Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Global Market Report 2025

The whey protein concentrate (WPC) market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.34 billion in 2024 to $4.69 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The growth observed during the historic period is attributed to the rising popularity of fitness culture, increased disposable income in emerging markets, greater awareness of muscle maintenance among aging populations, expanded use in bakery and snack products, and a growing demand for clean-label and natural ingredients.

The whey protein concentrate (WPC) market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.31 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The projected growth for the forecast period is driven by the increasing demand for personalized nutrition, wider adoption of plant and dairy protein blends, expanded use in clinical and medical nutrition, growth in e-commerce sales of health products, and ongoing innovation in protein-based functional foods. Key trends during this period include advancements in protein extraction technologies, improvements in the formulation of protein-enriched snacks, development of sustainable whey sourcing methods, innovations in flavored protein product offerings, and the creation of lactose-free whey protein concentrates.

The increase in health and fitness awareness is expected to drive the growth of the whey protein concentrate market moving forward. Health and fitness encompass physical and mental well-being achieved through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices. This growing awareness is largely due to the rising incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, which encourages individuals to adopt healthier habits to prevent and manage these conditions. Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) supports health and fitness by promoting muscle growth, aiding recovery, and providing essential nutrients that enhance overall physical performance and well-being. For example, in May 2022, a survey conducted by the International Food Information Council, a US-based non-profit organization, among 1,005 American adults aged 18-80 and adult Gen Z consumers aged 18-24 found that around 52% of participants followed a specific diet or eating pattern, up from 39% in 2021. The most popular approaches included clean eating (16%), mindful eating (14%), and calorie counting (13%). Hence, the rising awareness of health and fitness contributes significantly to the growth of the whey protein concentrate market.

Leading companies in the whey protein concentrate (WPC) market are focusing on developing innovative products such as Grade A whey protein to satisfy increasing consumer demand for high-quality, functional nutrition. Grade A whey protein is derived from milk and meets strict dairy grading standards, ensuring superior purity and nutritional value. For instance, in June 2022, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, a New Zealand-based dairy company, introduced Pro-Optima, a Grade A functional whey protein concentrate developed in collaboration with Tillamook County Creamery Association and Three Mile Canyon Farms. Pro-Optima provides excellent protein enhancement for cultured products like yogurt, offering outstanding shelf-life stability, a clean flavor, a creamy texture, and various customizable consistencies without increasing viscosity or causing gelling. These unique features support the production of high-protein, low-viscosity cultured foods and beverages, addressing the growing consumer demand for nutritious, protein-rich options.

In January 2023, Butterfly Equity LLC, a US-based private equity firm, acquired Milk Specialties Global for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to strengthen Butterfly Equity’s position in the health and nutrition sector by leveraging Milk Specialties Global’s expertise in high-quality dairy protein and functional ingredients. Milk Specialties Global is a US-based company specializing in human and animal nutrition that manufactures a wide range of high-quality whey protein concentrate (WPC) products.

Major players in the whey protein concentrate (wpc) market are Groupe Lactalis, Arla Foods amba, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., Agropur Dairy Cooperative, Hilmar Ingredients Inc., Leprino Foods Company, Glanbia Nutritionals Inc., Actus Nutrition Inc., Carbery Group Limited, Sachsenmilch Leppersdorf GmbH, Ingredia SA, Numidia SpA, BioHealth GmbH, Interfood Group SA, Eurial S.A., Amco Proteins Limited, Naturaltein GmbH, Agrocomplex S.A., Pure Product GmbH.

North America was the largest region in the whey protein concentrate (WPC) market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in whey protein concentrate (WPC) report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the whey protein concentrate (WPC) market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is a dietary supplement derived from whey, the liquid by-product of cheese manufacturing. It contains a high proportion of protein along with lactose, fat, and minerals. Typically, WPC has a protein content ranging from 30% to 90% by weight and is widely used to aid muscle growth, recovery, and general nutrition.

The primary varieties of whey protein concentrate include whey protein concentrate 35%, whey protein concentrate 50%, whey protein concentrate 65%, whey protein concentrate 80%, and whey protein concentrate 100%. Whey protein concentrate 35% is a dairy-based protein product that contains about 35% protein by weight, with the rest mostly made up of lactose, fat, and minerals. It is available in forms such as powder and cream. Depending on its manufacturing process, it can be categorized as either organic or conventional. This product is sold through various channels including pharmacies, hypermarkets and supermarkets, online stores, convenience shops, and other retail points. It is utilized by a broad spectrum of end users, such as manufacturers of infant formula and baby food, dietary supplement makers, food processors, sports nutrition brands, beverage companies, and other related sectors.

The whey protein concentrate market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides whey protein concentrate market statistics, including the whey protein concentrate industry's global market size, regional shares, competitors with the whey protein concentrate market share, detailed whey protein concentrate market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the whey protein concentrate market. This whey protein concentrate market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The whey protein concentrate (WPC) market consists of sales of whey protein concentrate powders, whey protein concentrate capsules, whey protein concentrate-based ready-to-drink beverages, and whey protein concentrate-enriched nutritional bars. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values and are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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