Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market Size (2023-2030)

The global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market is estimated to be worth USD 287.50 Million in 2022 and is projected to reach a value of USD 577.08 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period 2023-2030.

Microbiological testing is crucial for ensuring food and beverage safety and quality. Adhering to guidelines like the Food Safety and Standards Act assists business firms protect consumers from foodborne illnesses and preserve their brand reputation. Identifying pathogens and spoilage microorganisms is vital in food microbiology to safeguard consumer well-being and prevent the negative consequences of failed inspections or outbreaks. Factors such as testing frequency, production stage, product composition, target spoilage organism, and testing methods must be considered when implementing a microbial testing program. Bacterial and fungal contamination in food manufacturing can cause a variety of moderate to severe foodborne diseases, including gastrointestinal poisoning and even death. Therefore, screening for microbial spoilage during beverage production is of utmost importance to ensure the release of safe drinks into the market. Spoilage can have significant financial implications for beverage producers, causing monetary losses, product recalls, and damaging customer confidence and brand image.

Microbiological quality assurance and control (QA/QC) are vital in food and beverage testing. Routine tests, both quantitative and qualitative, help identify pathogens and detect foodborne disease outbreaks. They validate primary control methods like the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system and cover the entire production process, including hygiene monitoring, water testing, pathogen testing, indicator organism testing, and spoilage organism testing. Food rotting frequently results from yeast, mold, and bacteria and can vary in texture, flavor, or nutritional value. Effective control of microbial exposure in manufacturing facilities is challenging, as mold spores can travel through the air and thrive in suitable conditions. The choice of method depends on the perishability of the product and the required analysis time, with rapid methods favored for products with a short shelf life. Alternative methods must adhere to international guidelines and gain acceptance from regional government bodies.

Global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market Drivers:

The increasing demand for safe and pathogen-free fruits and vegetables is fueling the growth of the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market.

Fruits and vegetables microbiological testing is vital in the food manufacturing process to obtain certification for pathogen- and harmful microorganisms-free fruits and vegetables. The utilization of fruits and vegetables safety tags assures consumers that the products are safe to consume, contributing to the revenue growth of the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market. As the global population grows and the demand for fruits and vegetables increases, there is a need for substantial improvements in fruits and vegetables safety and processing technology. To ensure global food security, a comprehensive approach is required. Industry leaders are investing in research and development of advanced equipment to expand production capacity, ultimately boosting fruit and vegetable supply to meet the rising demand. Therefore, this factor drives the demand for fruits and vegetables microbiological testing.

The rising adoption of new molecular diagnostic methods is another factor contributing to the growth of the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market.

The global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market revenue is driven by the adoption of new molecular diagnostic methods to detect illnesses caused by pathogens in contaminated fruits and vegetables. Microbiological testing ensures fruit and vegetable safety, reduces human illness, and minimizes financial losses from foodborne outbreaks. It identifies pathogens and spoilage organisms, meets requirements, identifies risks, and ensures regulatory compliance. Analytical techniques can be qualitative or quantitative. While conventional methods are reliable and cost-effective but time-consuming, recent advancements offer faster and more sensitive approaches. These approved methods address limitations and enhance industry testing for fruits and vegetables’ safety and quality.

Global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market Challenges:

The global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market is encountering challenges, primarily in terms of high testing costs. The high cost of fruits and vegetables microbiological testing methods, especially in developing nations, might raise the price of fruits and vegetables. This can restrict the adoption of such food items, reducing the demand for microbiological testing equipment and potentially impacting market revenue growth. Moreover, expenses related to equipment maintenance, longer incubation periods, and delays in product launches are additional factors that can hinder the growth of the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market.

Global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market Opportunities:

The improvements in current testing technologies present a lucrative opportunity in the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market. Given the rising demand for fruits and vegetables microbiological testing owing to their advantages, including ensuring consumer safety, quality assurance, and compliance with regulatory standards, businesses specializing in the provision of fruits and vegetables microbiological testing can stand to gain significantly from this opportunity by introducing advancements in the current testing technologies with improved capabilities that can offer enhanced methods for testing and analyzing fruits and vegetables to ensure their safety and quality.

COVID-19 Impact on the Global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market:

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic substantially impacted the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market. The pandemic caused disruptions in supply chains and distribution of goods and services, which highly affected the supply of essential materials like reagents and testing equipment for microbiological testing of fruits and vegetables. This factor negatively impacted the growth of the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market. However, the pandemic boosted the awareness of food safety, leading to a more elevated demand for microbiological testing of fruits and vegetables to ensure their safety for consumption. This factor positively impacted the market's growth. Therefore, the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market experienced both challenges and opportunities during the difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market Recent Developments:

• In January 2023, Eurofins Food & Water Testing UK expanded its operations by acquiring Express Micro Science, a well-known analytical testing company based in Linlithgow, Scotland. With expertise in water, chemistry, agriculture, and food microbiology, Express Micro Science strengthens Eurofins' capabilities. This strategic acquisition aligns with Eurofins' expansion plans across various regions in the UK, including Wales and Northern Ireland.
• In March 2022, Bureau Veritas unveiled the opening of a new microbiology laboratory in Winnipeg, Manitoba, specializing in rapid pathogen testing and indicators. The facility, accredited with ISO 17025, expands its food testing and certification services in Canada, solidifying its position as a market leader in food safety and quality laboratory testing in North America.
• In July 2020, Thermo Fisher Scientific launched a new testing method to detect SARS-CoV-2 in food packaging and environmental samples. The primary objective of this workflow is to reduce the risk of contamination in the food supply chain while prioritizing the safety of both handlers and customers.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES MICROBIOLOGICAL TESTING MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market Segmentation:

Global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market Segmentation: By Testing Method

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Testing
• Immunoassays
• Culture Media

Based on the testing method, the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market is segmented into polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, immunoassays, and culture media. In 2022, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing segment held the highest market share. The growth can be attributed to PCR testing being an extensively utilized microbiological testing method since its development in the 1980s owing to its speed and accuracy in contrast to conventional testing methods. By replicating the unique DNA or RNA sequences of targeted microorganisms and pathogens, PCR tests can detect even minuscule amounts of contaminants. Through the amplification of these sequences, billions of copies are generated, enabling highly reliable detection of contaminants with a high level of certainty.

Global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market Segmentation: By Pathogen Type

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi

Based on the pathogen type, the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market is segmented into bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In 2022, the bacteria segment held the highest market share. The growth can be attributed to bacteria being the most commonly found pathogens in fruits and vegetables, posing significant safety risks. Detecting and analyzing bacteria is relatively easier compared to viruses and fungi, with well-established testing methods available. Regulatory bodies and food safety standards primarily focus on controlling and preventing bacterial contamination in fruits and vegetables, propelling the demand for microbiological testing targeting bacteria.

Global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

The region of North America held the largest share of the global fruits and vegetables microbiological testing market in the year 2022. The vast adoption of microbiological equipment for fruits and vegetables safety testing, infrastructure improvements in the food industries of nations, such as the United States and Canada, the increasing spending on healthcare, and greater accessibility and affordability of fruit and vegetable microbiological testing tools for purchase are some of the factors propelling the region's growth. Additionally, North America is home to several significant market players, including Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation, Accugen Laboratories, Inc., Food Safety Net Services (FSNS), and Log10 LLC.

The region of Asia-Pacific is anticipated to expand at the quickest rate over the forecast period owing to the boosted adoption of food testing equipment in the food processing industry, especially in India and China, the increasing prioritization on the utilization of advanced fruits and vegetables microbiological testing techniques to minimize human illnesses and food-borne outbreaks, and the strong presence of major market players, including AsureQuality Limited, Auriga Research Limited, and Anacon Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.

Global Fruits and Vegetables Microbiological Testing Market Key Players:

1. Eurofins Scientific SE (France)
2. Intertek Group plc (United Kingdom)
3. AsureQuality Limited (New Zealand)
4. Bureau Veritas (France)
5. Auriga Research Limited (India)
6. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (United States)
7. SGS S.A. (Switzerland)
8. Mérieux NutriSciences Corporation (United States)
9. Accugen Laboratories, Inc. (United States)
10. NationWide Laboratories (United Kingdom)