2/22/2011 --- Amino acids market witnessed a decline in demand during 2008 and 2009, primarily because of turmoil in world economy. Slowdown in various end-use markets including animal feed, health foods, sweeteners, cosmetics and preventive pharmaceuticals among others negatively impacted the market growth during the period. The scenario is, however, expected to improve in the near term following the recovery in economy and new demand emerging from end-use markets.

Animal feed additives represents a major end-use market for amino acids globally. Generally, feed additives are preferred to provide livestock, poultry, and other animals with adequate nutrients in their diet to address any deficiencies. Various amino acids such as lysine, methionine, tryptophan, and threonine are used as feed additives. Methionine is a widely used amino acid in poultry feed and cattle feed. Of late, lysine is increasingly finding application as the most preferred amino acid additive in animal feed particularly for poultry and swine feed.

Asia-Pacific represents the largest regional market for amino acids worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Amino Acids. The region also predominates the world amino acids production scenario. Extensive usage of monosodium gluatamate (MSG) over the past several years resulted in huge growth in the overall Asia-Pacific amino acids market. In addition, increased demand for amino acids from the Chinese animal feeds sector significantly reinforced the Asian dominance in the global market. Latin America is poised to demonstrate the fastest CAGR of 4.7% over the analysis period.

Glutamic Acid or glutamate represents the largest product segment within the amino acids market. Glutamate is a non-essential amino acid that is critical for effective functioning of cells and disposing off excess nitrogen from the human body. Glutamate is found in several food ingredients and also is involved in providing the humans with the sense of taste, particularly in combination with salt. As a result, MSG, the sodium salt of glutamic acid, is extensively used for improving the flavor and functions as a food additive.

Lysine represents the fastest growing amino acids segment. Lysine is a critical additive in animal feed production. Globally, multi-polar developments are leading to intense competition within the lysine market, with China emerging as a crucial market for lysine production. Market for lysine is poised to demonstrate a CAGR of 5.4% over the analysis period.

Research activities are critical for amino acids market, as they lead to the discovery and development of new products, as well as end-use applications. In the past, research has contributed to the growing application of amino acids in healthcare and cosmetics market. In addition, utilization of amino acids in nutritional food products and sports drinks has been made possible due to success of extensive research oriented programs. Though the pace of new product discovery has slowed down in recent years, the emergence of new applications holds immense potential for amino acids. Further, increased emphasis on specific benefits of amino acids, rather than focusing on overall wellness, is expected to open up new avenues for the market.

Major players profiled in the report include Ajinomoto Group, Archer Daniels Midland Company, CJ Cheil Jedang, Daesang Corporation, Evonik, Kyowa Hakko Kirin Group, Novus International Inc., Royal DSM N.V., Sekisui Medical Co. Ltd., and Toronto Research Chemicals Inc.

The research report titled “Amino Acids: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the amino acids markets, recession trends, current market trends, key growth drivers, product overview, recent product introductions, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for amino acids market for the years 2007 through 2015 for the following geographic markets – US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Latin America. Also, a seven-year (2000-2006) historic analysis is provided for additional perspective.