Report Overview

The growing food allergies and increasing advancements in testing technology are projected to propel the expansion of the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029.

Asia Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2029

Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market size was estimated at USD 671.2 million in 2022. During the forecast period between 2023 and 2029, the size of Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.44% reaching a value of USD 1,032.6 million by 2029. Major growth drivers for the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market include the increasing government regulations, growing food and beverages industry, and rising international trade in food and its ingredients, opens avenues for players in the Food Allergen Testing Market in the region. Notably, the imported food undergoes rigorous scrutiny adhering to quality and labeling standards. Consequently, manufacturers exporting to developed regions must comply with stringent food safety and labeling regulations, amplifying the demand for food allergen testing products and services. Simultaneously, government authorities in nations like China, Australia, South Korea, and Taiwan are increasingly prioritizing the establishment of strict regulations for food allergen labeling. Unlike global trends, the prevalence of food allergies varies across regions. While eggs, wheat, peanuts, soy, milk, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are recognized as the eight common food allergens worldwide, they may not be the primary sources of allergies in Asian countries. Research indicates that allergens more prevalent in Asia differ from those in North America and Europe. Notably, shellfish emerges as a significant food allergen in Asian countries, particularly impacting children. This regional distinction underscores the need for tailored regulatory frameworks and heightened awareness in addressing specific allergenic challenges.

Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing – Overview

Food allergies result from the immune system reacting to specific foods, causing symptoms, such as hives or digestive issues. Even small amounts of allergenic foods can trigger severe reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. Conversely, food intolerance arises from difficulties digesting certain foods, leading to symptoms such as gas or abdominal pain. Food allergen and intolerance testing analyze food composition and properties to detect allergens, providing information on nutritional value and safety. Ensuring food safety involves investing in testing laboratories, maintaining quality, enhancing human resources, surveillance, and consumer education. Comprehensive testing methods play a crucial role in guaranteeing the safety and nutritional value of consumed food.

Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market

Growth Drivers

Growing Food Allergies

Growing food allergies are significantly impacting the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market. According to the World Health Organization, up to 40 percent of the global population is affected by allergies, with a rising proportion in big cities and industrialized nations. This includes chronic illnesses and, in some cases, fatal food allergies. The prevalence is estimated at 2-4% in adults and 6-8% in children. Western countries report challenge-diagnosed food allergy rates as high as 10%, especially among younger children. Developing countries, including China and Africa, show increasing rates. Notably, children of East Asian or African descent born in Western environments face higher food allergy risks, emphasizing genome-environment interactions. As the prevalence rises exponentially, global public health authorities are taking significant measures to address the consequences of allergic reactions.

Restraints

Limited Awareness about Food Allergens

Numerous challenges hinder the effective diagnosis of food allergies (FA) in developing regions, exacerbated by inadequate knowledge among parents and healthcare professionals. In vitro diagnostic tests for FA are not easily accessible, leading to delayed diagnoses, a critical factor for prognosis and nutritional management. Even in developed countries, a 4-month diagnostic lag is reported, especially for infants with less severe manifestations of non-IgE mediated milk allergy. Developing countries face additional hurdles, with Aguilar-Jasso et al. reporting a 38-month delay in FA diagnosis in North-Western Mexico. Limited food control infrastructure and resources in developing nations, coupled with technical difficulties in sampling, testing, and protein identification, pose significant obstacles to market growth. The Middle East, Africa, and other low-income countries face restrictions due to low awareness of food allergens and intolerance testing. The market is hindered by a lack of government initiatives, economic challenges, and, notably, a widespread lack of awareness among individuals regarding food-related allergies, resulting in a notable reduction in the overall market growth potential.

Impact of COVID-19 on Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market

Covid-19 pandemic adversely affected the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market. Key countries in the region were under lockdown, with high-impact areas implementing isolation and social distancing measures mandated by governments. This resulted in reduced production of goods and commodities, directly impacting the demand for food allergen testing solutions over the past few months, thereby hindering market growth. Despite these challenges, the introduction of new features and technologies by vendors presented an opportunity to attract new customers and expand their presence in emerging markets. This factor was anticipated to drive the growth of the APAC Food Allergen Testing Market, with expectations of a significant Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market

Segmental Coverage

Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market – By Type

Based on type, the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market is divided into Skin-based Test, Blood Test, Alternative Allergy Tests, ELISA, and PCR segments. The ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) segment holds the highest share in the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market by type due to its accuracy, sensitivity, and widespread applicability in detecting allergens. ELISA is a well-established and reliable method, offering efficient quantification of allergenic substances in various food products. Its versatility allows it to detect a broad spectrum of allergens, aligning with the diverse and evolving nature of allergen profiles in the Asia-Pacific region. As a result, ELISA remains the preferred choice for ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance in this dynamic market.

Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market – By Application

Based on application, the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market is divided into Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Centers, and Research Institutes segments. The hospitals & clinics segment holds the highest share in the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market by application. Hospitals and clinics serve as primary healthcare facilities, where individuals often seek medical attention for allergy-related symptoms. The demand for allergen testing in these settings is driven by the need for accurate and prompt diagnosis of food allergies. Moreover, healthcare professionals in hospitals and clinics play a crucial role in advising and guiding patients on managing food allergies, creating a natural synergy between healthcare services and allergen testing. This integrated approach contributes to the prominence of hospitals and clinics in the market's application landscape.

Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market – By End User

Based on end user, the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market is divided into Individuals, Organizations, and Healthcare Professionals segments.

Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market – By Technique

Based on technique, the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market is bifurcated into In vivo and In vitro segments.

Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market – By Country

Geographically, Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market is segmented as China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Rest of APAC. China dominates the Food Allergen Testing Market in the region, driven by a growing population and increased demand for food processing. The country plays a significant role in international food trade, necessitating adherence to regulations for optimal trade volumes. Rising awareness of food allergies further boosts the demand for allergen testing services. As an agricultural and industrial powerhouse, China is the second-largest importer of agro-food products, albeit facing challenges like lax regulations and pollution. New policies from the National Health Commission are anticipated to mandate allergen labeling, presenting opportunities for the testing market. Meanwhile, Japan holds the second highest share in the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market. It is primarily due to well-informed population and a thriving food processing industry expected to boost the growth of the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in the Asia-Pacific Food Allergens and Intolerance Testing Market include SGS SA, Agilent Technologies, Inc., NEOGEN Corporation, Mérieux NutriSciences, Eurofins Scientific, TÜV SÜD, Microbac Laboratories, Romer Labs, and Bureau Veritas. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In January 2023 - Jerath Path Labs expanded its footprint in India, notably in allergy testing. With over a million customers served across the country, the company operates numerous fully automated laboratories equipped with advanced technologies.

Scope of the Report

By Type

• Skin-based Test

• Blood Test

• Alternative Allergy Tests

• ELISA

• PCR

By Application

• Hospitals and Clinics

• Diagnostic Centers

• Research Institutes

By End User

• Individuals

• Organizations

• Healthcare Professionals

By Technique

• In vivo

• In vitro

By Country

• China

• India

• Japan

• South Korea

• Australia & New Zealand

• Indonesia

• Malaysia

• Singapore

• Vietnam

• Rest of APAC