Protease Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2035

Protease Market Size 2025 to 2035

The global protease market size was calculated at USD 2.10 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 2.31 billion in 2026 to reach nearly USD 5.51 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 10.12% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. The development of protease-based drugs and the growing household applications drive market growth.

Key Highlights

• By region, North America led the protease market revenue with 34% in 2025.
• By region, Europe is growing at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By application, the food processing segment led the market in 2025. 
• By application, the pharmaceuticals segment is growing at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. 
• By source, the plant-based segment led the market in 2025.
• By source, the microbial segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By type, the cysteine proteases segment led the market in 2025.
• By type, the serine proteases segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By form, the liquid segment led the market in 2025.
• By form, the powder segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.

Protease Industry Coverage

Market Overview

Protease is a protein-digesting enzyme that breaks down protein into smaller protein units. The functions of protease are protein recycling, blood coagulation, tissue remodeling, breaking down dietary proteins, cell signaling, immune response, tissue repair, catabolism, controlling cell proliferation, and tissue modelling. The proteases are classified according to catalytic type, biological functions, mechanism of action, and pH activity. They are available in food sources like papaya, figs, legumes, pineapple, kiwi, sprouted seeds, and fermented foods. They are widely used in applications like dishwashing detergents, leather production, cosmetic formulation, food processing, and waste management.

The protease market growth is driven by the growing therapeutic use, increased use of biodegradable products, robust industrialization, higher need for stain removal, focus on enhancing the flavor of baked goods, push towards protease-based therapies, advancements in enzyme immobilization, growing use of enzymatic solutions, rising cheese production, and the increased spending on high-quality cleaning agents. 

What are the Key Trends in the Protease Market?

• Growing Pharmaceutical Innovations: The increased production of therapeutic proteins and the strong focus on the development of chronic disease treatment increase demand for protease. 
• Increased Protein-Rich Product Consumption: The consumer focuses on the consumption of high-protein food, and the robustly growing functional foods increase demand for protease for enhancing the digestibility of food. 
• Growing Food Processing: The increased production of plant-based food and the heavy demand for convenient food products increases adoption of protease. The strong focus on enhancing clarity in beverages and the growth in milk protein modification require protease. 
• Increased Use of Eco-Friendly Solutions: The growing development of green detergent formulations and the transition towards sustainable lathering increases the adoption of the protease.

Key Technological Shift in the Protease Market

The protease market is undergoing key technological shifts driven by demand for enhancing yield, improving production efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effective production. The technological innovations, like computational modelling, machine learning, digital twins, and recombinant technology, increase discovery speed and optimize protein structures. The major innovation is the incorporation of AI driven by demand for optimizing stability and the production of custom proteases. 

AI easily predicts catalytic function and manufactures synthetic substrates of protease. AI enhances enzyme activity and supports faster product development. AI easily develops customized enzymes and determines the protease inhibitors. AI easily manufactures feed protease and improves the product consistency. AI supports sustainable manufacturing and identifies drug targets. Overall, AI fosters faster development in the protease industry.

Trade Analysis of the Protease Market: Import & Export Statistics

• China exported 1,915 shipments of protease. 
• From June 2024 to May 2025, the world exported 2,732 shipments of protease. 
• India is the leading importer of protease. 
• GENENCOR International BV is the leading exporter of protease enzyme with 100 shipments.
• China exported 813 shipments of protease enzyme. 
• The leading importer of protease enzyme is India. 

Protease Market Value Chain Analysis

Raw Material Procurement

• The following stage sources raw materials like casein, shrimp shell powder, dairy waste, yeast extract, agricultural waste, fish wastes, fungi, industrial by-products, cow hair, and bacteria.
• Key Players: Biolaxi Corporation, S.I. Biozyme, Angel Yeast Co., Ltd., Noor Enzymes, Simson Pharma Ltd., Enzyme Bioscience Pvt. Ltd. 

Processing and Preservation

• The processing involves steps like the selection of a microorganism, optimization, fermentation, purification, and formulation. Preservation focuses on lyophilization, chemical stabilization, storage temperature, and immobilization. 
• Key Players: Amano Enzyme, IFF, MilliporeSigma, Novonesis, Kerry Group, Nagase, Ultreze Enzymes, Brisk Bioscience, MT Royal

Quality Testing and Certifications

• Quality testing focuses on evaluating properties like fluorescence, stability, protein characterization, casein hydrolysis, specific activity determination, and contamination. The certifications include Kosher Certification, ISO 9001, GRAS, USP, ISO 22000, and Halal Certification. 
• Key Players: Creative Enzymes, Medallion Labs, Eurofins Scientific, TUV Rheinland, SORA Labs, Labstat International Inc., Bureau Veritas

The Blueprint of Protease Framework

Protease Market Regional Insights

Why North America Dominates the Protease Market?

North America dominated the protease market in 2025. The strong research capabilities and the well-established food processing industry increase demand for protease. The growing number of orthopedic disorders and the increased production of high-protein food increase the adoption of protease. The strong presence of the biotech industry and the focus on waste treatment require protease, driving the overall market growth.

North America Protease Market Size 2025 to 2035

The North America protease market size was valued at USD 714 million in 2025 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 785.4 million in 2026 to reach nearly USD 1,900.95 million by 2035, with a CAGR of 10.29% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

Unlocking the Power of Protease in the United States

The United States is a key contributor to the market. The increased utilization of protease-based therapies and the expanding textile processing require protease. The increased prevalence of inflammatory disorders and the increased investment in biotechnology increase demand for protease. The shift towards enzyme-based solutions and the robust growth in biofuels requires protease, supporting the overall market growth. 

• The United States exported 1,503 shipments of protease.

Europe Protease Market Trends

Europe is experiencing the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The robust meat processing and the increased production of dietary supplements increase demand for protease. The increased utilization of laundry detergents and the expansion of high-protein pet food increases adoption of protease. The high consumption rate of packaged food and the growing feed conversion ratios require protease, driving the overall market growth.

Germany’s Role in Protease Contribution

Germany is a major contributor to the market. The growing development of effective cleaning solutions and the rising consumption of specialized food products increase demand for protease. The robust pharmaceutical industrial infrastructure and the growing livestock industry require protease. The growing field of enzyme engineering and the eco-friendly products trend requires protease, supporting the overall market growth.

Protease Market Segmental Insights 

Application Insights

Protease Market Share, By Application, 2025 (%)

• Food Processing: Dominated with 50%, as proteases are widely used in food processing for tenderizing, flavor enhancement, and protein breakdown.
• Pharmaceuticals: Fast-growing with 15%, driven by increasing use of proteases in drug formulations and therapeutic applications.
• Biotechnology: Holds 12%, with proteases being used in various biotech processes, but still a smaller share compared to food and pharmaceuticals.
• Animal Feed: Holds 8%, as proteases are used to improve the nutritional value and digestibility of animal feed.
• Detergents: Holds 15%, with proteases widely used in detergent formulations for breaking down proteins in stains.

Which Application Dominated the Protease Market?

The food processing segment dominated the protease market in 2025. The growing meat tenderization and the increased cheese production increase demand for protease. The growing food manufacturing and the popularity of sports nutrition increases adoption of protease. The need to enhance the texture of convenience food and the high consumption rate of plant-based protein require protease, driving the overall market growth. 

The Pharmaceuticals Segment is the Fastest-Growing in the Market During the Forecast Period

The growing number of inflammation cases and the focus on the modification of drugs require protease. The rise in digestive disorders and the transition to targeted therapies increase demand for protease. The increased protein purification and the expansion of surgical applications require protease, supporting the overall market growth. 

Source Insights

Protease Market Share, By Source, 2025 (%)

• Plant-Based: Dominated with 50%, as plant-based proteases are widely used due to their availability and effectiveness in various applications.
• Animal-Based: Holds 20%, with animal-based proteases used in specific applications, but with a smaller market share.
• Microbial: Fast-growing with 30%, driven by the increasing demand for microbial proteases due to their effectiveness and broader applications.

How did the Plant-Based Segment hold the Largest Share in the Protease Market?

The plant-based segment held the largest revenue share in the protease market in 2025. The transition to vegan products and the increased production of pharmaceuticals increase demand for plant-based protease. The rise in medicinal applications and the shift towards non-GMO ingredients require plant-based protease. The cost efficiency, safety profile, sustainability, and high performance of plant-based protease drive the market growth.

The Microbial Segment is Experiencing the Fastest Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period

The increased production of stain removal solutions and the rise in eco-friendly desizing increase demand for microbial protease. The transition to bio-based processes and innovations in genetic engineering requires microbial protease. The superior stability, high production efficiency, robustness, and superior functionality of microbial protease support the overall market growth. 

Type Insights

Protease Market Share, By Type, 2025 (%)

• Serine Proteases: Fast-growing with 25%, as serine proteases are used in a variety of applications, particularly in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
• Cysteine Proteases: Dominated with 45%, as cysteine proteases are the most commonly used type, especially in food processing and industrial applications.
• Aspartic Proteases: Holds 20%, with moderate use, particularly in specialized applications like wine and beer production.
• Metalloproteases: Holds 10%, used in various applications, but with a smaller share compared to cysteine and serine proteases.

Why Cysteine Proteases Segment Dominates the Protease Market?

The cysteine proteases segment dominated the protease market in 2025. The rise in beer clarification and focus on treating gluten intolerances increases the adoption of cysteine proteases. The need to enhance dough rheology and the presence of acidic industrial environments increase the adoption of cysteine proteases. The growing consumption of digestive supplements and the growth in tenderizing meat require cysteine proteases, driving the overall market growth. 

The Serine Proteases Segment is the Fastest-Growing in the Market During the Forecast Period

The increased utilization of eco-friendly detergents and the focus on improving the nutritional value of food increase demand for serine proteases. The rise in drug formulations and the shift towards natural food ingredients increases the adoption of serine proteases. The popularity of recombinant technology and the growth of biopharmaceuticals require serine proteases, supporting the overall market growth. 

Form Insights

Protease Market Share, By Form, 2025 (%)

• Liquid: Dominated with 50%, as liquid proteases are widely preferred in industries like food processing and detergents due to their ease of use.
• Powder: Fast-growing with 30%, driven by the increasing demand for powdered proteases in specific applications like pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
• Granular: Holds 20%, with granular forms used in specific applications, but with a smaller market share.

How did the Liquid Segment hold the Largest Share in the Protease Market?

The liquid segment held the largest revenue share in the market in 2025. The growth in beverage processing and the expanding detergent sector increases demand for liquid formulations. The rise in cleaning activities and the growth of industrial manufacturing require liquid formulations. The uniform distribution, superior stability, ease of incorporation, and convenience of liquid form drive the market growth. 

The Powder Segment is Experiencing the Fastest Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period

The surge in the production of nutritional supplements and the increased soap manufacturing increases the adoption of powder form. The rise in protein modification and the growth in high-performance engineering increase demand for powder form. The long-term storage, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and superior stability of powder form support the overall market growth. 

Recent Developments in the Protease Market

Bionetix

• In September 2024, Bionetix launched the protease enzyme, EP1611. The protease is widely used in applications like leather production, agriculture, stain-removing detergents, animal feed, waste management, and textile production. The protease is a powerful biological catalyst and is present in powder form. (Source: Cortec)

Novonesis

• In March 2025, Novonesis launched an unmatched protease portfolio for efficient and swift stain removal. The range includes Progress® Beyond and Progress® Go. The protease minimizes the environmental footprint and improves cleaning performance. (Source: novonesis)

Top Companies in the Protease Market

• Amano Enzyme Inc.: The Japan-based company produces microbial enzymes for diverse industrial applications like pharmaceutical, food, and diagnostics. 
• Associated British Foods Plc: The London-based company manufactures AB enzymes for various applications like animal feed, protein processing, and baking.
• BASF SE: The Germany-based chemical company manufactures proteases for applications like industrial processing, leather processing, and food processing. 
• Biocatalysts Ltd.: The UK-based company manufactures protease enzymes for applications like life sciences, food, and beverage. 

Other Companies

• Dyadic International Inc.
• Du Pont De Nemours and Company
• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• Novozymes A/S
• Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics
• Advanced Enzyme Technologies 

Segments Covered in the Report

By Application

• Food Processing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Biotechnology
• Animal Feed
• Detergents

By Source

• Plant-Based
• Animal-Based
• MicrobialBy Type
• Serine Proteases
• Cysteine Proteases
• Aspartic Proteases
• Metalloproteases

By Form

• Liquid
• Powder
• Granular

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• MEA
• Latin America