This technical/market report outlines the properties of the 20 commercial essential amino acids that are delineated in the genetic code, current and future uses, technology, and their manufacturers. This report focuses on three commercial amino acid markets: animal feed supplements, flavoring and nutritional additives for human food, and specialty uses including medical, therapeutic, research, and industrial applications. Feed and food applications offer steady growth opportunities to their manufacturers and their use will continue to grow both as a result of population increases and an overall increase in the worldwide standard of living.

INFORMATION SOURCES

Much of the information in this technical/marketing report has been gathered through telephone conversations with key industry figures, as well as conversations with some of the academic experts in amino acid research. The balance of the information comes from available trade, technical, and government publications as well as an on-line data search of databases that cover all existing literature, and an evaluation of patents and company/research activities, including foreign work with future applicability in the U.S.

All value of shipments and value of manufacturers' sales refer to specific markets in the U.S. International figures are given where appropriate. Volume and value figures are expressed in millions of pounds (lb/MM) and millions of dollars ($/MM) unless otherwise indicated. All figures are expressed in constant 2008 U.S. dollars. To make projections for the 2008 time period, the report relies on information regarding forces affecting specific markets, expected product introductions, and anticipated pricing.

Where precise information was not forthcoming in some cases, a consensus was reached using a formulation of reasonable assumptions and estimates based on historical data. Projections are for the 2008 to 2013 time period.

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