How does casein's role as a food additive affect its market outlook in meat processing?

How does casein's role as a food additive affect its market outlook in meat processing?
Casein, particularly sodium caseinate, is a versatile food additive widely used in meat products. It acts as an emulsifier, forming a protein film around fat particles, which improves water holding capacity, stability, and texture in sausages and ham. It also enhances protein content and reduces nutrient loss during cooking, especially in products with high fat content. Maximum usage is typically 2% of the meat mixture. Beyond meat, casein is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, tobacco, leather, and paper. This broad application base supports steady demand growth. However, China's domestic casein is mostly lower grade, so high-end food applications often rely on imports. The food sector's increasing focus on clean labels and protein fortification is likely to sustain demand for quality casein derivatives.