Italy Whey Protein Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The whey protein market size in Italy is experiencing growth driven by the established sports nutrition and functional beverage sectors. The demand for whey protein supplements is fueled by their benefits in muscle recovery and development, supported by the increasing number of health and fitness centers. Despite a cultural preference for traditional foods, rising health awareness and the popularity of protein-rich products are contributing to market expansion. Additionally, food and beverage manufacturers are integrating functional whey protein into their products to meet evolving consumer preferences, further enhancing market demand.

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Market Size of Italy Whey Protein Industry

Italy Whey Protein Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Size (2024) USD 31 Million
Market Size (2029) USD 41.30 Million
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 5.91 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

Italy Whey Protein Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Italy Whey Protein Market Analysis

The Italy Whey Protein Market size is estimated at USD 31 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 41.30 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.91% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

  • The whey protein market in Italy is mainly driven by highly matured sports nutrition and functional beverage ingredients. The essential objective of whey protein supplements is to improve muscle growth and development. Eating whey protein supplements before the workout enhances muscle recovery, as it increases the free amino acids in the body. The increasing number of health & fitness clubs/centers facilitates the growth of the whey protein market in the country.
  • According to the National Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Crafts, and Agriculture (Italian: Unione Nazionale delle Camere di Commercio, Industria, Artigianato e Agricolture (Unioncamere)) report, the number of gyms in the Lazio region of Italy rose by 39.5% from 2014 to 2020. The Italian population is more inclined towards ancestral and original foods, making them prefer raw or freshly prepared cheese over the Whey supplement, in turn resulting in a slower market growth rate.
  • Furthermore, rising awareness among the masses to be fit and remain in shape, along with enhancing the body's immunity, is anticipated to drive the demand for whey protein in the region. The increasing number of muscle and fitness enthusiasts has boosted a growing consumer demand for protein sports beverages, specialized nutritional drinks, and nutritional snack bars. This is anticipated to help the product gain traction in the fitness care segment during the estimated timeframe.
  • Food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly incorporating functional whey protein into their packaged products. This shift in formulation is driven by evolving consumer preferences, primarily because whey protein offers a compelling advantage-it can effectively substitute high-fat and costly ingredients like cream cheese, milk, and butter. Moreover, the inclusion of whey protein allows manufacturers to retain the authentic appearance, flavor, and texture of their products. This adaptation has the potential to generate a notable uptick in product demand within the country.

Italy Whey Protein Industry Segmentation

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

The scope of the Italy whey protein market includes the segmentation of whey protein by type under whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and hydrolyzed whey protein. Further segmentation has been done on the basis of applications under sports and performance nutrition, infant formula, and functional/fortified food. 

The market sizing has been done in value terms in USD and in volume terms in tons for all the abovementioned segments.

Type
Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey Protein Isolate
Hydrolyzed Whey Protein
Application
Sports and Performance Nutrition
Infant Formula
Functional/Fortified Food
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Italy Whey Protein Market Size Summary

The whey protein market in Italy is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing popularity of sports nutrition and functional beverages. This market expansion is largely attributed to the rising number of health and fitness centers, which promote the consumption of whey protein supplements for muscle recovery and growth. Despite the traditional preference for raw or freshly prepared foods among Italians, there is a growing awareness of the benefits of whey protein in enhancing fitness and immunity. This shift in consumer behavior is encouraging food and beverage manufacturers to incorporate whey protein into their products, offering a cost-effective alternative to high-fat ingredients while maintaining the desired taste and texture. The demand for whey protein is further bolstered by the expanding food industry and the increasing consumption of protein-rich diets, reflecting a broader trend towards health consciousness in Italy.

The whey protein concentrate segment holds a significant share of the market, driven by its versatile applications in various industries, including dairy and infant nutrition. The demand for high-quality whey protein ingredients, such as whey protein hydrolysates and isolates, is also on the rise, particularly in clinical nutrition and sports food sectors. Regulatory support and consumer interest in clean-label, natural ingredients, such as organic and grass-fed whey, are contributing to the growth of this segment. Key players in the market, including Arla Foods, Glanbia Plc, and FrieslandCampina N.V., are actively engaging in strategic initiatives and product innovations to meet evolving consumer demands. These developments, coupled with partnerships and new product launches, are expected to sustain the market's growth trajectory in the coming years.

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Italy Whey Protein Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Drivers

      1. 1.1.1 Increasing demand for sports nutritional supplements

    2. 1.2 Market Restraints

      1. 1.2.1 Rising demand for plant-based 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 Type

      1. 2.1.1 Whey Protein Concentrate

      2. 2.1.2 Whey Protein Isolate

      3. 2.1.3 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein

    2. 2.2 Application

      1. 2.2.1 Sports and Performance Nutrition

      2. 2.2.2 Infant Formula

      3. 2.2.3 Functional/Fortified Food

Italy Whey Protein Market Size FAQs

The Italy Whey Protein Market size is expected to reach USD 31 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.91% to reach USD 41.30 million by 2029.

In 2024, the Italy Whey Protein Market size is expected to reach USD 31 million.

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