Market Overview

The global food allergy market reached US$ 7.71 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 16.87 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.4 % during the forecast period 2025-2033.

Food allergy is characterized as an immune response to proteins present in food, which can manifest in two primary forms: immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergies.IgE-mediated food allergies are the most prevalent type and represent a significant global health concern, impacting millions of individuals. In this form of allergy, the immune system erroneously identifies certain food proteins as harmful, leading to the production of IgE antibodies. 

Unlike IgE-mediated allergies, non-IgE-mediated food allergies do not involve IgE antibodies and may present with delayed symptoms. These reactions are often linked to different immune mechanisms and can be more challenging to diagnose. Food allergies pose a serious health risk and can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. Effective management requires careful avoidance of trigger foods and preparedness to treat allergic reactions when they occur. Ongoing research continues to explore the underlying mechanisms of food allergies and aims to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. These factors have driven the global food allergy market expansion.

Market Dynamics: Drivers & Restraints

Increasing Prevalence of Food Allergies

The increasing prevalence of food allergies is significantly driving the growth of the global food allergy market and is expected to drive throughout the market forecast period. The rise in food allergies is not limited to children there is also growing recognition of adult-onset food allergies. Environmental Influences: Changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, and environmental exposures are believed to contribute to the rising rates of food allergies. Urbanization, increased consumption of processed foods, and reduced exposure to diverse microbial environments may alter immune responses and increase susceptibility to allergies.

The growing prevalence of food allergies has significant economic implications. Increased healthcare utilization due to allergic reactions such as emergency room visits and hospitalizations places a financial burden on healthcare systems and affected families. The demand for allergen-free products and specialized medical care drives growth within the food allergy market, leading to innovations in diagnostics, treatments, and allergen-free food options.

 

Furthermore, key players in the industry initiatives and awareness programs that would drive this the global food allergy market growth. For instance, in May 2024, a recent NIH study revealed that incorporating peanut-containing foods into the diets of infants can significantly lower the risk of developing peanut allergies as they grow older. The research indicates that consistent consumption of peanuts, starting between 4 to 6 months of age, can lead to an impressive 81% reduction in the likelihood of peanut allergy among high-risk children, such as those with severe eczema or egg allergies. This finding underscores the importance of the early introduction of peanuts in preventing allergies, suggesting a shift in dietary recommendations for infants.

Also, in March 2024, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) initiated a campaign to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with food products labeled as "vegan" for individuals with allergies to animal-based ingredients. This campaign is prompted by new research revealing that 62% of consumers who are allergic to animal-derived foods, or who purchase food for someone with such allergies, mistakenly believe that vegan products are safe to consume. All these factors demand the global food allergy market.

Moreover, the rising demand for the development of new biological agents contributes to the global food allergy market expansion. 

Lack of Awareness among Individuals

The lack of awareness among individuals will hinder the growth of the global food allergy market. Many individuals lack adequate information about food allergies, including their symptoms and potential severity. People may not recognize the signs of food allergies, which can lead to delays in seeking medical advice and receiving appropriate diagnoses. A lack of knowledge about how to manage food allergies can lead to unsafe practices, such as neglecting to read food labels or failing to understand cross-contamination risks.

Addressing this issue through education and outreach is essential for improving consumer engagement, enhancing product demand, and fostering a safer environment for individuals living with food allergies. As awareness increases, it is anticipated that the market will grow, driven by informed consumers seeking effective solutions for managing their dietary needs. Thus, the above factors could be limiting the global food allergy market's potential growth. 

Segment Analysis

The global food allergy market is segmented based on allergen type, treatment type, route of administration, distribution channel, and region.

Allergen type:

The immunotherapy segment is expected to dominate the global food allergy market  share

The immunotherapy segment holds a major portion of the global food allergy market share and is expected to continue to hold a significant portion of the global food allergy market share during the forecast period.  The immunotherapy sector within the global food allergy market is rapidly evolving, fueled by innovative treatment techniques and a growing acknowledgment of food allergies as a critical public health concern. Immunotherapy focuses on desensitizing patients to specific allergens, thereby mitigating the severity of allergic reactions over time.

Food allergies are triggered by specific allergens and can result in severe, potentially life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis. These reactions occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances, like certain foods, as threats, leading to an exaggerated response that can impact various bodily systems.

Recent advancements in allergy management, particularly through immunotherapy, are changing the landscape of food allergy treatment. Immunotherapy involves gradually exposing individuals to increasing amounts of the allergen to retrain the immune system to tolerate these substances instead of reacting negatively. Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) is one of the most promising forms of immunotherapy for food allergies. This method entails administering small doses of the allergenic food, starting with minimal amounts and progressively increasing the dosage over time. The goal is to achieve desensitization, allowing individuals to consume certain foods without experiencing allergic reactions.

For instance, in November 2023, Alladapt Immunotherapeutics announced that its investigational product, ADP101, an oral immunotherapy for treating mono- and multi-food allergies, has received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This designation is crucial as it facilitates a quicker development process for therapies addressing significant unmet medical needs, enabling a more efficient regulatory review. These factors have solidified the segment's position in the global food allergy market.

Geographical Analysis

North America is expected to hold a significant position in the global food allergy market  share

North America holds a substantial position in the global food allergy market and is expected to hold most of the market share. 

The North American food allergy market is on the brink of substantial growth, propelled by several key factors that underscore the rising prevalence and awareness of food allergies.  The prevalence of food allergies is rising sharply, particularly among children, with approximately 8% of children under five and 4% of adults affected. This significant increase in cases is a major catalyst for market growth.

Innovations in allergy diagnostics, including molecular techniques, are improving the accuracy of food allergy testing. These advancements facilitate earlier detection and better management of allergies, thereby enhancing market demand. Robust regulatory frameworks in North America, enforced by agencies such as the FDA and Health Canada, ensure that food products are accurately labeled for allergens. This regulatory environment boosts consumer safety and confidence in food products, fostering market growth.

Continuous research and development efforts aimed at creating new therapies for food allergies including immunotherapy are crucial. The introduction of effective treatments is expected to broaden the market by providing more options for patients. For instance, in February 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xolair (omalizumab), marking it as the first and only medication specifically aimed at reducing allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur due to accidental exposure to various foods. This approval applies to both adult and pediatric patients aged 1 year and older who have IgE-mediated food allergies.

Also, in December 2024, ARS Pharmaceuticals launched the neffyinSchools program, which aims to provide free, needle-free epinephrine in the form of neffy nasal spray to eligible K-12 schools across the United States. This initiative is designed to enhance emergency preparedness for severe allergic reactions, particularly anaphylaxis, which can be triggered by various allergens such as foods, insect stings, and medications. Thus, the above factors are consolidating the region's position as a dominant force in the global food allergy market.

Asia Pacific is growing at the fastest pace in the global food allergy market share

Asia Pacific holds the fastest pace in the global food allergy market and is expected to hold most of the market share. There is a notable rise in food allergies, particularly among children. Countries such as Japan and Australia are reporting higher rates of allergies to common foods like peanuts, eggs, and dairy, which is fuelling the demand for specialized treatments and diagnostic solutions.

Economic advancements in major economies like China, India, and Japan are leading to increased healthcare spending. This financial growth opens up opportunities for food allergy drug manufacturers as the demand for innovative and effective treatments escalates. Stricter food allergen labelling regulations are being enforced by governments in the APAC region, particularly in countries like China, Australia, and South Korea. These regulations enhance consumer safety and confidence in food products, further stimulating market growth.

Furthermore, key players in the industry product launches that would drive this global food allergy market growth. For instance, in May 2022, Nestlé China launched three new infant formulas that are enriched with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), specifically formulated for newborns allergic to cow's milk protein. 

The products Alfamino HMO, Althera HMO, and Alfare HMO are designed for infants aged 0 to 12 months, providing essential nutrition while also supporting their immune health. These formulas leverage the benefits of HMOs, which are known to enhance gut health and bolster the immune system, making them particularly suitable for infants with dietary restrictions. Thus, the above factors are consolidating the region's position as the fastest-growing force in the global food allergy market.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the food allergy market include Novartis AG (Genentech), Nestlé (Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc.), DBV Technologies, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc., Bayer AG, Sanofi, UCB S.A., Viatris Inc., kaleo, Inc., and Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. among others.

Key Developments

  • In March 2024, Ready. Set. Food! announced the initiation of an innovative clinical study called the Early Allergen System Experience (EASE) trial, in partnership with ObvioHealth. This study aims to investigate how the early and convenient introduction of common food allergens to infants can influence the development of food allergies and potentially lower healthcare costs associated with these conditions.

Why Purchase the Report?

  • Pipeline & Innovations: Reviews ongoing clinical trials, and product pipelines, and forecasts upcoming advancements in medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
  • Product Performance & Market Positioning: Analyzes product performance, market positioning, and growth potential to optimize strategies.
  • Real-World Evidence: Integrates patient feedback and data into product development for improved outcomes.
  • Physician Preferences & Health System Impact: Examines healthcare provider behaviors and the impact of health system mergers on adoption strategies.
  • Market Updates & Industry Changes: Covers recent regulatory changes, new policies, and emerging technologies.
  • Competitive Strategies: Analyzes competitor strategies, market share, and emerging players.
  • Pricing & Market Access: Reviews pricing models, reimbursement trends, and market access strategies.
  • Market Entry & Expansion: Identifies optimal strategies for entering new markets and partnerships.
  • Regional Growth & Investment: Highlights high-growth regions and investment opportunities.
  • Supply Chain Optimization: Assesses supply chain risks and distribution strategies for efficient product delivery.
  • Sustainability & Regulatory Impact: Focuses on eco-friendly practices and evolving regulations in healthcare.
  • Post-market Surveillance: Uses post-market data to enhance product safety and access.
  • Pharmacoeconomics & Value-Based Pricing: Analyzes the shift to value-based pricing and data-driven decision-making in R&D.

The global food allergy market report delivers a detailed analysis with 60+ key tables, more than 50  visually impactful figures, and 176 pages of expert insights, providing a complete view of the market landscape.

Target Audience 2023

  • Manufacturers: Pharmaceutical, Medical Device, Biotech Companies, Contract Manufacturers, Distributors, Hospitals.
  • Regulatory & Policy: Compliance Officers, Government, Health Economists, Market Access Specialists.
  • Technology & Innovation: AI/Robotics Providers, R&D Professionals, Clinical Trial Managers, Pharmacovigilance Experts.
  • Investors: Healthcare Investors, Venture Fund Investors, Pharma Marketing & Sales.
  • Consulting & Advisory: Healthcare Consultants, Industry Associations, Analysts.
  • Supply Chain: Distribution and Supply Chain Managers.
  • Consumers & Advocacy: Patients, Advocacy Groups, Insurance Companies.
  • Academic & Research: Academic Institutions.