Market Trends of Japan Animal Protein Industry
Growing Trend and Increasing Inclination towards Protein-rich Functional Food and Beverages
- Protein-rich food and beverages remained the largest segment in terms of animal protein consumption. Companies are launching innovative products infused with proteins, further boosting their value sales. For instance, Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd launched yogurt-flavored bottled water in Japan, blended with 'perfectly balanced' whey protein. Further, the increasing influence of social media is also elevating protein demand among the younger generation. The phrase 'protein girls' is very common in Japan, especially on Instagram.
- Due to the popularity of consuming extra protein in snack form, the expansion of these proteins is being seen in Japan's convenience stores. Therefore, manufacturers are investing their capital in research and development to launch innovative products.
- For instance, in March 2021, Arla Foods Ingredients launched Lacprodan ISO Clear, which is a whey protein isolate developed to fortify functional beverages without cloudiness, graininess, or off-taste. It has a protein content of 90%, offers high heat stability, and is clear in solution, making it suitable for pasteurized or ultra-high-temperature (UHT)-processed drinks. Hence, all the above-mentioned factors positively drive the market.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
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Whey Protein holds the Significant Market Share in Japan Animal Protein
- The demand for protein supplements like whey protein tends to increase as people grow more health-conscious and interested in fitness activities. Whey protein is a type of protein supplement that is increasingly popular as people become more health-conscious, engage in fitness-related activities, and address their various nutritional needs.
- Additionally, manufacturers are launching innovative protein powders for different application purposes. For instance, in February 2021, Arla Foods Ingredients, which is a global leader in natural whey ingredients, announced the launch of its new dry-blend protein ingredient, Lacprodan Premium ALPHA-10, rich in alpha-lactalbumin, ideally used in infant formula products. Arla claims it to be the first protein ingredient designed for dry blending, a process that allows manufacturers to reduce energy usage and production costs.
- Moreover, the increasing import value of whey protein in Japan also indicates the growing demand for the animal protein market in Japan. For instance, according to the UN Comtrade data, the import value of whey in Japan accounted for USD 186.354 million in 2022, which is a significant increase from 2021, which accounted for USD 139.627 million. Therefore, all these factors act as major drivers for the animal protein market in the country.
