April 20, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Korea’s Daesang said on Oct. 16 it has developed L-Histidine, a semi-essential amino acid, for the first time in the country to gain a leg up in the global markets dominated by Japanese companies.

L-Histidine is used to treat a number of conditions like enhancing immunity, preventing skin disorders and improving eyesight. 

Daesang is the third company in the world that has succeeded in industrial production of L-Histidine following Japan’s Kyowa Hakko Bio and Ajinomoto.

By 2020, Daesang is aiming for 30 percent of the global L-Histidine market, which is estimated to be worth 100 billion won (US$88.60 million). The size is still small, but it’s fast growing, with the compound annual growth rate reaching above 20 percent.

“L-Histidine has high growth potential. We will focus on expanding our overseas market share and strengthening the portfolio through stable supply,” a Daesang official said.

As the proteinogenic amino acid is also widely used in supplementing salmon feed, Daesang had signed supply deals with a global fish feed producers while the substance was under development, according to the Korean firm.

Experts expect the demand for L-Histidine will continue to grow as global companies like Japan’s Mitsubishi, US-based Cargill and SHV Holdings of the Netherlands have been enthusiastic in acquiring salmon farming operations in recent years amid increasing global appetite for the fish.

By Park Han-na (hnpark@heraldcorp.com)