Top 10 Companies in the Trehalose Industry (2025): Market Leaders Powering Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Innovations

In Business Insights
June 05, 2025

The Global Trehalose Market was valued at USD 180.6 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 228.1 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.4% during the forecast period (2024-2030). This steady expansion is propelled by increasing adoption in processed foods, biopharmaceutical stabilization, and premium skincare formulations across global markets.

As consumer demand shifts toward natural, multifunctional ingredients, trehalose’s unique properties—including moisture retention, antioxidant effects, and sweetening capacity—make it indispensable across industries. This report examines the Top 10 Companies in the Trehalose Industry, profiling biotechnology innovators, chemical leaders, and specialized producers driving product development and commercialization.


🔟 1. Hayashibara Co., Ltd. (Nagase Group)

Headquarters: Okayama, Japan
Key Offering: High-purity Trehalose for Food, Pharma & Cosmetics

Hayashibara revolutionized trehalose production through patented enzymatic conversion technology and remains the uncontested market leader with 40% global share. Their ingredient is vital for shelf-life extension in processed foods and stabilizing labile biologics.

Industry Firsts:

  • Pioneered commercial-scale production in 1995

  • Supplies 8 of 10 major global food manufacturers

  • Pharmaceutical-grade trehalose used in 45+ FDA-approved drugs

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Trehalose Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Meihua Holdings Group Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Xinjiang, China
Key Offering: Cost-optimized Trehalose for Food Processing

Asia’s largest amino acid producer leveraged vertical integration to become China’s dominant trehalose supplier. Their strategically located facilities serve APAC markets with competitive pricing and rapid logistics.

Production Capabilities:

  • Operates world’s single-largest trehalose facility (25,000 tons/year)

  • Supplies 60% of China’s functional food market

  • Expanding EU and NA distribution through JVs


8️⃣ 3. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: cGMP-grade Trehalose for Biopharma

BASF’s fermentation-derived trehalose meets stringent pharmaceutical standards, playing critical roles in vaccine stabilization and monoclonal antibody formulations requiring precise lyophilization.

Technical Superiority:

  • Batch-to-batch consistency ≤1% variation

  • FDA Master File and EDQM CEP available


7️⃣ 4. Cargill, Incorporated

Headquarters: Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Clean-label Trehalose Solutions

Cargill integrates trehalose into its broad specialty ingredient portfolio, offering formulation expertise for reduced-sugar applications in bakery, dairy, and beverages across Western markets.

Market Strategy:

  • Custom blends with stevia and erythritol

  • Non-GMO Project Verified options

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


6️⃣ 5. Sinozyme Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Zhejiang, China
Key Offering: Enzyme Systems for Trehalose Manufacturing

As the leading enzyme technology provider, Sinozyme enables 35+ producers worldwide to optimize conversion efficiency and reduce production costs through continual biocatalyst improvements.

Innovation Pipeline:

  • Next-gen enzymes achieving 92% conversion rates

  • Reduced water usage by 30% in manufacturing


5️⃣ 6. Merck KGaA

Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
Key Offering: Life Science-grade Trehalose

Merck’s MilliporeSigma division supplies ultra-pure trehalose to pharmaceutical and diagnostic customers, backed by extensive regulatory documentation supporting quality-critical applications.

Quality Assurance:

  • Endotoxin levels <0.1 EU/mg

  • Full ICH Q3D elemental impurity compliance


4️⃣ 7. DSM Nutritional Products

Headquarters: Heerlen, Netherlands
Key Offering: Performance Nutrition Solutions

DSM develops trehalose-enhanced sports nutrition and clinical formulations that leverage its dual functionality as carbohydrate source and cell protectant under stress conditions.

Application Expertise:

  • Enhances athlete hydration formulas

  • Improves stability of probiotic supplements


3️⃣ 8. Lianmeng Chemical Group

Headquarters: Henan, China
Key Offering: Economy Food-grade Trehalose

Focusing on China’s massive processed food sector, Lianmeng delivers cost-competitive trehalose at scale through continuous fermentation process optimization and regional partnerships.

Price Leadership:

  • 15-20% below import prices in domestic market

  • Dedicated lines for confectionery producers


2️⃣ 9. Shandong Fuyang Biotechnology Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: Bulk Trehalose for Industrial Use

Specializing in dextrose derivatives, Fuyang Biotech provides mid-tier trehalose to regional food manufacturers and industrial users through efficient starch-based production.

Operational Focus:

  • Serves SME food processors

  • Competitive spot-market pricing


1️⃣ 10. Ashland Global Holdings Inc.

Headquarters: Delaware, USA
Key Offering: Advanced Cosmetic Formulations

Ashland’s patented trehalose delivery systems feature in prestige anti-aging and sensitive skin products from L’Oréal to Estée Lauder, capitalizing on its skin-barrier enhancement properties.

Brand Differentiation:

  • Optimized for microencapsulation

  • Synergistic blends with hyaluronic acid

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


🌍 Market Outlook: Diversification Driving Next-phase Growth

The trehalose sector is transitioning from commoditized food applications toward high-value pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses, with innovation focusing on purity enhancement and novel delivery systems. While China’s pricing pressures reshape the commodity segment, patented formulations command premium margins in developed markets.

📈 Emerging Industry Dynamics:

  • Biopharma demand growing at 7.2% CAGR through 2030

  • Skin care applications expanding beyond moisturization to anti-pollution

  • Advanced enzyme technologies reducing production costs by 15-20%

  • Vertical integration strengthening market leaders’ positions

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

These market leaders are not merely supplying an ingredient—they’re enabling revolutionary product stability, functionality, and performance across global industries.