Core Viewpoint - Microbial protein, also known as single-cell protein (SCP), is derived from microorganisms and is considered a sustainable solution to global protein shortages, with applications in food, feed, and functional ingredients [2]. Group 1: Market Size and Growth Trends - The microbial protein market in China is projected to grow from 2.108 billion yuan in 2024 to 60.005 billion yuan by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 65.50% from 2025 to 2031 [4]. - The industry is characterized by short production cycles, high resource utilization efficiency, and environmental friendliness, making it a strategic solution for sustainable food development [4]. Group 2: Product Types and Applications - Fungal microbial protein is expected to generate the highest revenue among the four types of microbial protein, with a market size of 1.024 billion yuan in 2024, accounting for approximately 48.59% of the product types [5]. - Animal feed is the largest application area for microbial protein, projected to reach 1.608 billion yuan in 2024, representing about 76.25% of the market [5]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Major players in the Chinese microbial protein market include Alltech, Calysta, Unibio, Metanica, and Sophie's Bionutrients, collectively holding over 76.16% market share in 2024 [5]. - The competition in the industry is expected to intensify in the coming years as more players enter the market [5]. Group 4: Supply Chain Analysis - The upstream supply chain includes fermentation substrates, carbon sources, and nitrogen sources, which are critical for microbial growth and protein synthesis [11]. - The midstream involves microbial cultivation, fermentation processes, and protein extraction, which are key to determining protein yield and quality [11]. - The downstream focuses on protein purification, drying, packaging, and end-use applications, with product safety and functionality being paramount [11]. Group 5: Development Drivers - Global protein demand is rising due to population growth and increased living standards, making microbial protein a vital alternative to traditional animal protein [12]. - Environmental pressures from livestock farming, such as carbon emissions and resource consumption, are driving the shift towards sustainable protein solutions like microbial protein [13]. - Advances in synthetic biology and fermentation technology are reducing production costs and enhancing the competitiveness of microbial protein [13]. Group 6: Development Constraints - High production costs and energy consumption associated with specialized fermentation equipment and purification processes pose challenges for large-scale commercialization [14][15]. - Consumer acceptance remains limited due to psychological barriers regarding the "microbial source" of these proteins, particularly in food and beverage applications [14]. - Regulatory complexities and varying standards across regions can delay market entry for microbial protein products [16].