Lactase market By Source (Yeast, Fungi and Bacteria), By Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals and Dietary supplements), By Form (Powder, Liquid) and region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America).
The global Lactase market size was estimated at USD 271.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 406.06 billion in 2030 at a CAGR of 5.90% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
Lactase is a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactase is an enzyme that helps break down the milk sugar lactose into simple sugars, namely glucose and galactose. Factors such as lactose-free demand and increasing product development and innovation in other application areas such as pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements and infant nutrition are expected to increase the demand for lactase globally. Key market players are launching new food products such as lactose-free cream, ice cream and milk alternatives to address the growing lactose-deficient population.
The growing lactose intolerance in infants and adults is one of the drivers of this market. The onset of primary lactose intolerance is temporary and is seen in premature babies before their small intestine is fully developed. Secondary intolerance is observed in adults when they have digestive problems in the small intestine. Secondary lactose intolerance is triggered by diseases such as Crohn's disease or gastroenteritis. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), almost 65% of the world's population is prone to lactase deficiency. Consequently, this has led to an increase in the production of lactose-free dairy products in the hope of helping people with lactose intolerance avoid digestive problems.
Due to the global lockdown in several countries, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted the supply chain. Furthermore, the spread of coronavirus reduced demand for chemical intermediates due to uncertainty in the global economy and capital markets. The lactase market had suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions. The lactase market had been harmed by nationwide lockdowns and the closure of manufacturing facilities. However, the market is anticipated to expand at a healthy pace due to the acceptance of new normal conditions and restart of various end-use industries in many counties across the globe.
The pandemic had a considerable impact on businesses globally, with nations like India and China bearing the brunt of the virus's outbreak. The Lactase Market is being pushed by a variety of reasons, including rising demand for lactose-free and dairy-free goods, rising health concerns, and increased awareness of lactose intolerance. Increasing incidences of lactose intolerance, rising demand from lactose-free dairy product makers, and increased innovation and new product development in application sectors are expected to fuel the lactase industry’s growth throughout the projection period.
North America to Dominate the Market