Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size

The Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market is experiencing growth, with the food and beverage sector being the largest consumer, driven by sub-segments like snacks, bakery, and beverages. The market's expansion is further supported by a shift from foodservice to retail channels, particularly during the pandemic, which increased demand for whey protein. The supplements segment, especially sports nutrition, is also a significant contributor to market size, reflecting the rising number of fitness enthusiasts. The United Kingdom and Germany are leading in market share, with Turkey emerging as a rapidly growing market due to increasing health consciousness and demand for healthy food products.

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Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 409.6 Million
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 518.2 Million
svg icon Largest Share by End User Food and Beverages
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 4.81 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country United Kingdom

Major Players

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Analysis

The Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is estimated at 409.6 million USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 518.2 million USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.81% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

409.6 Million

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

518.2 Million

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

3.64 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

4.81 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Form

55.86 %

value share, Concentrates, 2023

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Whey protein concentrates dominated the market, as they are extensively used in the F&B sector and are being applied in the supplements sector, sports sector, infant formula and functional foods.

Largest Market by End User

57.69 %

value share, Food and Beverages, 2023

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Immense demand from the bakery and beverages sector drove the F&B sector due to the shifting preferences of consumers from carbonated beverages to more protein-rich beverages.

Fastest Growing Market by Form

5.77 %

Projected CAGR, Isolates, 2024-2029

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The fastest growth can be attributed to ongoing government support as the European Commission has authorized the extended use of bovine-based whey protein isolate as a new product in dietary supplements and infant formulas.

Fastest Growing Market by End User

5.28 %

Projected CAGR, Supplements, 2024-2029

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The fastest growth is due to the high demand for sports nutrition. The supplements segment is driven by the increase in athletes and their reliance on high-protein diets.

Leading Market Player

60.78 %

market share, Koninklijke FrieslandCampina N.V., 2021

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Koninklijke FrieslandCampina's strategy of targeting practically every application sector (recently, in infant formula launched multiple innovations) has favored their growth in the market.

Rising fitness trend among young population resulted increased market share of supplements across the region

  • In 2022, food and beverage remained the largest consumer of the whey protein segment in Europe. The segment's larger share was primarily contributed by its sub-segments, such as snacks, bakery, and beverages, which held a share of 37% by volume in 2022. In the snacks category, in 2021, 46% of European consumers considered protein bars healthy snacks, and 16% of consumers used protein-fortified snacks, such as protein bars, powders, cereals, and pancakes once a week. This demand drives the whey protein market in the snacks category, and it is projected to register a CAGR of 2.30% by value in the forecast period.
  • The market witnessed consumer diversion from the foodservice to the retail channel in the wake of nationwide lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus. Consumers were engaged in the bulk purchase of food products, which boosted the food and beverage segment's share in 2022. The whey protein demand in the segment grew by 12% in 2022, which was about four times the growth rate of the previous year.
  • The food and beverages market was followed by the supplements segment, primarily driven by the sports/performance nutrition sub-segment. In 2022, about 80% of whey protein consumed in the supplements sector was by sports nutrition alone. In Europe, the total number of fitness clubs was 63,173 in 2021. Sport has become a component of an active, healthy lifestyle sought after by many consumers. This active way of life has an effect on the explosion in the use of gyms and the consumption of sports nutrition products. Whey protein supplementation reduces muscle damage and facilitates muscle recovery from strenuous training, thereby assisting sports performance.
Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market

Consumers inclination towards functional beverages has resulted in higher demand for whey protein ingredients

  • By country, the United Kingdom retained its top position in the market by volume in 2022. The whey protein demand in the country is majorly led by an increasing number of fitness enthusiasts and a heavy consumer influx in gyms and fitness clubs. For instance, as of 2021, 10.3 million people held a gym membership, which is over 15% of the total UK population. Representing consumers' increasing reliance on performance-boosting supplements over the years. The whey protein market in the United Kingdom is highly driven by the supplements industry (64%), which held a significant share, followed by the food and beverage industry (33.1%) in 2022.  Thus, whey protein usage was mainly observed in sports nutrition due to the increasing number of fitness enthusiasts and fitness clubs.
  • Germany was another leading country in the market in 2022, driven by high protein consumption in the food and beverage industry. Beverages is the fastest-growing sub-segment, with an expected CAGR of 7.09% during the forecast period. Whey protein demand in beverages is rising with the growing health awareness in the country. Products, such as protein water and energy drinks, are becoming a trend as consumers are choosing to move away from carbonated beverages toward healthier options.
  • Turkey is the fastest-growing country for whey protein and is projected to register a CAGR of 6.02% during the forecast period. The healthy eating attitudes of the majority of the participants are at high and ideal levels. In particular, products containing whey protein have gained importance due to the health benefits they offer. The booming trend of healthy food in the country has created a significant demand for ingredients such as whey protein.

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Industry Segmentation

Concentrates, Hydrolyzed, Isolates are covered as segments by Form. Animal Feed, Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Supplements are covered as segments by End User. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom are covered as segments by Country.

  • In 2022, food and beverage remained the largest consumer of the whey protein segment in Europe. The segment's larger share was primarily contributed by its sub-segments, such as snacks, bakery, and beverages, which held a share of 37% by volume in 2022. In the snacks category, in 2021, 46% of European consumers considered protein bars healthy snacks, and 16% of consumers used protein-fortified snacks, such as protein bars, powders, cereals, and pancakes once a week. This demand drives the whey protein market in the snacks category, and it is projected to register a CAGR of 2.30% by value in the forecast period.
  • The market witnessed consumer diversion from the foodservice to the retail channel in the wake of nationwide lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus. Consumers were engaged in the bulk purchase of food products, which boosted the food and beverage segment's share in 2022. The whey protein demand in the segment grew by 12% in 2022, which was about four times the growth rate of the previous year.
  • The food and beverages market was followed by the supplements segment, primarily driven by the sports/performance nutrition sub-segment. In 2022, about 80% of whey protein consumed in the supplements sector was by sports nutrition alone. In Europe, the total number of fitness clubs was 63,173 in 2021. Sport has become a component of an active, healthy lifestyle sought after by many consumers. This active way of life has an effect on the explosion in the use of gyms and the consumption of sports nutrition products. Whey protein supplementation reduces muscle damage and facilitates muscle recovery from strenuous training, thereby assisting sports performance.
Form
Concentrates
Hydrolyzed
Isolates
End User
Animal Feed
Food and Beverages
By Sub End User
Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements
By Sub End User
Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
Country
Belgium
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Russia
Spain
Turkey
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
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Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size Summary

The Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market is experiencing a steady expansion, driven by increasing consumer demand in the food and beverage sector, particularly within sub-segments like snacks, bakery, and beverages. The market's growth is further supported by a shift in consumer behavior from foodservice to retail channels, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift has led to a significant rise in the consumption of whey protein, especially in snacks such as protein bars and fortified cereals. The supplements sector, particularly sports nutrition, also plays a crucial role in the market's growth, with a notable increase in the use of whey protein for muscle recovery and performance enhancement. The United Kingdom and Germany are leading countries in this market, with the UK showing a strong preference for supplements, while Germany sees a rising demand for whey protein in beverages due to health-conscious consumer trends.

The production of whey protein in Europe is supported by the region's robust dairy industry, with significant cheese production contributing to the availability of whey. Countries like Germany, France, and Italy are key players in cheese production, which in turn supports the whey protein market. The market is fairly consolidated, with major companies like Agrial Enterprise, Arla Foods amba, Glanbia PLC, Groupe Lactalis, and Koninklijke FrieslandCampina N.V. dominating the landscape. These companies are actively innovating and expanding their product offerings to meet the growing demand for high-protein products. The market's growth is also fueled by the increasing popularity of natural ingredients in sports nutrition, providing opportunities for manufacturers to enhance product value and cater to the health-conscious consumer base in Europe.

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Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Form

      1. 1.1.1 Concentrates

      2. 1.1.2 Hydrolyzed

      3. 1.1.3 Isolates

    2. 1.2 End User

      1. 1.2.1 Animal Feed

      2. 1.2.2 Food and Beverages

        1. 1.2.2.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.2.1.1 Bakery

          2. 1.2.2.1.2 Beverages

          3. 1.2.2.1.3 Breakfast Cereals

          4. 1.2.2.1.4 Condiments/Sauces

          5. 1.2.2.1.5 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products

          6. 1.2.2.1.6 RTE/RTC Food Products

          7. 1.2.2.1.7 Snacks

      3. 1.2.3 Personal Care and Cosmetics

      4. 1.2.4 Supplements

        1. 1.2.4.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.4.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula

          2. 1.2.4.1.2 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition

          3. 1.2.4.1.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition

    3. 1.3 Country

      1. 1.3.1 Belgium

      2. 1.3.2 France

      3. 1.3.3 Germany

      4. 1.3.4 Italy

      5. 1.3.5 Netherlands

      6. 1.3.6 Russia

      7. 1.3.7 Spain

      8. 1.3.8 Turkey

      9. 1.3.9 United Kingdom

      10. 1.3.10 Rest of Europe

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size FAQs

The Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is expected to reach USD 409.65 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.81% to reach USD 518.17 million by 2029.

In 2024, the Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is expected to reach USD 409.65 million.

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market Report Snapshots

Europe Whey Protein Ingredients Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029