China Protein Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

China Protein Market Analysis

The China Protein Market size is estimated at 2.76 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 3.96 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.47% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The Chinese protein industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences and dietary habits. The average per capita protein consumption in China of animal protein has increased steadily, reaching 42.89 grams per day in 2022, reflecting growing affluence and health consciousness among Chinese consumers. The government's implementation of the National Nutrition Plan (2017-2030) and Healthy China 2030 initiative has created a supportive framework for protein market development. The industry has also witnessed substantial growth in protein raw materials production, with animal protein raw materials production reaching 117.2 million metric tons in 2022, ensuring a stable supply for manufacturers.

The plant protein sector has gained considerable momentum, particularly in innovative product development and consumer acceptance. Approximately 70-75% of Chinese citizens expressed willingness to become flexitarian in 2022, with 25-30% already following a flexitarian diet. This shift is particularly evident in urban areas where consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable and healthier protein alternatives. The industry has responded with significant investments in research and development, leading to new product launches and improved protein formulations that better meet local taste preferences and nutritional requirements.

The sports and fitness sector has emerged as a significant driver of protein demand, supported by expanding fitness infrastructure and changing lifestyle patterns. As of 2022, China had approximately 129,000 gyms and 900,000 fitness trails across the country, creating substantial demand for protein-enriched products. The market has witnessed increased sophistication in product offerings, with manufacturers developing specialized formulations for different consumer segments, from professional athletes to casual fitness enthusiasts. In September 2024, Fonterra demonstrated its commitment to innovation by opening its sixth application center in China, enabling rapid product development in response to local market trends.

The industry has seen significant advancement in protein processing technologies and application methods. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on improving protein functionality and bioavailability while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The soybean sector, a crucial component of China's protein industry, has shown remarkable progress with the government targeting to increase production to 23 million tonnes by 2025. This development is complemented by strategic partnerships and investments in the sector, such as Archer Daniels Midland's 2023 collaboration with Air Protein to develop innovative protein solutions, demonstrating the industry's commitment to technological advancement and sustainable production methods.

China Protein Market Trends

Animal protein's consumption growth fuels opportunities for key players in the ingredients segment

• The graph given depicts the per capita consumption of animal protein in China. In the past, adults across China mainly ignored milk and dairy products (including milk protein) because they were seen as food for children or the elderly. However, this trend has changed in recent years. The nation of nearly 1,400 million people is now the second-largest consumer of dairy products in the world. China imports products from various other countries, ranging from New Zealand-based dairies to German industries. The Chinese animal protein market has witnessed a huge demand for high-quality protein ingredients from health-conscious people. The per capita consumption increased from 40 grams in 2016 to 45.1 grams in 2021.
• Organic milk protein is most widely consumed in China. The organic segment witnesses a dynamic demand, with around 57% of mothers considering organic products. Arla Foods introduced two innovative 'organic kiddies snack' concepts by using its Nutrilac range of functional protein ingredients in 2021. Fonterra launched SureProteinTM SoftBar 1000, a milk protein bar that is exceptionally soft and has a relatively short chew time.
• The Chinese market is witnessing rapid growth in the demand for collagen protein in food applications. This product is already well-established and marketed in Western countries. Its demand in China is being fueled by the rising awareness of the impact of beauty-oriented nutritional products. This trend is known as "oral beauty" or "beautiful eating" in China. China is the largest market for whey protein in Asia-Pacific. The Chinese personal care market witnessed an increase in the demand for whey protein as it is widely used in the production of various weight management and beauty products.

China's domestic meat production increased due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever

• Meat from cattle, chicken, and pig with bone, raw milk from cattle and goats, skim milk of cows, and dry whey powder make up the production of animal protein, and the same data is given in the graph. The Dietary Guidance for Chinese Residents recommends a daily intake of 300 grams of dairy products. The US exports skimmed milk powder, cheese, and whey powder following the implementation of the Section 301 tariff exclusion. The Chinese government promotes processed dairy products, including cheese, whey, and butter, as good sources of protein.
• In 2020, milk production in China witnessed moderate growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was mainly due to transport restrictions and reduced dairy processing activities. The fall in production was mainly observed in small farms. Large farms were less affected due to contract farming with major dairy manufacturers. The production of most dairy products, including fluid milk, dropped by 5%-11% in 2020. China's import of fluid milk increased to 980,000 MT in 2021, as per the USDA. The European Union is the major supplier of fluid milk to China, followed by New Zealand.
• China's domestic beef production increased due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever. Beef was promoted in China as a healthy protein option in salads or processed ready-to-eat meal packs. In December 2022, China's National Conference of Agricultural and Rural Affairs decided to set an annual pork production target of 55 million metric tons for the country's five-year plan, which is approximately 35% above the current production rate. Cattle and pigs across the country account for large-scale breeding and production purposes, thereby providing sufficient raw material for collagen production.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

• The growing infant population and reduction in breastfeeding are driving the segment
• The cake sub-segment is growing
• Healthy, functional drinks are driving segmental growth
• Breakfast cereals can target the on-the-go processed food segment
• The combination of distinct growth strategies is driving the industry
• Intensive economy is boosting the sales of premium chocolate
• Plant-based milk is driving the segment's growth
• Aging population to support market growth
• High volume of meat consumption is driving the sector in China
• Innovations from multinational companies, coupled with increasing preference for prepackaged foods with healthy choices, are expected to impact the segment's growth
• Savory snacks are a current market trend
• The rising involvement in sports activity is propelling the market's growth
• Innovative techniques and expertise are pushing the industry
• The cosmetics segment is impacting the market's growth
• The growing popularity of plant-based meat is expected to contribute to an increase in consumption
• China is estimated to become the world's top wheat producer

Segment Analysis: Source

Plant Protein Segment in China Protein Market

The plant protein segment continues to dominate the China protein market, holding approximately 61% market share in 2024. This dominance is driven by the increasing vegan population and shifting consumer preferences away from animal protein. The segment's growth is primarily attributed to the extensive availability of raw materials, superior functionality, and rising demand for plant-based alternatives in various applications. In China, approximately 70-75% of citizens are willing to become flexitarian, with 25-30% already following a flexitarian diet, significantly boosting the plant protein market. The segment is experiencing robust growth with a projected growth rate of around 8% during 2024-2029, making it both the largest and fastest-growing segment. This growth is largely driven by applications in meat alternatives, dairy alternatives, and nutritional products, particularly with soy protein and pea protein leading the innovation in these categories.

Microbial Protein Segment in China Protein Market

The microbial protein segment, comprising algae protein and mycoprotein, represents an emerging category in China's protein market. The segment is witnessing increased adoption due to its sustainable production methods and high protein yield rates. Mycoprotein, which has the highest yield rate and an economical production setup using industrial fermenters for large-scale extraction, remains the most preferred type among formulators. The Chinese government's support in moving toward alternative protein sources and its dietary guidelines, which aim to reduce the country's meat consumption, are further boosting this segment's growth. Additionally, the expansion of the algal protein market is aided by the rising number of health clubs and exercise facilities, as well as the increased demand for cyanobacteria algae due to their role in weight management and nutritional benefits.

Animal Protein Segment in China Protein Market

The animal protein segment maintains a significant presence in the Chinese protein market, encompassing various protein types including whey protein, casein, collagen, egg protein, and gelatin. This segment serves diverse applications across food and beverage, nutritional supplements, and personal care products. The segment's strength lies in its established manufacturing infrastructure and proven nutritional benefits. Dairy proteins like whey and milk, being highly effective in muscle building and recovery, maintain strong demand among the growing consumer base. The segment also benefits from China's position as a major importer of dairy proteins, with substantial demand from sports nutrition and infant formula manufacturers.

Segment Analysis: End User

Food & Beverages Segment in China Protein Market

The Food & Beverages (F&B) segment maintains its dominant position in China's protein market, commanding approximately 62% market share in 2024. This substantial market presence is primarily driven by the meat/poultry/seafood and meat alternative products subsegment, which accounts for over one-third of the F&B protein consumption. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising demand for protein-rich functional foods and increasing awareness about protein-fortified diets among Chinese consumers. The dairy and dairy alternatives subsegment has emerged as the second-largest application area within F&B, representing nearly 18% of the segment's volume. The bakery, beverages, and snacks industries are also significant contributors to the segment's growth, with manufacturers increasingly incorporating various protein types to enhance nutritional profiles and meet consumer demands for healthier food options.

Animal Feed Segment in China Protein Market

The Animal Feed segment is projected to exhibit the most robust growth in the China protein market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 9% during 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is primarily attributed to the increasing demand for protein-enriched animal feed products and the government's strategic focus on enhancing livestock production efficiency. The segment's expansion is further driven by the rising adoption of plant proteins as alternatives to traditional feed ingredients, particularly in response to the country's revised regulations on crude protein content in poultry and swine feed. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing innovative feed formulations incorporating various protein sources, including soy protein concentrates and pea protein, to improve feed efficiency and animal health outcomes. The segment is witnessing significant technological advancements in feed processing and growing investments in research and development for sustainable protein sources in animal nutrition.

Remaining Segments in End User Segmentation

The Personal Care & Cosmetics and Supplements segments represent significant opportunities in the Chinese protein market, each serving distinct consumer needs. The Personal Care & Cosmetics segment is experiencing notable growth driven by increasing demand for protein-enriched skincare and haircare products, particularly collagen-based formulations. The segment benefits from growing consumer awareness about the benefits of protein-based personal care products and the rising trend of "beauty from within" concepts. Meanwhile, the Supplements segment maintains its importance in the market through its diverse applications in sports nutrition, elderly nutrition, and medical nutrition. This segment is particularly influenced by the growing fitness consciousness among Chinese consumers and the increasing elderly population's nutritional needs, leading to innovative product developments and formulations.