REPORT SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
This technical/marketing report updates a previous BCC Research study on commercial essential amino acids. Further, this study examines the current state of the commercial essential amino acid business, presents an in-depth analysis that forecasts and tracks significant change in the marketplace, and identifies those amino acids with current or potentially greater commercial significance.
REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY
Commercial interest in amino acids is an outgrowth of an understanding of the many functions that these life-giving substances perform in humans and animals. As understanding of the functions and properties of amino acids increases, new commercial applications enter development, while current commercial uses continue to expand their worldwide markets. New production technology continues to make large-scale production of these products more economical. In turn, increased availability creates newer and larger markets for these vital substances.
Amino acids gained commercial significance shortly after the turn of the century with the discovery of the flavor-enhancing quality of glutamic acid and the marketing of monosodium glutamate in Japan. Increased knowledge of the role amino acids play in the value of nutritional protein led to their being used to fortify animal feeds, as food supplements for humans, and to sustain seriously ill patients who had to be fed with intravenous solutions.
Since the 20 protein amino acids can be arranged in any order to make any number of polypeptides, their potential for a variety of inventions in the field of medicine is extraordinary. Their current uses in animal feed and food additives will continue to grow as there are no substitutes for amino acids and their value has been well proven.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This comprehensive study provides facts, data, and insights to senior market and planning executives, venture capitalists, and for the amino acid product interest community. It will assist manufacturers of products in any of the applicable markets, as well as technical personnel involved in research and development of production technology for commercial amino acids. This especially includes readers in:
- The chemical industry
- Research institutions involved with studying amino acids
- Amino acid manufacturing
- Industries that have amino acid byproducts
SCOPE OF REPORT
This technical/market report outlines the properties of the 20 commercial essential amino acids that are delineated in the genetic code, current and future uses, technology, and their manufacturers. This report focuses on three commercial amino acid markets: animal feed supplements, flavoring and nutritional additives for human food, and specialty uses including medical, therapeutic, research, and industrial applications. Feed and food applications offer steady growth opportunities to their manufacturers and their use will continue to grow both as a result of population increases and an overall increase in the worldwide standard of living.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used in preparing this study. Much of the information has been gathered through telephone conversations with key industry figures, as well as conversations with some of the academic experts in amino acid research. The balance of the information comes from secondary sources—available trade, technical, and government publications as well as an online data search of databases that cover all existing literature, and an evaluation of patents and company/research activities, including foreign work with future applicability in the U.S.
All value of shipments and value of manufacturers’ sales refer to specific markets in the U.S. International figures are given where appropriate. Volume and value figures are expressed in millions of pounds (lb/MM) and millions of dollars ($/MM) unless otherwise indicated. All figures are expressed in constant 2011 U.S. dollars. To make projections for the 2016 time period, the report relies on information regarding forces affecting specific markets, expected product introductions, and anticipated pricing.
Where precise information was not forthcoming in some cases, a consensus was reached using a formulation of reasonable assumptions and estimates based on historical data. Projections are for the 2011 to 2016 time period.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
Jon Evans has been involved in business development and research for the medical industry since 1984. Mr. Evans’ career includes 4 years as a diagnostic systems sales representative and over 15 years in market research and strategy analysis with Fortune 500 clients. He has developed expertise in assessing the unique business development challenges facing firms in the medical industry and designing strategies to optimize market performance. Mr. Evans received a BS in biology from Rutgers University in 1983, and an MBA in business analysis from San Francisco State University in 1989.
BCC ON-LINE SERVICES
BCC Research offers an online information retrieval service. Its home page, located at www.bccresearch.com, enables readers to:
- Examine the complete BCC Research catalog of market research reports and place direct orders
- Subscribe to any of BCC Research’s many industry newsletters
- Read announcements of recently published reports and newly launched newsletters
- Register for its well-known conferences
- Request additional information on any BCC research product
- Take advantage of special offers.
DISCLAIMER
This publication provides informative material of a professional nature. It does not constitute managerial, legal, or accounting advice, nor should it serve as a corporate policy guide or an endorsement of any given product or company. This information is intended to be as accurate as possible at the time it was written and was undertaken on a best-effort basis. The views expressed are those of the author and do not make any warranty, express or implied, for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information, or for the interpretation of data or its use by others. Projections involve risks and uncertainties that include but are not limited to technical risks associated with technology development, government regulatory approvals, and access to capital. The author assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages that may result from one’s reliance on this material.
Source: BCC Research
