GLOBAL PCR FOOD TESTING SYSTEMS MARKET SIZE (2024 - 2030)

The Global PCR Food Testing Systems Market is estimated to be valued at USD 8.48 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to achieve a market size of USD 14.53 billion by 2030. With a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.

PCR Industry Overview:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique utilized for amplifying a specific DNA fragment. PCR systems swiftly and accurately detect foodborne pathogens and other crucial food quality and safety objectives. Major pathogens such as Cronobacter spp., Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, along with other significant environmental and dietary targets, are qualitatively identified through PCR methodologies. The advent of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has proven to be a significant advancement in food quality and safety, providing precise, timely, and quantitative data. Real-time PCR has emerged as a notable substitute for traditional detection techniques within the food and agricultural industries, offering benefits such as excellent detection limits, sensitivity, specificity, selectivity, speed, and automation potential. The global market for PCR systems for food diagnostics is anticipated to be primarily driven by the escalating incidence of food contamination caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the PCR Food Testing Systems Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the food industry, emphasizing the importance of safe, nutritious eating. It is widely recognized that the Covid-19 outbreak had notable repercussions on food security, safety, and sustainability. Consumer attitudes toward food consumption underwent substantial changes, placing greater emphasis on quality and safety. These shifts have further propelled the expansion of the PCR Food Testing Systems market.

MARKET DRIVERS:

The PCR Food Testing Systems market is expected to witness growth due to the global increase in foodborne illnesses.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 250 foodborne infections have been identified. The majority of these infections are caused by various viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 600 million people, or nearly 1 in 10 individuals worldwide, fall ill from consuming contaminated food each year, resulting in 420,000 deaths. Since much of the food people consume is derived from plants and animals, it often contains a variety of microorganisms. During production and consumption, food is at risk of contamination from naturally occurring germs. Contamination of food with mycotoxin, pathogens, and the growth of yeasts and molds are the primary causes of foodborne illness incidents. Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Listeria, and others pose a threat to the microbiological safety of food, leading to foodborne diseases. The majority of illnesses caused by consuming contaminated food are diarrheal diseases, infecting 550 million individuals annually and resulting in 230,000 fatalities.

Technological advancements in the food testing sector are driving market expansion.

The focus on reducing lead times, sample utilization, testing costs, and limitations associated with various technologies has spurred technological innovation and the development of new techniques. The widespread adoption of these technologies presents an opportunity for medium- and small-scale laboratories to diversify their service offerings and compete with major market players. These technologies offer advantages such as higher sensitivity, result accuracy, reliability, multi-contaminant and non-targeted screening, along with quick turnaround times.

MARKET RESTRAINTS:

Challenges associated with food testing techniques may impede market growth.

Existing technologies for assessing food authenticity face several challenges in producing reliable test results. Many chemical tests are unable to detect and measure unknown adulterants. Additionally, other screening techniques employed in laboratories often fall short in identifying and quantifying undisclosed adulterants. Consequently, numerous market participants are investing in Research and Development (R&D) to develop more efficient and effective solutions. Moreover, the lack of awareness regarding food testing solutions among food manufacturers in emerging economies is anticipated to hinder market growth.

The absence of standardized food safety regulations acts as a barrier to market expansion.

The absence of proper regulatory frameworks for the sale and cultivation of genetically modified organism (GMO) food products is projected to impede market growth. Additionally, different regions have varying guidelines for the trade of food and agricultural products. Duplicative standards and audits increase overall costs for food certification without necessarily enhancing or ensuring food safety. This situation does not serve the interests of ingredient suppliers, retailers, or food service organizations effectively. Industry experts frequently advocate for standardized and harmonized food safety standards to simplify the complexity of food legislation and improve efficiency. Collaboration between government and private-sector entities is essential to develop open and consistent food certification standards, reducing redundancy and overlap among the various standards.

Global PCR Food Testing Systems Market – By Product Types

• Instruments
• Consumables
• Reagents
• Assays
• Probes
• Kits

Categorized by its products, the PCR Food Testing Systems Market comprises Instruments and Consumables. Forecasts indicate that the Consumables segment will experience rapid growth throughout the projected period. The surge in demand for Consumables can be attributed to their broad applicability and ease of transportation and handling. Businesses are increasingly turning to food diagnostic systems such as PCR to mitigate financial losses linked to the production and distribution of hazardous or potentially harmful food items. Concurrently, governments are taking steps to alleviate the economic impact of illnesses.

Global PCR Food Testing Systems Market - Regional Analysis:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Rest of the World

During the forecast period, North America is expected to lead the global PCR food testing systems market. The region's market is set to expand due to heightened government regulations and more stringent food safety legislation.

In 2021, Europe held a 36.7% share of the PCR food testing systems market, trailing North America and the Asia Pacific. The market in Europe is anticipated to offer significant opportunities in PCR food testing systems, influenced by regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Concerns over the excessive use of antibiotics, hormones, and steroids in farm animals are among the challenges related to food safety in Europe. To address these issues, the European Union Reference Laboratories, National Reference Laboratories, and Control Laboratories have emphasized food safety policies. These organizations provide guidelines for food safety, playing a pivotal role in safeguarding consumer health and ensuring food quality across the supply chain.

Key Players in the Market:

1. Danaher Corporation
2. Hygiena LLC
3. Minerva Biolabs GmbH
4. QIAGEN NV
5. Agilent Technologies Inc.
6. bioMérieux SA
7. Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.
8. BIOTECON Diagnostics GmbH
9. R-Biopharm AG
10. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Recent Developments in the PCR Food Testing Systems Market:

• Product Launch – Thermo Fisher Scientific, a U.S.-based provider of scientific equipment, consumables, reagents, and software services, introduced QuEChERS product solutions for food safety analysis in February 2022.
• Acquisition – Eurofins Scientific SE acquired a majority stake in Ajal for Laboratories, a company offering testing and support services, in June 2022. This initiative aims to bolster Saudi Arabia's testing capabilities for pharmaceuticals and food products.