data analytics has enhanced efficiency in testing allergens. Digital tools enable prompt tracking and recording of allergen test results, allowing manufacturers to keep tabs on contamination patterns and further enhance their practices for allergen management. Innovation will be the impetus for enhancement in accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility in the global food allergen testing market.

Increase in Demand for On-Site Testing Solutions

The requirement for flexibility in allergen management across the supply chain is one of the main factors driving the demand for portable testing solutions. With the expansion of the packaged food industry and the popularity of convenience foods, there is a higher risk of allergen cross-contamination, particularly in facilities where multiple products are produced on shared equipment.

Rapid and portable testing solutions enable manufacturers to perform routine allergen checks directly on the production floor, lowering the risk of contamination and allowing for immediate corrective action if allergens are identified.

Portable solutions are also becoming popular among retailers and other food service providers. Thus, if a restaurant or café has allergy-free menu items, an in-house test can confirm that there are no allergens. This ensures the safety of consumers. Retailers may utilize portable allergen testing kits to conduct spot checks on third-party suppliers' products and ensure that they meet allergen labelling requirements, offering consumers more confidence in them.

As technology advances, so will the portable and rapid on-site testing solution. Sensitivity and accuracy in the detection of allergens by portable testing devices are expected to improve further because of progress in nanotechnology, bio sensing, and microfluidics.

Digital technology integration, such as data logging or cloud connectivity, can further strengthen the capabilities of on-site testing solutions. For instance, digital platforms will enable manufacturers to track real-time data from allergen tests, which helps them understand patterns of contamination and supports proactive approaches to managing allergens.

Market Concentration

Tier 1 Companies are referred to as the major players of the industry as they are fully established worldwide with majority shares of the business ecosystem. Industry leaders always lead the level of creativity, research, and development and most of the time are the trendsetters.

They include Eurofins Scientific, SGS S.A., Intertek Group plc, and Bureau Veritas. To expand their global reach, allergen testing producers employ a variety of marketing campaigns. To solidify the global footprint, food allergen testing providers use both organic and inorganic strategies.

To increase their market share in emerging economies, prominent allergy diagnostic equipment vendors emphasize offering attractive discounts and lower prices.

Tier 2 Companies are the regional players with adequate market coverage and are known for offering niche products. They are typically more localized and address specific issues of more general ones. Inorganic approaches include forming alliances with local suppliers to strengthen their supply chain and pursuing mergers and acquisitions. Faster product innovation, patenting, and licensing procedures are prioritized.

Tier 3 Companies are smaller players who are usually limited to the local or regional areas. They tend to service localized areas and do not possess the same level of research & development as bigger companies but are nonetheless helpful in satisfying local needs. These companies are smaller in size but still remain strong in their target industries owing to its deep-rooted advancements and customer service.

Country-wise Insights

The following table illustrates the estimated growth rates of the top five countries, the USA, China, India, Brazil, and Germany are set to unveil high consumption, recording CAGRs of 5.8%, 6.7%, 7.7%, 8.1%, and 6.1% respectively, through 2034.

Countries	CAGR 2024 to 2034
The USA	5.8%
Brazil	8.1%
India	7.7%
Germany	6.1%
China	6.7%

High Prevalence of Food Allergies in the USA

Food allergies are widely spread in North America, particularly in the United States. In that region, even as much as 10% of the population harbors any kind of food allergy. Such a level has made food allergen testing one of the pioneers in food safety within the region.

The major common allergens for them comprise peanuts and tree nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, soy, wheat, and fish, causing most of the allergic reactions. Even a trace of these allergens can induce extreme conditions, so testing for cross-contamination must be relatively exact.

In recent years, the number of children and adults diagnosed with food allergies in North America has risen, increasing demand for allergen-free foods and raising consumer awareness of allergen risks. This awareness has resulted in the need for food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers to implement stringent allergen testing protocols to ensure consumer safety.

The United States government has stated this trend by enforcing strict allergen labelling regulations and issuing allergen management guidance. These factors have combined positioned the United States as a leader in food allergen testing.

Category-Wise Insights

Consumer Health Awareness and Safety Concerns Bolster the Technology Growth

Segment	Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - (By Technology)
Value Share (2024)	35.4%

Testing for food allergens using PCR-based technology is experiencing rapid growth during the forecast period. Originally developed for genetic research, PCR technology has become the standard for allergen detection due to its exceptional sensitivity, speed, and ability to identify even trace amounts of allergenic DNA.

This capability is crucial in today’s food production environment, where the risk of allergen contamination is significant and strict regulatory requirements demand reliable and precise testing.

PCR-based methods are well known for their ability to detect trace amounts of allergenic DNA, thus accurately identifying allergens in complex food matrices. This precision is very essential for manufacturers trying to meet stringent safety standards. This efficiency is crucial for real-time monitoring and swift decision-making in food production environments.

There is a growing need for dependable testing technologies due to improved regulations on food safety worldwide. The PCR-based technologies are well compliant with the regulatory requirements and minimize the chances of recalled products.

Advancements in PCR technology, such as the establishment of multiplex PCR assays, facilitate the detection of several allergens at once. This technology streamlines the process of testing and minimizes the operational costs.

Competition Outlook

The competition landscape of the Food Allergen Testing market is intense. Eurofins Scientific, SGS S.A., Intertek Group plc, Bureau Veritas, Neogen Corporation, ALS Limited, Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation are the major market players and contribute significantly in terms of research & development investment as well as further towards conducting sustainable food allergen testing concepts to tackle the market.

To expand their sales, manufacturers are embracing different strategies including vertical and strategic acquisitions. For instance, Eurofins Scientific increased its market domination by acquiring smaller testing companies and integration them into its testing network, so ensuring raw material quality and availability.

For instance

• In 2024, Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation entered into definitive agreement to acquire Bureau Veritas Food Testing Business. The agreement encompasses all of Bureau Veritas' food laboratory testing activities, including microbiological, chemical, and molecular testing. These are delivered to food industry customers via a network of 34 laboratories and 1,900 technical personnel in 15 countries across the Americas, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
• Eurofins Scientific is sustaining food manufacturers in allergens testing. Manufacturers can avoid cross-contamination, guarantee their statements about being free from allergens, and then retain customer trust by identifying and quantifying allergenic ingredients in the food product. Food manufacturers protect consumer safety but are also aware of their allergen risks and need to understand the complexities of different methods, regulations, and best practices in allergen testing.

Leading Players

• Eurofins Scientific
• SGS S.A.
• Intertek Group plc
• Bureau Veritas
• Neogen Corporation
• ALS Limited
• Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation
• TÜV SÜD
• Microbac Laboratories, Inc.
• Romer Labs Diagnostic GmbH
• Symbio Laboratories
• Charm Sciences, Inc
• R-Biopharm AG
• ELISA Technologies, Inc.
• VWR International, LLC
• Others

Key Segments of the Report

By Source:

As per Source, the industry has been categorized into Milk, Eggs, Fish, Tree nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soybean, Sesame, Shellfish, and Others (Lupin, Caesin, etc.).

By Technology:

As per Technology, the industry has been categorized into Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Lateral Flow Devices (LFD), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Fluorescent Assay.

By Application:

As per Application, the industry has been categorized into Bakery and Confectionery, Processed Food, Infant Formula and Baby Food, Beverages, Meat and Seafood, Dairy Products, and Others.

By Region:

Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Central Asia, Russia & Belarus, Balkan & Baltics, and the Middle East & Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Food Allergen Testing industry?

The global industry is estimated at a value of USD 900.1 million in 2024.

At what rate did the sales for Food Allergen Testing grow between 2019 and 2023?

Sales increased at 7.1% CAGR between 2019 and 2023.

Who are the leading manufacturers of Food Allergen Testing?

Some of the leaders in this industry include include Eurofins Scientific, SGS S.A., Intertek Group plc, Bureau Veritas, Neogen Corporation, ALS Limited, Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation, TÜV SÜD, Microbac Laboratories, Inc., Romer Labs Diagnostic GmbH, Symbio Laboratories, Charm Sciences, Inc., R-Biopharm AG, ELISA Technologies, Inc., and VWR International, LLC, among others.

Which region will garner a significant value share by 2024?

The North American region is anticipated to hold a revenue share of 36.8% over the forecast period.

At what CAGR is the global forecast to grow from 2024 to 2034?

The industry is projected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 7.8% from 2024 to 2034.