Antifreeze proteins market set for explosive growth

A niche but increasingly strategic ingredient category is entering a period of rapid expansion, with the global antifreeze proteins (AFP) market projected to reach USD 262.17 million by 2034, according to new analysis from Polaris Market Research. The sector is forecast to grow at a striking 35.14% CAGR, positioning AFPs as one of the fastest‑growing functional protein segments in the food and drink industry.

AFPs – naturally occurring proteins found in fish, insects, plants, fungi and microorganisms – prevent ice crystal formation in sub‑zero environments. Their unique ability to bind to ice crystals is driving adoption across multiple sectors, from frozen foods to agriculture and advanced medical applications.

Frozen food manufacturers turn to AFPs for texture and quality gains

In food and beverage, AFPs are increasingly used to improve the stability, mouthfeel and shelf life of frozen products such as ice cream, yogurt and frozen desserts. By inhibiting ice recrystallisation, AFPs help manufacturers maintain smoother textures and reduce quality degradation during temperature fluctuations – an issue that has become more prominent as global cold‑chain networks expand.

The report highlights that solid‑form AFPs accounted for 74.80% of market revenue in 2024, driven by their superior stability and longer shelf life in both food and cosmetic formulations.

Agriculture and biotech accelerate adoption

Beyond food, AFPs are gaining traction in agriculture, where they are used to enhance frost resistance in crops – an increasingly valuable tool as climate volatility intensifies. In pharmaceuticals and medical research, AFPs are becoming essential in cryopreservation, supporting the storage of cells, tissues and organs, and extending preservation windows for organ transplantation.

This has made the pharmaceutical and medical sector the largest end‑use category, representing 65.37% of market revenue in 2024.

North America leads, Asia Pacific rising

North America dominated the market in 2024 with 42.79% of global revenue, supported by strong biopharmaceutical research activity and advanced academic institutions. The US alone accounted for 90.53% of the region’s AFP market, underscoring its leadership in cryopreservation and biotech innovation.

Looking ahead, Asia Pacific is expected to capture a significant share of the market by 2034, fuelled by rapid growth in food processing, expanding healthcare investment and rising interest in advanced agricultural technologies.

Europe is also set for robust expansion, with a projected 32.48% CAGR from 2025 to 2034, supported by stringent food safety regulations and increased demand for high‑performance functional ingredients.

Fish‑derived AFPs dominate supply

Fish remains the leading source of AFPs, accounting for 57.44% of revenue in 2024, due to ease of extraction and proven efficacy in freeze‑tolerance applications. However, interest in plant‑ and microbe‑derived AFPs is rising as manufacturers explore more sustainable and scalable production routes.

Key players position for growth

Major companies active in the AFP space include A/F Protein Inc., BASF SE, Cargill, Kaneka Corporation, MyBioSource, ProtoKinetix, Sirona Biochem and Unilever. With demand accelerating across food, agriculture and biotech, the market is expected to see increased investment in R&D, fermentation‑based production and commercial‑scale extraction technologies.

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