Milk Protein Market Report 2025

The milk protein market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $12.85 billion in 2024 to $13.71 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to research and development in nutritional science, rising health and wellness trends, growing demand for sports nutrition, functional food and beverages growth, shift towards plant-based alternatives.

The milk protein market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $17.94 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to changing dietary patterns, sustainable production practices, research and development in nutritional science, innovation in plant-based alternatives, expanding functional food and beverage market, rising application in infant formula. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for high-quality protein sources, research and development in nutrition science, customization and specialty products, technological advancements in processing, sustainability concerns and ethical consumption.

The increase in infant birth rates is anticipated to drive the growth of the milk protein market. The infant birth rate is calculated by dividing the total number of births by the entire population, serving as a demographic measure of birth occurrence. As the birth rate rises, so does the need to meet the nutritional requirements of infants, with milk protein playing a key role in fulfilling these needs, thus fueling market growth. For example, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, a U.S.-based government organization, reports that nearly 4 million infants are born annually in the United States. Consequently, the rise in infant birth rates contributes to the expansion of the milk protein market.

The expanding food and beverage industry is poised to drive the growth of the milk protein market. The food and beverage sector, encompassing production, processing, distribution, and sales, is witnessing significant growth. Milk protein is increasingly being integrated into a variety of products within this industry due to its unique functional and nutritional properties, enhancing texture, flavor, and nutritional value. According to Harvard Business Review, the anticipated growth in food demand is projected to range from 59% to 98% by the year 2050. Therefore, the burgeoning food and beverage industry is a significant factor propelling the growth of the milk protein market.

A notable trend in the milk protein market is product innovation, with major players focusing on technological advancements to enhance competitiveness. For instance, in September 2022, Arla Foods, the Danish-Swedish multinational cooperative and the largest producer of dairy products, introduced Lacprodan ISO - a novel solution for protein bars. This product boasts high-quality protein, low sugar content, and a premium ingredient profile, providing a sugar-free alternative for individuals with digestive sensitivities.

Key players in the milk protein market are focusing on developing new technological advancements, such as the fractionation process, to boost their competitiveness. Fractionation is a technique that separates a mixture into its individual components based on differences in physical or chemical properties. For example, in November 2023, Valio Ltd, a Finland-based dairy product manufacturer, introduced Valio Eila MPC 65. Valio Eila MPC 65 is an innovative concentrate designed to improve the flavor and texture of high-protein foods, addressing common challenges like gritty textures and unpleasant tastes often associated with protein powders. This versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of products, including protein puddings, shakes, ice creams, and drinks. It enables manufacturers to offer high-protein products that are both fresh-tasting and enjoyable to consume, ultimately enhancing the quality of protein-rich food items. Valio Eila MPC 65 is a standout solution for improving consumer satisfaction in high-protein options.

In December 2023, Butterfly, a U.S.-based private equity firm specializing in the food sector, acquired Milk Specialties for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition aligns with Butterfly's strategy to expand its portfolio in both human and animal nutrition. Milk Specialties, recognized as the world’s largest producer of whey protein isolate, complements Butterfly's focus on delivering high-quality nutrition products. Milk Specialties, based in the U.S., specializes in converting raw dairy inputs into high-quality functional ingredients for human and animal nutrition, further strengthening Butterfly's presence in the nutritional ingredients market.

Major companies operating in the milk protein market include Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Arla Foods amba, Amco Proteins Company., Saputo Inc., Glanbia plc, Kerry Group plc, Havero Hoogwegt Group B.V., Lactalis Ingredients, Sachsenmilch Leppersdorf GmbH, Cargill Inc., Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Charotar Casein Company, Danone Nutricia, Hilmar Ingredients, Milk Specialties Global, Idaho Milk Products, Agropur Dairy Cooperative, Carbery Group Limited, Davisco Foods International Inc., Leprino Foods Company, Lactose Limited, Erie Foods International Inc., Grande Custom Ingredients Group, Milkaut S.A., Farbest Brands Inc., Batory Foods Inc., Armor Proteines, Nutrimed Healthcare, Agri-Mark Inc., Arion Dairy Products B.V.

North America was the largest region in the milk protein market share in 2024. The regions covered in the milk protein market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the milk protein market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Milk protein is derived from filtered milk and encompasses whey and casein proteins, finding applications in various nutritional and functional contexts.

The primary types of milk protein include milk protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, milk protein hydrolysates, casein and caseinates, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and other variations. Milk protein concentrate is a condensed milk product with a high milk protein content, available in both dry and liquid forms. Livestock such as cows, buffalo, and goats contribute to the production of these proteins. Milk proteins are utilized across diverse applications, including dairy products, frozen desserts, infant formula, dietary supplements, bakery items, confectionery, beverages, sweet snacks, savory snacks, and other applications. Distribution channels include both online and offline platforms.

The milk protein market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides milk protein market statistics, including milk protein industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a milk protein market share, detailed milk protein market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the milk protein industry. This milk 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 milk protein market consists of sales of protein powder, protein bars, and protein milk. 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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