Whey Market

• Growing awareness regarding healthcare and protein intake to boost the market growth

With the growing health consciousness among consumers globally during the past few years, the consumption of protein-rich diets has significantly increased. Around 202 million tonnes of protein are needed worldwide to feed 7.3 billion people. Due to their increasingly hectic schedules, consumers need to consume a full diet that is high in nutrients regularly, therefore, they turn to packaged food products for those nutrients. As a result, producers of packaged foods reinforce their goods with wholesome nutrients, such as protein compounds.

The acceptance of protein-rich diets is largely driven by the rise in chronic illness cases brought on by changing lifestyles and rising fitness trends, particularly among millennials. As a result, various nations are focusing more on eating a diet heavy in protein, which is predicted to increase demand for components like soy, pea, and canola. Therefore, the growing awareness regarding protein-based diets has enhanced the whey market CAGR in recent years.

The main customers of Whey supplements are bodybuilders and gymgoers. Furthermore, bodybuilders use these items as part of a predetermined strategy to meet various fitness objectives, including increasing lean mass and bettering body composition. The market also gains from the increase in users of leisure and lifestyle products. Lifestyle changes and rising disposable incomes in the area drive the expansion of the market's consumer base.

For instance, the business claims that in July 2022, CTRL, one of the fastest-growing meal replacement brands in the United States, introduced new meal-on-the-go bars filled with healthy components, such as quality whey protein, to satiate consumer desire. Thus, the increased demand from the bodybuilding sector is another factor driving the growth of the whey industry revenue.

The Global Whey Market Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market size of 10.8 USD Billion in 2024 and an anticipated increase to 22.9 USD Billion by 2035. This growth corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.12% from 2025 to 2035. Such figures suggest a robust expansion driven by various factors, including health trends, sports nutrition, and technological advancements. The market's trajectory indicates a promising future, with opportunities for innovation and diversification within the whey protein segment.

The Global Whey Market Industry experiences a notable surge in demand driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers. As individuals become more aware of the importance of protein in their diets, whey protein emerges as a preferred choice due to its high biological value and essential amino acid profile. This trend is particularly evident in regions with growing fitness cultures, where whey protein supplements are integrated into daily nutrition. The market is projected to reach 10.8 USD Billion in 2024, reflecting a shift towards healthier lifestyle choices. The emphasis on fitness and wellness is likely to sustain growth in the Global Whey Market Industry.

The Global Whey Market Industry benefits from the expansion of the sports nutrition sector, which is increasingly appealing to both amateur and professional athletes. Whey protein is recognized for its role in muscle recovery and growth, making it a staple in sports supplements. The rising participation in sports and fitness activities globally contributes to the demand for whey protein products. As the market evolves, innovative formulations and flavors are introduced to attract a broader audience. This sector is expected to significantly contribute to the projected growth of the Global Whey Market Industry, potentially reaching 22.9 USD Billion by 2035.

The versatility of whey protein in various food applications serves as a crucial driver for the Global Whey Market Industry. Whey protein is increasingly incorporated into products such as baked goods, dairy alternatives, and protein bars, enhancing nutritional profiles while maintaining desirable textures. This trend is particularly prominent in regions where consumers seek convenient, health-oriented food options. The food industry’s adoption of whey protein not only caters to health-conscious consumers but also aligns with the growing demand for functional foods. As a result, the Global Whey Market Industry is likely to witness sustained growth, supported by diverse applications.

Technological advancements in whey protein production processes are transforming the Global Whey Market Industry. Innovations such as membrane filtration and spray drying enhance the efficiency and quality of whey protein extraction. These improvements not only increase yield but also preserve the nutritional integrity of the protein. As manufacturers adopt these technologies, they can offer higher-quality products that meet consumer expectations for purity and effectiveness. This trend is expected to drive market growth, as consumers increasingly seek premium whey protein options. The ongoing evolution in production techniques may further solidify the Global Whey Market Industry's position in the health and wellness sector.

The Global Whey Market Industry is also influenced by the rising demand for plant-based protein alternatives. While whey protein remains a popular choice, the increasing interest in vegan and vegetarian diets prompts manufacturers to explore plant-based protein sources. This trend may lead to the development of hybrid products that combine whey with plant proteins to cater to a broader consumer base. As the market adapts to these changing preferences, it is likely to witness innovations that balance the benefits of whey with the appeal of plant-based nutrition. This dynamic could reshape the competitive landscape of the Global Whey Market Industry.

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The North America Whey market accounted for USD 4.53 billion in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study period. The region's expansion is allowed by the availability of media that advocates for active lifestyles and high disposable income levels. In addition, functional foods and supplements have become more popular, providing various health benefits and essential nourishment, particularly in the form of newborn formula.

According to the report, a record-breaking 80% of American adults aged 18 and above used dietary supplements in 2021.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are Canada, U.S, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: WHEY MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Europe’s market of whey accounts for the second-largest market share. Several factors, including the increased emphasis on healthy living, the trend towards preventive healthcare, and the rising demand for protein supplements from the U.K., Germany, and France, will likely contribute to the Europe market's respectable expansion throughout the forecast period. An increasing number of fitness enthusiasts and a significant consumer influx in gyms and fitness clubs are the main drivers of the whey protein demand in the nation.

For instance, almost 15% of the population of the UK has a gym membership as of 2021 or 10.3 million people.  Further, the German whey market held the largest market share, and the UK whey industry was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Whey Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. In developing nations like Australia and India, where the senior population is growing, and the environment is constantly changing, skin disorders are becoming more of a worry. As a result, demand for personal care products is predicted to rise throughout the projection period. With rising obesity rates and more people becoming health-conscious customers, India has seen a growth in the popularity of protein- and health-fortified beverages.

Women who were overweight increased from 20.6% to 24%, and men who were overweight increased from 18.9% to 22.9%. Moreover, China’s market of whey held the largest market share, and the Indian whey industry was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Major market players are investing huge amounts of money in R&D to expand their product offerings, which will spur further growth in the whey market. With significant market developments like introducing new products, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations, market participants are also undertaking various strategic initiatives to expand their footprint. To grow and remain in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive, whey industry competitors must provide affordable products.

Manufacturing locally to cut operational costs is one of the main business methods manufacturers use in the whey industry to benefit customers and develop the market sector. The whey industry has recently given medicine some of the most important advantages. The whey market major player such as Agropur MSI LLC (U.S.), Glanbia Plc (Ireland), American Dairy Products Institute (U.S.), and Arla Foods (Denmark) are attempting to increase market demand by funding R&D initiatives.

Arla Foods amba is a Danish-Swedish multinational cooperative headquartered in Viby, Denmark. It is the largest dairy producer in Scandinavia and the largest dairy in the United Kingdom. Arla Foods is the world's fourth-largest dairy firm in milk volume and seventh in revenue.

Arla combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to ensure that its goods are as true to nature as possible, from farm to fridge.  In October 2021, Arla Foods unveiled the latest product innovation center of 9000 m2 with state-of-the-art facilities for its subsidiary Arla Foods Ingredients for research and production of products, including Whey concentrates, lactose products, and newborn nutrition in Denmark. The Centre also intends to foster collaboration among renowned academic researchers, Ph.D. students, and industry personnel.

Also, Lactalis Ingredients manufactures dairy products. Milk powders, whey products, industrial butter, casein, milk fats, customized dairy blends, and nutritional additives are all available from the company. Lactalis Ingredients services food and beverage sectors globally. Lactalis Ingredients, as part of the Lactalis Group, the world's top dairy company and number one cheese manufacturer, leverages over 85 years of dairy history to deliver excellence and technological competence. In November 2021, Lactalis Ingredients released new high-protein product concepts employing Pronativ® Native Micellar Casein and Pronativ® Native Whey Protein.

Pronativ-Native Micellar Casein is a milk protein isolate that is 90% micellar casein, compared to 80% in whole milk. High-protein smoothies and high-protein puddings are two of the derived concepts.