Surging demand for DNA Testing bolsters growth of genealogy products

New Delhi: According to a recent study, the genealogy products and services market is likely to be valued at over US$ 3 billion in 2019. The market is likely to continue its bullish run with a myriad of factors influencing the strategy of key players. Surging demand for genetic and DNA testing in an assortment of industries, coupled with the growing awareness about genealogy are some of the vital factors bolstering market growth. Technological advancement also remains a key influencer, as efficient data storage and retrieval become key priorities for market players.

Demand for genealogy in tracing lineage and creating family trees is on the rise with service providers using aggressive marketing techniques to draw in new consumers. Commercials promoting self-discovery through lineage tracing are increasingly finding greater appeal as they resonate with the human psychology of tracing their heritage in order to gain a sense of wider connection. Additionally, the concept is being popularized by an array of television programs such as “Who Do You Think You Are?” and features providing information about the ancestry of famous personalities and linking it to their career and life.

According to the study, in addition to curiosity about culture and heritage, lack of formal records is also promoting the growth of the market. For instance, demand for tracing lineages in China is on the rise with a significant percentage of population eager to trace their genealogy owing to the lack of records that were destroyed during wars in China and the Cultural Revolution. The study finds that the family records segment is one of the largest in the genealogy products and services market, accounting for nearly 45% of total share.

The substantial reduction in the costs of DNA sequencing technology is also aiding genealogy products & services companies to find an extensive consumer base. Reduction in the size of DNA testing kits and the convenience it offers to consumers is another key cause behind the surge in demand for genealogy products & services.

DNA Testing Finding Greater Penetration in Forensics

DNA and genetic testing is gradually gaining traction in the field of forensics with sophisticated technology and sequencing techniques enabling efficient investigation. Advancement in genetic testing is allowing forensics departments to identify suspects using smaller and mixed DNA samples which, in turn, can aid in solving complex crimes. These factors are boosting the adoption of genealogy products and services in the forensics domain.

According to the study, concerns surrounding the misuse of genealogy products and services are creating clamor for imposing strict regulations on market functioning. Use of genealogy products and services has been linked to the creation of predictive criminal profiles which can potentially influence policing decisions. Additionally, increasing instances of police departments basing their decision on the analysis of the DNA databases created using direct-to-consumer genetic testing data is raising concerns about the system in place. These factors could potentially restrain market growth with consumers becoming increasingly aware of the drawbacks of participating in genetic testing.

The report tracks the genealogy products and services market for the period 2018-2024. According to the report, the genealogy products and services market is projected to grow at 11.4% CAGR through 2024.

Note: These insights are based on a report on Genealogy Products and Services Market by Fact.MR.