Report Overview

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2030

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market size was estimated at USD 395.26 million in 2023. During the forecast period between 2024 and 2030, Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.72% reaching a value of USD 540.19 million by 2030. Prominent drivers of the market include the increasing focus on specialized athletic and bodybuilding products, particularly in the UK, where the market is evolving to incorporate more mainstream dairy-based sports products. The nutritional benefits and versatility of whey protein, coupled with advancements in high-value applications such as weight management, infant nutrition, and medical nutrition, are expected to fuel market growth. The expanding fitness culture and rising health awareness are driving demand for whey protein among fitness enthusiasts seeking muscle growth and recovery support. Additionally, the market is witnessing a shift towards plant-based protein alternatives due to health and environmental concerns, prompting innovation in this area. The growing interest in personalized whey protein solutions tailored to specific dietary needs and preferences further presents opportunities for niche product development.

Whey Protein – Overview

Whey protein is a high-quality protein derived from whey, which is the liquid byproduct of cheese production. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is easily digestible, making it a popular supplement for muscle building, recovery, and overall health. Whey protein is available in several forms, including whey protein concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate, each differing in protein content and processing. It's widely used by athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals looking to increase their protein intake.

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market

Growth Drivers

Increasing Demand for Sports Nutrition

The increasing demand for sports nutrition is significantly boosting the growth of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market. Whey protein, once a niche product, has now become mainstream, embraced by consumers seeking convenient and functional nutrition. With its benefits in muscle maintenance and rapid post-exercise recovery, whey protein is particularly popular among fitness enthusiasts. Ready-to-drink (RTD) whey-based protein shakes offer convenience for those on the go, further blurring the lines between sports nutrition and everyday beverages. Additionally, European consumers are increasingly discerning about ingredient quality, with preferences for grass-fed, organic, and hormone-free whey, which often command a premium.

Challenges

Availability of Alternative Protein Sources

The availability of alternative protein sources could restrain the growth of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market. Whey protein now faces increasing competition from plant-based proteins such as pea, soy, and rice, which are gaining popularity due to their sustainability, allergy-friendly profiles, and consumer demand for variety. Additionally, emerging options like insect-based proteins, though still in their initial stages, are being explored as novel and more sustainable alternatives. To stay competitive, whey protein must emphasize its complete amino acid profile, digestibility, and proven effectiveness. However, shifting consumer preferences toward plant-based and minimally processed options pose significant challenges to whey protein's market dominance.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions among countries across regions could have a significant impact on the growth of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market. Trade wars, sanctions, and regional conflicts are disrupting the supply chains that are critical to the production and distribution of whey protein. For instance, the availability of key agricultural inputs like feed and fertilizers is being constrained by sanctions and trade barriers, which, in turn, impacts the dairy industry essential for whey production. Additionally, logistical challenges caused by conflicts, such as the blockade of crucial transport routes, lead to delays and increased costs, making it more difficult for European manufacturers to maintain a stable supply of whey protein ingredients. The instability also discourages investment in the agricultural and dairy sectors, further threatening the long-term sustainability of the whey protein market in Europe. As a result, the market faces increased uncertainty, with the potential for significant disruptions in production and higher prices for consumers. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts to diversify supply chains, improve regional cooperation, and invest in resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of ongoing and future geopolitical tensions.

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market

Segmental Coverage

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market – By Type

By type, Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market is divided into Whey Protein Isolates (WPI), Whey Protein Concentrates (WPC), Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, and Demineralized Whey Protein segments. The whey protein isolates segment is expected to hold the highest share in Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market by type during the forecast period. It is primarily due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility. With a protein content ranging from 35% to 80%, WPC also contains some lactose and fat, making it suitable for a wide array of applications. Produced by separating whey from cheese curds and concentrating the protein through filtration, WPC is widely used in various food and beverage products, including yogurts, kefir, baked goods, protein-fortified snacks, and breakfast cereals. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in sports nutrition, particularly in protein powders and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages.

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market – By Application

Based on application, Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market is divided into Bakery & Confectionery, Dairy Products, Sports Nutrition, Meat Products, and Health Supplements segments. The sports nutrition segment is expected to hold the highest share in Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market by application during the forecast period. It can be attributed to the rising participation in sports, fitness activities, and weight training, which drives the demand for protein supplements essential for muscle building and recovery. As athletes and fitness enthusiasts become increasingly knowledgeable about the benefits of whey protein, consumption of products like whey protein powders, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, and bars is on the rise. Sports nutrition brands are continually innovating with new formulations, flavors, and delivery methods to meet the diverse needs and preferences of athletes, further fueling the segment's growth.

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market – By Distribution Channel

On the basis of distribution channel, Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market is divided into Online Retail, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, and Direct Sales segments.

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market – By Region

The in-depth research report on the Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market covers various country-specific markets across major countries including Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Russia, The Netherlands, and Rest of Europe. United Kingdom holds the highest share in Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The UK's strong dairy industry and expertise in whey protein production and innovation have reinforced its prominent position. A key trend in the UK's market is the rising demand for plant-based and vegan protein alternatives, driven by consumer preferences for more sustainable and ethical options. As a result, manufacturers are expanding their product lines to include plant-based protein options to cater to these evolving consumer demands. Meanwhile, Spain is expected to record the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. It is primarily due to its robust food and beverage industry and heightened consumer health awareness. The market is expected to maintain this growth trajectory, driven by the rising interest in sports nutrition, functional foods, and sustainable, plant-based protein sources. Spanish manufacturers are capitalizing on their dairy processing expertise to create a wide array of whey protein products that serve various sectors, including sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, and food and beverage formulations. Additionally, these companies are investing significantly in research and development to innovate and improve the quality and functionality of their whey protein products.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market include Agrial, Arla Foods amba, Carbery Food Ingredients Limited, Glanbia PLC, Groupe Lactalis, Koninklijke FrieslandCampina N.V., Lactoprot Deutschland GmbH, MEGGLE GmbH & Co. KG, Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd, Sodiaal Union SCA, Saputo, Champignon-Hofmeister Group, DMK Group, and Fonterra. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In May 2024 - Arla Foods Ingredients announced its plans to present innovative whey protein solutions at Vitafoods Europe 2024, focusing on 'holistic hydration' by integrating whey protein into beverages to enhance physical and cognitive well-being. Highlighting the growing demand for functional beverages, Arla will introduce Lacprodan ISO. WaterShake, designed for both powder and ready-to-drink formats, features essential and branched-chain amino acids. The showcase aligns with market trends emphasizing protein and functional ingredients in everyday products.

• In February 2024 - Vivici, a startup by Fonterra and DSM-Firmenich, rapidly advanced in the ‘animal-free dairy’ sector, announced that it is now capable of supplying commercial quantities of whey protein from fermentation to the US market. Based in the Netherlands and with GRAS status in the United States, Vivici leverages decades of expertise in dairy proteins and biomanufacturing. Its beta-lactoglobulin isolate is noted for superior muscle growth benefits compared to traditional whey protein.

Scope of the Report

By Type

• Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)

• Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)

• Hydrolyzed Whey Protein

• Demineralized Whey Protein

By Application

• Bakery & Confectionery

• Dairy Products

• Sports Nutrition

• Meat Products

• Health Supplements

By Distribution Channel

• Online Retail

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

• Specialty Stores

• Direct Sales

By Country

• Germany

• United Kingdom

• Italy

• France

• Spain

• Belgium

• Russia

• The Netherlands

• Rest of Europe

1. Research Framework
   1. Research Objective
   2. Technology Overview
   3. Market Segmentation
2. Executive Summary
3. Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Insights
   1. Industry Value Chain Analysis
   2. DROC Analysis
      1. Growth Drivers
         1. Growing health and wellness consciousness
         2. Rising elderly population
         3. Increasing demand for sports nutrition
         4. Expanding food and beverage industry
      2. Restraints
         1. Fluctuations in milk prices
         2. Stringent regulations on food and beverage additives
         3. Availability of alternative protein sources
      3. Opportunities
         1. Development of functional whey protein ingredients
         2. Expansion into emerging markets within Europe
         3. Focus on organic and sustainable whey protein
         4. Innovation in whey protein delivery formats
      4. Challenges
         1. Maintaining consistent product quality
         2. Price competition
         3. Consumer perception of dairy products
   3. Technological Advancements/Recent Developments
   4. Regulatory Framework
   5. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
      3. Threat of New Entrants
      4. Threat of Substitutes
      5. Intensity of Rivalry
4. Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
      1. By Value (USD Million)
   2. Market Share and Forecast
      1. By Type
         1. Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)
         2. Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)
         3. Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
         4. Demineralized Whey Protein
         5. Others
      2. By Application
         1. Bakery & Confectionery
         2. Dairy Products
         3. Sports Nutrition
         4. Meat Products
         5. Health Supplements
         6. Others
      3. By Distribution Channel
         1. Online Retail
         2. Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
         3. Specialty Stores
         4. Direct Sales
      4. By Country
         1. Germany
         2. United Kingdom
         3. Italy
         4. France
         5. Spain
         6. Belgium
         7. Russia
         8. Netherlands
         9. Rest of Europe
5. Germany Whey Protein Ingredients Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
      1. By Value (USD Million)
   2. Market Share & Forecast
      1. By Type
      2. By Application
      3. By Distribution Channel
6. United Kingdom Whey Protein Ingredients Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
      1. By Value (USD Million)
   2. Market Share & Forecast
      1. By Type
      2. By Application
      3. By Distribution Channel
7. Italy Whey Protein Ingredients Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
      1. By Value (USD Million)
   2. Market Share & Forecast
      1. By Type
      2. By Application
      3. By Distribution Channel
8. France Whey Protein Ingredients Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
      1. By Value (USD Million)
   2. Market Share & Forecast
      1. By Type
      2. By Application
      3. By Distribution Channel
9. Spain Whey Protein Ingredients Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
      1. By Value (USD Million)
   2. Market Share & Forecast
      1. By Type
      2. By Application
      3. By Distribution Channel
10. Belgium Whey Protein Ingredients Market Overview
    1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
       1. By Value (USD Million)
    2. Market Share & Forecast
       1. By Type
       2. By Application
       3. By Distribution Channel
11. Russia Whey Protein Ingredients Market Overview
    1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
       1. By Value (USD Million)
    2. Market Share & Forecast
       1. By Type
       2. By Application
       3. By Distribution Channel
12. Netherlands Whey Protein Ingredients Market Overview
    1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
       1. By Value (USD Million)
    2. Market Share & Forecast
       1. By Type
       2. By Application
       3. By Distribution Channel
13. Rest of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Overview
    1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
       1. By Value (USD Million)
    2. Market Share & Forecast
       1. By Type
       2. By Application
       3. By Distribution Channel
14. Competitive Landscape
    1. List of Key Players and Their Offerings
    2. Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share Analysis, 2023
    3. Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating Parameters
    4. Key Strategic Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships, etc.)
15. Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market
16. Company Profiles (Company Overview, Financial Matrix, Competitive Landscape, Key Personnel, Key Competitors, Contact Address, Strategic Outlook, and SWOT Analysis)
    1. Agrial
    2. Arla Foods amba
    3. Carbery Food Ingredients Limited
    4. Glanbia PLC
    5. Groupe Lactalis
    6. Koninklijke FrieslandCampina N.V.
    7. Lactoprot Deutschland GmbH
    8. MEGGLE GmbH & Co. KG
    9. Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd
    10. Sodiaal Union SCA
    11. Saputo
    12. Champignon-Hofmeister Group
    13. DMK Group
    14. Fonterra
    15. Other Prominent Players
17. Key Strategic Recommendations
18. Research Methodology
    1.    Qualitative Research
       1.  Primary & Secondary Research
    2.    Quantitative Research
    3.    Market Breakdown & Data Triangulation
       1.  Secondary Research
       2.  Primary Research
    4.    Breakdown of Primary Research Respondents, By Region
    5.    Assumptions & Limitations

*Financial information of non-listed companies can be provided as per availability.

**The segmentation and the companies are subject to modifications based on in-depth secondary research for the final deliverable

List of Figures

Figure 1       Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Segmentation

Figure 2       Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Value Chain Analysis

Figure 3       Company Market Share Analysis, 2023

Figure 4       Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Figure 5       Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 6       Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 7       Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 8       Germany Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Figure 9       Germany Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 10     Germany Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 11     Germany Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 12     United Kingdom Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Figure 13     United Kingdom Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 14     United Kingdom Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 15     United Kingdom Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 16     Italy Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Figure 17     Italy Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 18     Italy Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 19     Italy Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 20     France Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Figure 21     France Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 22     France Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 23     France Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 24     Spain Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Figure 25     Spain Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 26     Spain Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 27     Spain Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 28     Belgium Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Figure 29     Belgium Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 30     Belgium Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 31     Belgium Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 32     Russia Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Figure 33     Russia Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 34     Russia Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 35     Russia Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 36     The Netherlands Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Figure 37     The Netherlands Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 38     The Netherlands Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 39     The Netherlands Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 40     Rest of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Figure 41     Rest of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 42     Rest of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Figure 43     Rest of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

List of Tables

Table 1        Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Table 2        Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 3        Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 4        Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 5        Germany Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Table 6        Germany Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 7        Germany Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 8        Germany Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 9        United Kingdom Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Table 10      United Kingdom Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 11      United Kingdom Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 12      United Kingdom Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 13      Italy Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Table 14      Italy Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 15      Italy Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 16      Italy Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 17      France Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Table 18      France Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 19      France Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 20      France Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 21      Spain Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Table 22      Spain Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 23      Spain Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 24      Spain Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 25      Belgium Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Table 26      Belgium Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 27      Belgium Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 28      Belgium Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 29      Russia Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Table 30      Russia Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 31      Russia Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 32      Russia Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 33      The Netherlands Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Table 34      The Netherlands Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 35      The Netherlands Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 36      The Netherlands Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 37      Rest of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size, By Value (USD Million), 2019–2030

Table 38      Rest of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 39      Rest of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 40      Rest of Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value, 2019–2030

Table 41      Agrial Company Overview

Table 42      Agrial Financial Overview

Table 43      Arla Foods amba Company Overview

Table 44      Arla Foods amba Financial Overview

Table 45      Carbery Food Ingredients Limited Company Overview

Table 46      Carbery Food Ingredients Limited Financial Overview

Table 47      Glanbia PLC Company Overview

Table 48      Glanbia PLC Financial Overview

Table 49      Groupe Lactalis Company Overview

Table 50      Groupe Lactalis Financial Overview

Table 51      Koninklijke FrieslandCampina N.V. Company Overview

Table 52      Koninklijke FrieslandCampina N.V. Financial Overview

Table 53      Lactoprot Deutschland GmbH Company Overview

Table 54      Lactoprot Deutschland GmbH Financial Overview

Table 55      MEGGLE GmbH & Co. KG Company Overview

Table 56      MEGGLE GmbH & Co. KG Financial Overview

Table 57      Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd Company Overview

Table 58      Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd Financial Overview

Table 59      Sodiaal Union SCA Company Overview

Table 60      Sodiaal Union SCA Financial Overview

Table 61      Saputo Company Overview

Table 62      Saputo Financial Overview

Table 63      Champignon-Hofmeister Group Company Overview

Table 64      Champignon-Hofmeister Group Financial Overview

Table 65      DMK Group Company Overview

Table 66      DMK Group Financial Overview

Table 67      Fonterra Company Overview

Table 68      Fonterra Financial Overview