China Whey Protein Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The Chinese whey protein market is experiencing growth driven by the rising popularity of healthier and more active lifestyles, which has led to increased consumption of whey protein products among fitness enthusiasts. This trend is prompting manufacturers to incorporate whey protein into a variety of health-oriented products to attract consumers. Additionally, the nutrient-rich by-product of the cheese industry is gaining traction in animal feed applications, with demand outpacing domestic supply, resulting in a surge in imports. The expanding use of whey protein across various sectors, including animal feed, food and beverages, personal care, cosmetics, and supplements, is expected to further boost the market size in China during the forecast period.

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Market Size of China Whey Protein Industry

China Whey Protein Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Forecast Data Period 2024 - 2029
Historical Data Period 2019 - 2022
CAGR 4.97 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

China Whey Protein Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

China Whey Protein Market Analysis

The Chinese whey protein market is expected to grow from USD 242.1 million in 2023 at a CAGR of 4.97% over the next five years.

  • Growing healthier and more sporting lifestyles in the country, along with the increasing craze of fitness and the use of whey protein products by fitness practitioners, is driving the market's growth in China. These factors are pushing manufacturers in the country to add whey protein as an ingredient in most healthy products to attract consumers. For instance, in January 2021, United States-based food technology company Perfect Day, backed by Li Ka-shing's Horizons Ventures, partnered with a Hong Kong ice cream maker to launch an animal-free dairy variety of the dessert. The company claimed that the range of ice creams launched uses whey protein developed by fermentation from the gene sequence of bovine whey protein.
  • Additionally, whey is a very nutrient-dense by-product of the cheese industry that can be fed to animals in various ways, including dried whey products, liquid whey, condensed whey, or dried whey to improve their health and performance. For instance, ruminants can consume up to 30% of their dry-matter intake as liquid whey without impaired performance. Nonruminant rations frequently contain small amounts of dried whey or partially lactose whey to boost weight increases, feed effectiveness, protein, and fat digestibility, as well as mineral absorption and retention.
  • Owing to these factors, both consumers and manufacturers frequently tend to prefer whey-based feed products, which are rising in demand. However, domestic feed supplies have been unable to keep up with soaring demand, and imports of whey powder expanded rapidly. Moreover, increasing applications of whey protein in different industries like animal feed, food and beverages, personal care, cosmetics, and supplements are expected to raise the demand for whey protein in the country during the forecast period.

China Whey Protein Industry Segmentation

Whey protein is a powdered form of protein sourced from whey. 

The Chinese whey protein market is segmented by product type and application. By product type, the market is segmented into whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and hydrolyzed whey protein. Based on application, the market is segmented into sports and performance nutrition, infant formula, and functional or fortified food. 

For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done based on the value in USD million.

By Form
Concentrates
Hydrolyzed
Isolates
By End-User
Animal Feed
Food and Beverages
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements
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China Whey Protein Market Size Summary

The Chinese whey protein market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a rising interest in healthier lifestyles and fitness among the population. This trend is particularly evident among the youth, who are increasingly engaging in fitness activities and seeking products that support their health and wellness goals. The demand for whey protein is further bolstered by its incorporation into various food and beverage products, as well as its applications in animal feed, personal care, and cosmetics. The market is characterized by a diverse range of products, including whey protein concentrates, which are favored for their cost-effectiveness and nutritional benefits. These factors, combined with government initiatives promoting fitness and wellness, are expected to sustain the market's expansion over the coming years.

The market landscape is fragmented, with numerous global and regional players actively participating in the sector. Companies are focusing on product innovation and strategic partnerships to capitalize on the growing demand for whey protein. Notable players such as Arla Foods, LACTALIS Ingredients, FrieslandCampina, Glanbia plc, and Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited are key contributors to the market's development. Recent regulatory updates and product launches, such as those by Arla Foods Ingredients, highlight the ongoing efforts to meet the evolving needs of consumers and manufacturers. These developments, along with the increasing protein demand in China, are anticipated to drive the market's growth trajectory in the foreseeable future.

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China Whey Protein Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Drivers

      1. 1.1.1 Efficient processing abilities and growing applications of whey protein

      2. 1.1.2 Rising number of fitness and sports enthusiasts

    2. 1.2 Market Restraints

      1. 1.2.1 High processing and production cost of whey protein

    3. 1.3 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Threat of New Entrants

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

      3. 1.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Form

      1. 2.1.1 Concentrates

      2. 2.1.2 Hydrolyzed

      3. 2.1.3 Isolates

    2. 2.2 By End-User

      1. 2.2.1 Animal Feed

      2. 2.2.2 Food and Beverages

      3. 2.2.3 Personal Care and Cosmetics

      4. 2.2.4 Supplements

China Whey Protein Market Size FAQs

The China Whey Protein Market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.97% during the forecast period (2024-2029)

Arla Foods, LACTALIS Ingredients, FrieslandCampina, Glanbia plc and Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited are the major companies operating in the China Whey Protein Market.

Whey Protein Market in China Report Snapshots

Chinese Whey Protein Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)