Asia-Pacific Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size

The Asia-Pacific whey protein ingredients market is experiencing growth, driven by the food and beverage sector, particularly in snack and beverage sub-segments, which dominate the market share. The increasing preference for protein-based snacks and the rising awareness of health benefits are contributing to this expansion. The supplements sector, especially sports nutrition, also plays a significant role, with the baby food sub-segment expected to grow rapidly. Countries like India and China are leading in market size due to high birth rates and a growing interest in protein-fortified products. Australia is witnessing a rise in whey protein consumption, primarily through sports nutrition, supported by the proliferation of gyms.

Market Size of asia-pacific whey protein ingredients Industry

Asia-Pacific Whey Protein Ingredients Market Summary
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Icons Lable Value
svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 638.5 Million
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 805.1 Million
svg icon Largest Share by End User Food and Beverages
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 4.74 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country China
svg icon Market Concentration Medium

Major Players

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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Asia-Pacific Whey Protein Ingredients Market Analysis

The Asia-Pacific Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is estimated at 638.5 million USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 805.1 million USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.74% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

638.5 Million

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

805.1 Million

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

4.18 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

4.74 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Form

55.16 %

value share, Isolates, 2023

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Due to higher production costs, WPCs are expensive. This factor is further leading WPIs to have a higher value share despite having low volume sales compared to WPCs.

Largest Market by End User

81.64 %

value share, Food and Beverages, 2023

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Whey protein's high protein content, calorie-free nature, and ease of digestion are some benefits making it popular in the market. Snacks dominate the F&B segment.

Fastest Growing Market by Form

5.61 %

Projected CAGR, Hydrolyzed, 2024-2029

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Hydrolyzed whey protein holds major applications in sports and performance nutrition and has potential growth in the market in the future with the rising fitness industry.

Fastest Growing Market by End User

5.43 %

Projected CAGR, Personal Care and Cosmetics, 2024-2029

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Whey protein acts as a skin smoothening and hair conditioning agent in personal care and cosmetic products, making it the fastest growing. It is also used as a bioactive ingredient.

Leading Market Player

25.11 %

market share, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, 2021

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Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited gained a competitive edge over other players due to its extensive product portfolio. It also engages in strategic moves toward innovation.

With consumption by the snack and beverage together amounting to more than 75% share, food and beverage segment dominated the Asia-Pacific whey protein ingredients market

  • The F&B segment dominated the Asia-Pacific whey protein market in 2022, with consumption by the snack and beverage sub-segments together amounting to more than 75% volume share in 2022. As customers now prefer smaller meals or replacing traditional diets with more effective and accessible alternatives, like protein-based snack bars. In Japan's F&B segment, the Home Meal Replacement sub-segment, or Sozai, showed the highest growth, with sales of USD 95 billion in 2018. Another factor driving the sales is the rising number of studies confirming its functionalities like high protein, calorie-free, and easily digestible protein, which makes it a highly desired protein ingredient in the snacks category. Thus, the market witnessed a slower growth rate of 2.79% by value in 2021.
  • The F&B segment was followed by supplements, driven by applications in the sports nutrition sub-segment. Although sports nutrition dominated the supplements sector in 2022, the baby food sub-segment is anticipated to register the fastest-growing CAGR value, amounting to 6.14%, during the forecast period, 2023-2029. Countries like China and India have high birth rates, and the number of children born per year was calculated at 24 million birth per year in India and 16 million births per year in China. This is due to increased interest in infant health and increasing awareness of the protein used in these products. For instance, health clubs and gyms in Asia-Pacific countries, like China and Hongkong, generated average revenue per club of more than USD 2 million in 2021, which was the highest among all the countries in the world.
Asia-Pacific Whey Protein Ingredients Market

The increasing consumption of protein-fortified milkshakes and meal-replacement beverages, has supported the leading market position of China in the Asia-Pacific whey protein ingredients market

  • India witnessed a rise in health-conscious consumers, with the growing obesity rates increasing the population's acceptance of healthy and protein-fortified drinks. The percentage of overweight women rose from 20.6% to 24% and of overweight men grew from 18.9% to 22.9%. India is projected to record the fastest growth during the forecast period, with a CAGR of 5.77% by value.
  • China retained its top position in 2022 due to the rising usage of protein in specialized products, such as infant nutrition, clinical diets, sports, and weight training. High-protein products have garnered considerable interest in China, and as of December 2019, 36% of Chinese citizens were interested in buying high-protein foods. China is projected to record the second-highest CAGR of 4.98%, by value, during the forecast period. The growth will likely be driven by the increasing consumption of protein-fortified milkshakes and meal-replacement beverages. New entrants launching relatable products include Smeal, ffit8, Wonderlab, and Miss Zero.
  • Australia saw a significant rise in the consumption of whey proteins during the study period, with its utilization in the country registering a CAGR of 2.51% by volume. In 2022, 72% of the volume of whey proteins consumed in the country was through the sports nutrition segment, while end-user segments like bakery and snacks had 26.6% and 13.8% of volume shares, respectively. The growth can be attributed to the growing number of 24-hour gyms in the country. This trend has, in turn, stimulated the consumption of protein supplements, especially the ones that have whey proteins as a major ingredient. Over 77% of the animal proteins used in the Australian sports nutrition segment were whey proteins in 2022.

Asia-Pacific 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. Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam are covered as segments by Country.

  • The F&B segment dominated the Asia-Pacific whey protein market in 2022, with consumption by the snack and beverage sub-segments together amounting to more than 75% volume share in 2022. As customers now prefer smaller meals or replacing traditional diets with more effective and accessible alternatives, like protein-based snack bars. In Japan's F&B segment, the Home Meal Replacement sub-segment, or Sozai, showed the highest growth, with sales of USD 95 billion in 2018. Another factor driving the sales is the rising number of studies confirming its functionalities like high protein, calorie-free, and easily digestible protein, which makes it a highly desired protein ingredient in the snacks category. Thus, the market witnessed a slower growth rate of 2.79% by value in 2021.
  • The F&B segment was followed by supplements, driven by applications in the sports nutrition sub-segment. Although sports nutrition dominated the supplements sector in 2022, the baby food sub-segment is anticipated to register the fastest-growing CAGR value, amounting to 6.14%, during the forecast period, 2023-2029. Countries like China and India have high birth rates, and the number of children born per year was calculated at 24 million birth per year in India and 16 million births per year in China. This is due to increased interest in infant health and increasing awareness of the protein used in these products. For instance, health clubs and gyms in Asia-Pacific countries, like China and Hongkong, generated average revenue per club of more than USD 2 million in 2021, which was the highest among all the countries in the world.
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
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
New Zealand
South Korea
Thailand
Vietnam
Rest of Asia-Pacific
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Asia-Pacific Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size Summary

The Asia-Pacific Whey Protein Ingredients Market is experiencing a steady expansion, driven by increasing consumer demand for protein-rich foods and supplements. The food and beverage sector, particularly the snack and beverage sub-segments, holds a significant share of the market, as consumers shift towards more convenient and nutritious meal options. The rise in health-consciousness, especially in countries like India and China, is fueling the demand for whey protein in various applications, including sports nutrition and baby food. The market is also benefiting from the growing number of health and fitness clubs in the region, which serve as key distribution channels for sports nutrition products. The production of whey protein is supported by the dairy industry's growth, with countries like China and India enhancing their milk production capabilities, thereby increasing the availability of whey as a by-product.

The market landscape is moderately consolidated, with major players such as Arla Foods, Fonterra, Glanbia, Kerry Group, and FrieslandCampina dominating the scene. These companies are actively innovating and expanding their product offerings to cater to the evolving consumer preferences. The introduction of new whey protein solutions and products, such as protein-packed yogurt drinks, highlights the industry's focus on meeting the demand for convenient and nutritious food options. The market's growth trajectory is further supported by favorable government policies and initiatives aimed at improving the dairy sector, particularly in China. As the demand for whey protein continues to rise, the Asia-Pacific region is poised to maintain its position as a significant player in the global whey protein ingredients market.

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Asia-Pacific 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 Australia

      2. 1.3.2 China

      3. 1.3.3 India

      4. 1.3.4 Indonesia

      5. 1.3.5 Japan

      6. 1.3.6 Malaysia

      7. 1.3.7 New Zealand

      8. 1.3.8 South Korea

      9. 1.3.9 Thailand

      10. 1.3.10 Vietnam

      11. 1.3.11 Rest of Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size FAQs

The Asia-Pacific Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is expected to reach USD 638.53 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.74% to reach USD 805.09 million by 2029.

In 2024, the Asia-Pacific Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is expected to reach USD 638.53 million.

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