Top 10 Companies in the Ice Structuring Protein (ISP) Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Cryotechnology Innovation

In Business Insights
August 13, 2025

The Global Ice Structuring Protein (ISP) Market was valued at USD 45.2 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 68.9 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during the forecast period (2024-2030). This expansion is fueled by technological advancements in frozen food preservation, medical cryopreservation techniques, and agricultural biotechnology applications.

As industries demand better solutions for ice crystal control across multiple sectors, biotech firms are pioneering new ISP formulations with enhanced functionality. Below we examine the Top 10 Companies in the Ice Structuring Protein Industry driving commercialization and scientific breakthroughs.


🔟 1. Unilever PLC

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Consumer food products with ISP technology

The multinational consumer goods giant has been incorporating fish-derived ISPs into its premium ice cream brands to improve texture and reduce sugar requirements since 2010. The company holds multiple patents for ISP stabilization techniques in frozen desserts.

Innovation Milestones:

  • First commercial application of ISP in food products (2010)
  • 60% reduction in ice crystal formation versus conventional products
  • Strategic partnership with marine biotech firms for ISP sourcing

Download FREE Sample Report: Ice Structuring Protein (ISP) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Kaneka Corporation

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Medical-grade ISP formulations

Kaneka’s biotech division develops synthetic ISP analogs with improved temperature stability for cryopreservation applications. Their proprietary ISP variants demonstrate superior performance in organ and cell preservation.

Innovation Milestones:

  • Patent portfolio covering 12 ISP stabilization methods
  • GMP-certified medical ISP production facilities

8️⃣ 3. Global Fresh Biotech Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Plant-derived ISP extracts

China’s leading ISP manufacturer has developed cost-effective carrot-based ISP extracts that help frozen food producers reduce additive content while maintaining product quality. Their large-scale production capabilities supply domestic and international markets.

Innovation Milestones:

  • Patent-pending plant ISP extraction process
  • Annual ISP production capacity exceeding 5 metric tons

7️⃣ 4. Cellulis Scientific

Headquarters: San Diego, California, USA
Key Offering: Clinical cryopreservation solutions

This biotechnology firm specializes in cryopreservation media containing optimized ISP blends. Their formulations have demonstrated 40-70% improvement in post-thaw cell viability in peer-reviewed clinical studies.

Innovation Milestones:

  • FDA-cleared ISP formulations for stem cell preservation
  • University medical center partnership program

Download FREE Sample Report: Ice Structuring Protein (ISP) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Arctic Bioscience AS

Headquarters: Oslo, Norway
Key Offering: Marine-derived ISP ingredients

Specializing in cold-water marine biotechnology, Arctic Bioscience extracts ISPs from Arctic fish species for food and cosmetic applications. Their sustainable wild-catch sourcing program ensures consistent ISP quality.

Innovation Milestones:

  • Marine Stewardship Council certification for sourcing
  • Cold-adapted ISP variants with enhanced functional range

5️⃣ 6. Ingredion Incorporated

Headquarters: Westchester, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: ISP-based food ingredient systems

The global ingredient solutions provider incorporates ISP technology into its texturizing systems for frozen foods. Their formulations combine plant-based ISPs with hydrocolloids for vegan product applications.

Innovation Milestones:

  • Clean-label ISP texturizer solutions
  • Combination systems with starches and fibers

4️⃣ 7. DSM Food Specialties

Headquarters: Heerlen, Netherlands
Key Offering: ISP for bakery and dairy

DSM develops specialized ISP blends that protect yeast viability in frozen dough and prevent ice recrystallization in dairy products. Their solutions help manufacturers extend shelf life while meeting clean label demands.

Innovation Milestones:

  • ISP-yeast protection system patent
  • 50% reduction in ice crystal growth in cream products

3️⃣ 8. AquaB Technologies

Headquarters: Reykjavik, Iceland
Key Offering: Extreme-environment ISP extracts

This Icelandic firm specializes in ISP variants derived from organisms in extreme cold habitats. Their research focuses on thermal-stable ISP formulations for industrial applications requiring multiple freeze-thaw cycles.

Innovation Milestones:

  • ISP variants functional from -40°C to 20°C
  • Improved freeze-thaw cycle stability

2️⃣ 9. Croda International

Headquarters: Snaith, United Kingdom
Key Offering: ISP for personal care

Croda applies ISP technology in premium skincare formulations to protect cellular structures from freeze damage. Their ISP variants also demonstrate SPF-boosting properties in sun care products.

Innovation Milestones:

  • Dermatologist-tested ISP formulations
  • 15% SPF enhancement in sunscreen tests

1️⃣ 10. Biotalys NV

Headquarters: Ghent, Belgium
Key Offering: Agricultural ISP applications

Biotalys develops plant protection products leveraging ISP technology to enhance crop frost resistance. Their agricultural solutions help prevent freeze damage in vulnerable crops through natural mechanisms.

Innovation Milestones:

  • ISP-based biopesticide formulations
  • Field-proven frost protection for leafy greens

Get Full Report Here: Ice Structuring Protein (ISP) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of ISP Technology

The ISP sector is undergoing dynamic transformation as new applications emerge across food technology, medicine, and agriculture. While fish-derived ISPs currently dominate, plant-based and synthetic alternatives are gaining market share through improved functionality and sustainability.

📈 Key Market Trends:

  • Growing clean label movement driving ISP adoption in food
  • Medical cryopreservation applications expanding rapidly
  • Sustainable production methods becoming regulatory priority
  • Agricultural uses opening untapped market potential

Get Full Report Here: Ice Structuring Protein (ISP) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The featured companies aren’t just participants in the ISP market—they’re defining the future of cryoprotection science across industries worldwide.