China Protein Market Size

China Protein Market Analysis

The China Protein Market size is estimated at 2.3 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 3.23 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.06% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Want to share this? Click here to share on social media or embed it on your website.

2.3 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

3.23 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

6.91 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

7.06 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Source

61.29 %

value share, Plant, 2023

Immense availability, functionality, vegan protein source, and low price of soy, wheat, and pea have contributed to the country's leading position of plant proteins.

Largest Market by End User

62.24 %

value share, Food and Beverages, 2023

F&B is driven mainly by the meat and beverage sectors. The multifunctionalities of plant protein imparted in these products and the rising Chinese taste for vegan meals.

Fastest Growing Market by Source

8 %

Projected CAGR, Plant, 2024-2029

The surging demand for plant proteins, mainly pea and soy proteins, especially from beverages, snacks, bakery, and meat alternatives, aided in their fastest growth.

Fastest Growing Market by End User

9.10 %

Projected CAGR, Animal Feed, 2024-2029

Protein-enriched skin, body, and hair care products are on the rise. Players offering protein ingredients with distinct concentration as per the need is boosting the segment.

Leading Market Player

7.37 %

market share, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, 2021

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited gained a competitive edge over other players due to its extensive product portfolio, along with its strategic moves toward innovation.

The increasing demand for protein functionalities and awareness about protein-rich diets, has led to an increased market share of food and beverage segment in the country

China Protein Industry Segmentation

Animal, Microbial, Plant are covered as segments by Source. Animal Feed, Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Supplements are covered as segments by End User.

• The demand for proteins in the food and beverage segment is primarily driven by factors such as increasing demand for protein functionalities and awareness about protein-rich diets. In the food and beverage category, the meat/poultry/seafood and meat alternative products segment accounted for the major volume share of 36.5% in 2022, followed by the dairy and dairy alternative products segment with 17.9%. The segment is likely to outpace other applications in terms of value growth rate, with a projected CAGR of 6.83%, during the forecast period.
• The animal feed segment occupied the second-largest share of the market. The segment is anticipated to drive the market with a nominal CAGR of 8.56%, by value, during the forecast period. Plant proteins are majorly occupied in the animal feed industry as soybean meal has the highest lysine digestibility (91%) of any of the commonly available protein sources used in animal feed formulations, particularly for monogastric species. Livestock fed with high-quality soy is healthier and a richer source of protein for human consumption.
• The supplements hold a significant share of the protein market, and the sports nutrition sub-segment majorly dominates the market. It is projected to register a CAGR of 3.09%, by value, during the forecast period. The ongoing execution of China’s National Nutrition Plan (2017-2030) and the Healthy China 2030 initiative is expected to help propel sports fitness and thereby draw high demand for the protein market. In response, a growing number of younger people in China are participating in sports and going to the gym, while older people are embracing physical activities like square dancing.