Wheat Protein Global Market Report 2024

Wheat protein plays a crucial role in bread and noodle-making, contributing to the creation of an elastic texture that enhances dough strength. Wheat protein isolate, renowned for its high protein content, is a favored supplement among bodybuilders and strength-training athletes, potentially supporting muscle building. In the cosmetic industry, hydrolyzed wheat protein is used as a supplement to enhance hair properties.

The primary types of wheat protein products include gluten, protein isolate, textured protein, hydrolyzed protein, and others. Gluten, a protein present in various foods such as bread, pizza, pasta, and cereal, is a notable component. Wheat protein is available in different forms, including organic and conventional, and can be in dry or liquid states. Its applications span across diverse industries, including dairy, bakery and snacks, animal feed, confectionary, processed meat, nutritional supplements, and others.

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

The wheat protein market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.27 billion in 2023 to $3.48 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to the traditional use of wheat protein in food and bakery products, driven by its high nutritional value and protein content. Increased consumer demand for protein-enriched foods, the rise of meat alternatives, and the growing popularity of vegetarian diets have also contributed to this growth. Additionally, the expansion of the food processing and bakery industry has played a role in the increased utilization of wheat protein.

The wheat protein market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.66 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to a growing emphasis on clean label and natural ingredients, the expansion of the gluten-free and allergen-friendly product market, ongoing research and development efforts to enhance functional properties of wheat protein, a focus on sustainable sourcing and production practices, and increasing demand in emerging economies. Noteworthy trends expected in this period include technological advancements in wheat protein extraction, the development of gluten-free wheat protein alternatives, the enrichment of snacks and convenience foods with plant-based protein, the use of textured wheat protein in meat alternatives, and the incorporation of wheat protein in personal care and cosmetics.

The growth of the wheat protein market is significantly fueled by the increasing demand for substitutes for animal protein and dairy products. The global popularity of vegan protein sources, coupled with the widespread availability of plant-based proteins in retail and food stores, offers consumers a convenient alternative to animal-based proteins. This shift in consumer preferences from animal to plant products is evident in the Health and Nutrition Survey (IFIC) of 2021, where about one-quarter of adults reported consuming more plant-based foods than animal-based foods. Additionally, data from the Good Food Institute reveals a threefold increase in sales of plant-based foods compared to non-plant-based meals in the US in 2021. The surge in demand for substitutes for animal-based proteins and dairy products is a key driver propelling the growth of the wheat protein market.

The anticipated rise in the demand for bakery products is poised to further drive the growth of the wheat protein market. Bakery products, encompassing items like bread, pastries, cakes, and cookies, are integral to the food industry. Wheat protein is extensively used in the formulation of bakery products to enhance characteristics such as texture, moisture retention, and nutritional value. Its application also supports the production of gluten-free and vegan bakery items while contributing to an extended shelf life. With increasing consumer preferences for cleaner label ingredients and healthier options, wheat protein aligns with these trends, making it a favored choice for manufacturers. The rise in global retail sales of baked goods to $425.7 billion in 2022, as reported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, further underscores the escalating demand for bakery products, consequently driving the growth of the wheat protein market.

Strategic partnerships have emerged as a notable trend gaining traction in the wheat protein market. Major companies within the sector are actively engaging in partnerships to address consumer demand and capitalize on market opportunities. An example is the collaboration between Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Farmers Business Network (FBN) in 2021. This partnership leverages ADM's global scale and expertise with FBN's digital farm commerce and data-analytics capabilities to enhance farmer profitability and promote sustainable farming practices. Additionally, Beyond Meat's partnership with Roquette in 2020, a company offering various plant-based proteins including wheat protein, exemplifies the industry trend of collaborative efforts to meet the rising demand for plant-based alternatives.

Major companies in the wheat protein market are innovating by developing new textured wheat protein products. Textured wheat protein products, serving as plant-based meat alternatives, are created from wheat gluten and exhibit a chewy texture akin to meat when cooked. An illustration is Loryma GmbH's introduction of a novel wheat-based vegan minced meat concept in June 2021. This product not only offers a protein content comparable to traditional animal-based minced meat but also features lower fat content, reduced saturated fatty acids, and added dietary fiber. Its unique combination of textured wheat proteins and starch-based binding components achieves a realistic meat-like texture that holds its structure after cooking.

In May 2021, JBS, a Brazilian-based food processing company, acquired Vivera for €341 million ($409 million). This strategic move bolsters JBS's position in the growing alternative protein market by adding Vivera, a Netherlands-based company with a strong presence in plant-based protein, to its existing animal-free portfolio. Vivera specializes in plant-based protein, contributing to JBS's expansion in this burgeoning market.

Major companies operating in the wheat protein market include Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill Inc., Agrana Beteiligungs-AG, MGP Ingredients Inc., Roquette Freres SA, Glico Nutrition Co. Ltd., Tereos Starch & Sweeteners, Agridient Inc., Manildra Group, Crop Energies, Kröner-Stärke GmbH, Crespel & Deiters GmbH & Co. KG, AB Amilina, Xi'an Sheerherb Biotechnology Co., BASF SE, Kerry Inc., Permolex Ltd., Chamtor Ltd., Sedamyl SRL, Royal Ingredients Group, Meelunie B.V., Bryan W Nash & Sons Ltd., Aminola BV, Agridient Inc., The Scoular Company, Südzucker AG, Axiom Foods Inc., Batory Foods Inc., Emsland Group GmbH, Beneo-Remy N.V.

North America was the largest region in the wheat protein market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the wheat protein market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the wheat protein industry report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the wheat protein market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.

The wheat protein market consists of sales of glutenin, gliadin, soy protein, proteins, amino acids. 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 that 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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