Pesticide Residue Testing Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis by Type (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides, Acaricides, Nematicides and Other Types), Food Tested, Testing Method, Technology, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Pesticide Residue Testing Market is accounted for $1.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.2 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period. Pesticide residue testing is the process of detecting and measuring trace amounts of pesticides present in food, water, and agricultural products to ensure compliance with safety regulations. It involves advanced analytical techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify chemical residues that may pose health risks. Regulatory bodies like the FDA, EFSA, and Codex Alimentarius set maximum residue limits (MRLs) to safeguard public health. This testing is essential for food safety, trade compliance, and consumer protection. It helps prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, supports sustainable agriculture, and ensures that food products meet strict quality and safety standards.

According to the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 2022, the UK saw a record commitment of £2.65 billion to build or maintain flood defenses, protecting over 66,000 properties, alongside a focus on boosting farmer profits to maintain food production and grow a green economy with thriving rural communities

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growth in Organic Food Demand

Consumers are increasingly looking for verified chemical-free products, which is driving the pesticide residue testing market. Advanced residue detection techniques are becoming more and more necessary as regulatory agencies enforce stringent testing criteria to confirm adherence to organic standards. The need for food manufacturers and merchants to maintain organic purity will increase the use of residue testing services. This tendency increases customer confidence in the safety and quality of organic food, stimulates investment in testing methods, and accelerates market expansion.

Restraint:

High Testing Costs

High testing prices limit the pesticide residue testing market by making it unaffordable for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Widespread adoption is discouraged by high overall costs caused by costly equipment, specialized labor, and strict regulatory constraints. This financial strain may result in fewer tests, possible non-compliance, and a higher chance of contaminated food getting to consumers, all of which might have an adverse effect on market expansion and public health and safety.

Opportunity:

Advancements in Testing Technologies

Technological advancements such as chromatography, spectrometry, and biosensors have considerably improved the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of pesticide residue detection. These developments make it possible to identify extremely low residual levels, guaranteeing adherence to strict food safety laws. On-site testing capabilities are enhanced and analysis time is decreased by rapid testing techniques, such as real-time and portable equipment. Further streamlining procedures through automation and AI-driven analysis reduces expenses and improves accessibility.

Threat:

Complexity of Multi-Residue Detection

The complexity of multi-residue detection stifles the pesticide residue testing business by raising prices, time, and technological obstacles. Smaller labs are unable to use advanced analytical techniques like LC-MS/MS because they require costly equipment and qualified staff. Variability in pesticide characteristics and legal requirements makes detection even more difficult and leads to discrepancies. These obstacles impede the expansion of the market.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the pesticide residue testing market, increasing demand for food safety and quality assurance. Disruptions in global supply chains led to delays in testing services, while stricter regulations reinforced the need for compliance. Laboratories adapted with automation and remote monitoring. Post-pandemic, heightened consumer awareness and regulatory scrutiny continue to drive market growth, particularly in export-oriented food industries.

The processed foods segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The processed foods segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, because processed foods often contain multiple raw ingredients, requiring comprehensive testing to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Rising consumer demand for convenience foods and global food trade further amplify the need for residue monitoring. Additionally, stricter government regulations and growing health awareness push manufacturers to adopt advanced testing methods, fueling market growth. Ensuring food safety in processed products remains a key factor in driving this market forward.

The fungicides segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the fungicides segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, because it is widely used in agriculture to keep crops from becoming infected by fungi. Strict residue limitations for fungicides are enforced by regulatory bodies, requiring stringent testing to guarantee compliance. The demand for organic products and growing consumer awareness of food safety are two further factors driving the need for testing. Furthermore, improvements in analytical methods enhance the detection of fungicides, which propels market expansion.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the North America region is expected to hold the largest market share due to rising consumer awareness of health risks associated with pesticide exposure boosts demand for rigorous testing. The growth of organic and non-GMO food sectors further accelerates market expansion. Additionally, increasing food trade requires strict compliance with international residue limits. Technological advancements in testing methods, such as chromatography and spectrometry, enhance efficiency, making residue testing a critical component of the region's food safety framework.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, due to increased exports of agricultural products, which necessitate international compliance. The expansion of the food sector, improvements in testing methods, and the rising demand for organic food all contribute to the market's growth. Residue testing is also becoming more popular in the region's agriculture and food processing industries as a result of increased instances of pesticide contamination in food and water supplies, which drive regulatory agencies to impose more stringent monitoring.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Pesticide Residue Testing Market include AB SCIEX, AES Laboratories, AGQ Labs USA, ALS Limited, Arbro Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, AsureQuality Ltd., Bio-Check, Bureau Veritas S.A., EMSL Analytical, Inc., Eurofins Scientific SE, Fera Science Limited, Intertek Group PLC, Merieux NutriSciences, Microbac Laboratories, Inc., Scicorp Laboratories PTY Ltd., SCS Global Services, Silliker, Inc., Symbio Laboratories and Waters Agricultural Laboratories.

Key Developments:

In December 2024, Intertek, has been contracted by ASC Shipbuilding, to provide non-destructive testing, destructive testing and materials testing solutions for the construction of ship units and blocks for ASC's Hunter Class Frigate (HCF) Program.

In December 2024, Intertek, announced that it has entered a partnership with CrystecPharma, focusing on advancing formulation science and accelerating development timelines for inhaled medicines, particularly dry powder inhaler (DPI) products.

In November 2024, Intertek, launched HoneyTrace, a cutting-edge traceability solution for the global honey industry. Designed to address the growing issue of honey fraud, HoneyTrace leverages blockchain technology to ensure transparency and authenticity across the honey supply chain, from hive to jar.

Types Covered:

• Herbicides
• Insecticides
• Fungicides
• Acaricides
• Nematicides
• Other Types

Foods Tested Covered:

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Cereals, Grains, & Pulses
• Dairy Products
• Meat & Poultry
• Seafood
• Processed Foods
• Other Foods Tested

Testing Methods Covered:

• In-House Testing
• Outsourced Laboratory Testing

Technologies Covered:

• Chromatography-Based
• Spectroscopy-Based
• Immunoassay-Based Techniques
• Biosensors
• Other Technologies

End Users Covered:

• Food & Beverage Industry
• Agriculture Sector
• Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Industry
• Government & Regulatory Bodies
• Independent Testing Laboratories
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances