The Global Lactase Market was valued at USD 955 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,321 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.9% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This sustained growth is fueled by the rising global prevalence of lactose intolerance, increasing consumer demand for digestive-friendly dairy products, and expanding applications in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

As the food and beverage industry adapts to consumer health trends, lactase enzyme producers are at the forefront of innovation, developing advanced formulations to create palatable and accessible lactose-free solutions. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Lactase Industry—a mix of established biotechnology giants and specialized enzyme manufacturers shaping the future of digestive wellness.

---

🔟 1. Royal DSM N.V.

Headquarters: Heerlen, Netherlands
Key Offering: Maxilact® Series (Neutral Lactase), Lactase from Kluyveromyces lactis

Royal DSM is a global science-based company and a dominant leader in the lactase enzyme market. Its flagship Maxilact® product line is an industry standard for the production of lactose-free milk, yogurt, and other dairy products. DSM leverages its extensive R&D capabilities to produce highly pure and efficient lactase enzymes derived from the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of next-generation, heat-stable lactase formulations for extended shelf life.
• Strategic focus on sustainability through optimized fermentation processes reducing energy and water consumption.
• Expansion of application scope into pharmaceutical-grade lactase for dietary supplements.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Lactase Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

9️⃣ 2. Novozymes A/S

Headquarters: Bagsværd, Denmark
Key Offering: Lactozym® Pure, Nutrilact® (Tailored Lactase Solutions)

Novozymes is a world leader in biological solutions, with a strong portfolio of microbial enzymes. The company’s lactase products are renowned for their high activity and purity, serving major dairy processors worldwide. Novozymes excels in providing customized enzyme solutions to meet specific customer needs for taste, texture, and process efficiency.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Pioneering research in fungal and bacterial strains for superior lactase yield.
• Investment in precision fermentation technology to enhance enzyme performance and cost-effectiveness.

---

8️⃣ 3. DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences

Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Danisco® Lactase NTL, MARZYME® Lactase

DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, now part of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), is a key player with a comprehensive portfolio of food ingredients and enzymes. Its lactase enzymes are widely used to produce low-lactose and lactose-free dairy products, helping manufacturers improve product quality and meet growing consumer demand.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on developing lactase with broad pH and temperature tolerance for diverse applications.
• Integration with other IFF divisions to offer holistic ingredient solutions for dairy and health.

---

7️⃣ 4. Chr. Hansen Holding A/S

Headquarters: Hørsholm, Denmark
Key Offering: CHY-MAX® (for cheese), Specialized Lactase Enzymes

Chr. Hansen is primarily known for its microbial solutions for the food, nutritional, and agricultural industries. While famous for its cheese coagulants, the company has been expanding its lactase offerings through strategic acquisitions and R&D, targeting the fast-growing lactose-free segment with high-quality enzyme solutions.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Acquisition of enzyme specialists to bolster lactase production capacity and technological expertise.
• Development of clean-label enzyme solutions catering to the artisanal and organic dairy sectors.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Lactase Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

6️⃣ 5. Amano Enzyme Inc.

Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan
Key Offering: Lactase Y, Amano Lactase (Fungal-derived)

Amano Enzyme is a leading Japanese enzyme manufacturer with a strong presence in the global market. The company specializes in fungal-derived enzymes, offering lactase products known for their stability and efficacy in various food processing conditions. Amano serves a diverse clientele across Asia, North America, and Europe.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Specialization in acid-stable lactase suitable for acidic dairy products like yogurt.
• Ongoing R&D to improve enzyme purity and reduce allergenic potential.

---

5️⃣ 6. Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd.

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Enzylac®, Lactase for Dietary Supplements

Advanced Enzyme Technologies is a major Indian player and one of the largest enzyme companies in Asia. It has a significant portfolio of over 400 enzyme products, with a growing focus on lactase for both the food and pharmaceutical industries. The company benefits from strong manufacturing capabilities and a cost-competitive position.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Substantial investment in R&D for novel enzyme discovery and application development.
• Expansion of manufacturing facilities to cater to increasing domestic and international demand.

---

4️⃣ 7. Enzyme Development Corporation

Headquarters: New York, New York, USA
Key Offering: Customized Lactase Blends, Specialty Enzymes

Enzyme Development Corporation (EDC) is a US-based supplier specializing in custom enzyme formulations for industrial applications. While a smaller player compared to the giants, EDC is recognized for its technical expertise and ability to provide tailored lactase solutions for specific customer challenges, particularly in North America.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Focus on application-specific enzyme blends that optimize performance in unique production processes.
• Strong customer-centric approach with dedicated technical support.

---

3️⃣ 8. SternEnzym GmbH & Co. KG

Headquarters: Ahrensburg, Germany
Key Offering: Sternzym Lactase, Enzyme Solutions for Bakery and Dairy

SternEnzym is a German company with a long history of producing high-quality enzymes for the food industry. It offers a range of lactase products designed for efficiency and compatibility with European food standards. The company has a strong reputation for quality and reliability in the European market.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Development of non-GMO and organic-certified enzyme options to meet specific market demands.
• Expertise in enzymes for combined applications, such as lactase for lactose-free baked goods containing dairy.

---

2️⃣ 9. Meihua Holdings Group Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Chengde, Hebei, China
Key Offering: Monosodium Glutamate, Lysine, and emerging Enzyme portfolio including Lactase

Meihua BioTech is a leading Chinese bio-fermentation company. While historically focused on amino acids, it has been aggressively expanding into the high-value enzyme sector, including lactase production. Its massive production scale and integration with raw material supply give it a significant cost advantage, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Leveraging existing large-scale fermentation infrastructure for cost-effective enzyme production.
• Strategic focus on capturing market share in the rapidly growing Chinese and Asian lactose-free markets.

---

1️⃣ 10. Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics

Headquarters: Chino, California, USA
Key Offering: Lactase Enzyme, Broad Spectrum of Dietary Supplement Enzymes

Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics is a US-based manufacturer specializing in enzymes for the dietary supplement, food, and beverage industries. The company produces lactase in various forms, including capsules and powders for direct consumer use as digestive aids, as well as ingredients for food manufacturers.

Innovation Initiatives:

• Strong focus on the nutraceutical sector, developing high-potency lactase for over-the-counter supplements.
• Commitment to quality control and certifications like cGMP and FSSC 22000.

Get Full Report Here:
Lactase Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

🌍 Outlook: The Future of Lactase Is Driven by Health and Innovation

The lactase market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional dairy processing remains the core application, the industry is rapidly expanding into personalized nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and novel food formats. The leading companies are investing heavily in biotechnology advancements and sustainable production methods to meet the evolving demands of a health-conscious global population.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rising consumer awareness of lactose intolerance and digestive health, driving demand beyond traditional dairy markets.
• Technological advancements in enzyme engineering for improved efficiency, stability, and cost reduction.
• Expansion into pharmaceutical applications, including enzyme replacement therapies and improved drug delivery systems.
• Growth of plant-based dairy alternatives, where lactase is used to enhance flavor and texture profiles.

Get Full Report Here:
Lactase Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying a critical digestive enzyme—they are enabling a more inclusive and accessible food ecosystem for millions worldwide.