Global Food Biotechnology Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In April 2021, Arcadia Biosciences Inc., through its subsidiary Arcadia SPA SL, completed the acquisition of assets from Agrasys SA, a prominent Spanish food ingredients company. This acquisition aimed to support the commercialization of Tritordeum, Arcadia's proprietary cereal grain, and to advance agricultural research efforts in Spain.

• In April 2022, BASF SE's North American affiliate inaugurated its latest Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Research Triangle Park, NC, emphasizing biotechnological solutions in agriculture.

The global food biotechnology market is segmented by product into transgenic crops and synthetic biology-derived products. Transgenic crops, often referred to as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are engineered to possess desirable traits such as increased yield, resistance to pests, or enhanced nutritional content. These crops are widely used in agriculture and food production, particularly in the case of staple crops like corn, soybeans, and cotton. The growth of transgenic crops is driven by the need to address food security challenges, reduce pesticide use, and improve the resilience of crops to climate change. On the other hand, synthetic biology-derived products involve the application of engineering principles to biological systems for creating new bio-based products, such as proteins, enzymes, and flavor compounds. These products are often used in food processing and in the development of alternative protein sources, such as lab-grown meat and plant-based meat substitutes, which are gaining traction due to their environmental and ethical benefits.

In terms of technology, the global food biotechnology market is driven by advances in Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), biochips, genome editing tools, and ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi). DNA technology is essential for the development of transgenic crops and other genetically modified food products, enabling precise genetic alterations to enhance beneficial traits. Biochips facilitate rapid and accurate testing of genetic material, which is crucial in ensuring the safety and quality of food products derived from biotechnology. Genome editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 allow for targeted modifications in organisms' genomes, offering more precise and efficient ways to enhance crop traits, such as pest resistance or drought tolerance, with fewer regulatory challenges compared to traditional GMOs. RNAi technology, which silences specific genes, is increasingly applied in food biotechnology to develop crops with enhanced disease resistance, longer shelf life, and improved nutritional profiles. These technologies are pivotal in advancing food biotechnology, offering solutions for global food challenges like sustainability and food security.

The market is also segmented by application into animals, plants, and others. In the animals sector, biotechnology is used for improving livestock health, enhancing growth rates, and ensuring better quality meat and dairy products. Techniques like genome editing are applied to animals to increase disease resistance and improve productivity in the agricultural sector. In plants, biotechnology plays a central role in developing genetically modified crops that are more resilient, nutritious, and adaptable to changing environmental conditions. This includes the creation of drought-tolerant and pest-resistant plants, which help address the growing global demand for food. The others category encompasses applications in food additives, flavorings, and ingredients, where synthetic biology is used to create novel, bio-engineered products that enhance food quality and consumer appeal. With increasing demand for sustainable, nutritious, and ethically produced food, the application of food biotechnology is expanding across these sectors, driving innovation and contributing to the growth of the market.

Global Food Biotechnology Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Food Biotechnology Market has been segmented by Product, Technology, Application and Geography.

Global Food Biotechnology Market, Segmentation by Product

The Global Food Biotechnology Market has been segmented by Product into Transgenic Crops and Synthetic Biology Derived Products.

The Global Food Biotechnology Market encompasses a diverse range of products aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving food quality, and addressing sustainability challenges. One significant segment within this market is Transgenic Crops, which involves the genetic modification of crops to confer desirable traits such as resistance to pests, diseases, or herbicides, and to enhance nutritional value. These crops have been pivotal in increasing yields and reducing reliance on chemical inputs, thereby contributing to food security on a global scale.

Another key segment is Synthetic Biology Derived Products, which represents a cutting-edge approach in biotechnology. This involves the application of engineering principles to biological systems to design and produce new substances or modify existing ones for various food-related applications. Synthetic biology techniques are used to create ingredients like flavors, sweeteners, and nutritional supplements with precise characteristics, catering to consumer demand for natural and sustainable food options.

The market for these biotechnological products is driven by growing global population, increasing demand for food, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices amidst environmental challenges. Governments, research institutions, and private companies are investing heavily in research and development to innovate new biotechnological solutions that can address these pressing issues effectively.

North America and Europe currently dominate the global market due to robust research infrastructure, supportive regulatory frameworks, and high consumer acceptance of biotechnologically enhanced food products. However, emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are also witnessing rapid growth in this sector, driven by increasing agricultural productivity needs and rising awareness about food security and sustainability.

Global Food Biotechnology Market, Segmentation by Technology

The Global Food Biotechnology Market has been segmented by Technology into Deoxy Ribonucleic Acid (DNA), Biochips, Genome Editing Tools, and Ribonucleic Acid Interference (RNAi).

The global food biotechnology market is segmented by technology into Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), biochips, genome editing tools, and ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi), each offering unique advancements in the field of food science and agriculture. DNA technology plays a pivotal role in food biotechnology, particularly in genetic modification and the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are resistant to pests, diseases, or environmental stresses. This technology allows for precise alterations to the DNA of crops or livestock, enhancing traits such as yield, nutritional content, and disease resistance. The applications of DNA technology are crucial in improving food security and ensuring higher agricultural productivity.

Biochips are another key technology in the food biotechnology market. These small, microchip-based devices are used to conduct genetic testing and analyze DNA samples, allowing for faster and more efficient detection of foodborne pathogens or contaminants. Biochips also support research in food safety, quality control, and the identification of specific genetic markers in both crops and livestock, enabling the development of better and safer food products. This technology is particularly beneficial for enhancing the traceability of food products and ensuring regulatory compliance in the food supply chain.

Genome editing tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, are revolutionizing food biotechnology by allowing for precise and targeted modifications to the genome of organisms. These tools have vast potential in creating crops with improved resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental challenges, as well as enhancing nutritional content. The ability to edit specific genes without introducing foreign DNA offers a more precise alternative to traditional genetic modification, potentially reducing regulatory hurdles. Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) is another promising technology used to control gene expression and develop crops with enhanced resistance to pests, improved shelf-life, or reduced allergenic potential. RNAi technology is becoming increasingly important in the development of crops that require fewer chemical inputs, thereby reducing environmental impact and contributing to sustainable agriculture. As the demand for safer, more efficient, and sustainable food production grows, these technologies will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of food biotechnology.

Global Food Biotechnology Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Food Biotechnology Market has been segmented by Application into Animals, Plants and Others.

The Global Food Biotechnology Market is segmented by application into three main categories: animals, plants, and others. Each segment plays a critical role in leveraging biotechnological advancements to enhance agricultural practices, food production efficiency, and sustainability efforts worldwide.

In the animal biotechnology segment, advancements are focused on improving livestock health, productivity, and disease resistance through genetic engineering and biotechnological interventions. This includes the development of genetically modified animals that produce more meat or milk, have enhanced disease resistance, or require less feed to achieve optimal growth. Animal biotechnology also encompasses biopharmaceutical production in animals for medical purposes, such as the production of therapeutic proteins in livestock.

The plant biotechnology segment primarily involves the genetic modification of crops to enhance traits such as yield, nutritional content, and resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Genetically modified (GM) crops have been instrumental in increasing agricultural productivity, reducing crop losses, and adapting to changing climatic conditions. Biotechnological innovations in plant breeding also focus on biofortification, where staple crops are enriched with essential nutrients to address malnutrition in vulnerable populations.

The "others" category in food biotechnology includes a diverse range of applications such as microbial biotechnology for food processing and preservation, biotechnological interventions in aquaculture for sustainable seafood production, and bioinformatics for improving agricultural decision-making processes. These applications underscore the versatility of biotechnological tools in enhancing food safety, quality, and sustainability across different sectors of the food supply chain.

Global Food Biotechnology Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Food Biotechnology Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Food Biotechnology Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America holds a substantial share in the global food biotechnology market, primarily due to robust research and development activities in biotechnology, stringent regulatory frameworks supporting biotech applications in agriculture, and high adoption rates of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production. The presence of major biotech firms and extensive investment in biotechnological solutions further contribute to the region's dominance.

Europe follows closely, characterized by a balanced approach between strict regulatory oversight and significant consumer acceptance of biotechnological innovations in food production. The region emphasizes sustainability and food safety, driving the adoption of biotechnological advancements aimed at reducing environmental impact and ensuring food security.

Asia Pacific represents a rapidly growing segment in the global food biotechnology market, driven by increasing population, changing dietary patterns, and rising demand for agricultural productivity. Countries like China and India are pivotal players in this region, investing heavily in biotechnological research and adoption to meet the growing food demands of their populations.

Middle East and Africa (MEA) are witnessing steady growth in food biotechnology adoption, spurred by efforts to improve agricultural output and enhance food security in the face of challenging climatic conditions. Governments in the region are increasingly investing in biotechnological solutions to boost crop yields and ensure sustainable food production.

Latin America rounds off the market segmentation, characterized by extensive cultivation of biotech crops such as soybean and maize. The region benefits from favorable climatic conditions and supportive regulatory environments, driving significant adoption of genetically modified seeds and biotechnological applications in agriculture.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Food Biotechnology Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers

• Population growth
• Increasing food demand
• Technological advancements
• Growing health awareness

• Sustainable agriculture practices: Sustainable agriculture practices have become increasingly vital in addressing global food security challenges while minimizing environmental impacts. These practices encompass a range of methods aimed at conserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting biodiversity. Key strategies include precision farming techniques, which utilize data-driven approaches to optimize crop yields while minimizing inputs such as water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Additionally, agroforestry integrates trees into farming systems to enhance soil fertility, provide shade for crops, and sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Cover cropping and crop rotation are employed to improve soil health by preventing erosion, suppressing weeds, and cycling nutrients effectively.

  The Global Food Biotechnology Market is experiencing robust growth driven by advancements in genetic engineering, biotechnology, and molecular biology. Biotechnological innovations have revolutionized agriculture by enhancing crop yields, improving resistance to pests and diseases, and increasing nutritional content. Genetic modification techniques allow scientists to introduce beneficial traits into crops, such as drought tolerance or enhanced nutrient profiles, thus contributing to food security in regions prone to environmental stressors. Moreover, biotechnology plays a crucial role in developing biofortified crops that address malnutrition issues worldwide. Regulatory frameworks are evolving to ensure the safety and ethical use of biotechnological advancements in food production, facilitating their integration into sustainable agriculture practices globally.

Restraints

• Regulatory hurdles
• Ethical concerns
• Consumer skepticism
• High research costs

• Genetic modification controversies: Genetic modification (GM) in food biotechnology has sparked significant controversy globally. Proponents argue that GM crops offer solutions to food security challenges by enhancing crop resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, thereby increasing yields. They also highlight potential benefits such as improved nutritional content and reduced dependency on chemical pesticides. However, opponents raise several concerns, primarily focused on environmental and health risks. Environmentalists caution about unintended consequences, including the potential for GM crops to cross-pollinate with wild plants, leading to ecological disruption and biodiversity loss. Moreover, health advocates express apprehensions regarding the long-term effects of consuming GM foods, raising issues about allergenicity and antibiotic resistance due to genetic modifications involving foreign genes.

  The global food biotechnology market, encompassing genetic modification, has witnessed dynamic growth amid these controversies. Key drivers include increasing agricultural productivity demands to feed a growing population, especially in developing regions. Biotechnological innovations promise solutions to mitigate climate change impacts on agriculture, contributing to sustainable farming practices. Market expansion is further propelled by the adoption of GM crops like soybeans, corn, and cotton, particularly in North America and parts of Asia. However, regulatory challenges and consumer skepticism in Europe and other regions with stringent GMO labeling laws have tempered market growth. Despite controversies, ongoing research and technological advancements continue to shape the trajectory of the food biotechnology sector, balancing innovation with regulatory scrutiny and societal acceptance.

Opportunities

• Nutritional enhancement
• Biotech crop adoption
• Eco-friendly farming solutions
• Functional food development

• Emerging markets expansion: The global food biotechnology market is poised for significant expansion driven by advancements in genetic engineering, molecular biology, and biotechnology applications tailored for enhancing food production, quality, and safety. Biotechnological innovations are revolutionizing agricultural practices, offering solutions to challenges such as crop diseases, pests, and environmental stresses. Key areas of focus include the development of genetically modified (GM) crops with improved nutritional profiles, enhanced resistance to pathogens, and increased yield potential, thereby addressing global food security concerns. These advancements are crucial in regions grappling with population growth, climate change impacts on agriculture, and the need for sustainable farming practices.

  The market is witnessing heightened investment in research and development, particularly in biofortification initiatives aimed at enriching staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize with essential vitamins and minerals. This not only addresses malnutrition but also supports public health objectives worldwide. Regulatory frameworks are evolving to accommodate these technological advancements while ensuring consumer safety and environmental sustainability. As biotechnological applications continue to mature, collaborations between research institutions, agricultural biotechnology companies, and governmental bodies are crucial for fostering innovation and expanding the adoption of biotechnological solutions across diverse agricultural landscapes globally.

Key players in Global Food Biotechnology Market include:

• Monsanto
• Syngenta
• Dow AgroSciences
• BASF Plant Science
• DuPont Pioneer
• Bayer CropScience
• Bioceres
• Calyxt
• Arcadia Biosciences
• Intrexon

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis