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Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Size Analysis - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)

Published Jun 28, 2025
Length 167 Pages
SKU # EMAR20153368

Description

The Europe whey protein concentrate market attained a volume 347.68 KMT as of 2024, driven by its cost-effectiveness compared to other protein sources, making it increasingly popular in Europe. The market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.10% from 2025 to 2034, potentially reaching 471.81 KMT by 2034, owing to the rising awareness regarding health benefits of whey protein.

Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Growth

Growing health concerns, especially due to the increasing ageing population are a key driver for the growth of the Europe whey protein concentrate market. As per industry reports, one-fifth or 21.3% of the region’s population as of January 2023 was aged above 65 years. Moreover, the median agepopulation reached 44.5 years during this period.As the population continues to age, individuals will become more conscious of their nutritional needs, particularly regarding protein intake, which is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. This demographic shift is expected to lead to a greater demand for high-quality protein sources like whey, known for its rich amino acid profile and digestibility.

Additionally, rising disposable income is also contributing to whey protein concentrate demand growth, as an increase in the income levels allows people to spend more on premium health and fitness supplements including whey protein. This trend is particularly evident among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals who prioritise quality nutrition in their diets. In 2022, the median disposable income per inhabitant in the EU was 18,706 PPS, a 20% increase in real terms in more than a decade. With rapid urbanisation and employment, these values are expected to rise further, propelling the growth of the market.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Advancements in production processes, new flavour innovations, and the adoption of halal certification are driving the Europe whey protein concentrate market value.

May 2024

Arla Foods Ingredients, a subsidiary of the Denmark-based Arla Group highlighted the potential of whey protein concentrate in beverages at the Vitafoods Europe 2024 event by showcasing how its whey protein concentrate meets the combined need for hydration and nutrition. For instance, Lacropden ISO.WaterShake, one of the displayed products at the event, was blended easily with other functional ingredients, catering to the wholesome nutritional needs of customers.

March 2024

Myprotein announced its intention to launch its innovative protein powder, Whey Fwrd in Europe. The powder utilises Perfect Day’s unique animal-free whey protein, to a regular animal-based whey concentrate. This marks the brand's first launch outside the United States.

April 2023

Volac extended its whey protein concentrate range with the new addition of Volactive Pro2O RTM, which enabled manufacturers to develop shakes that are clear in solution, and rich in a wide range of fruity flavours. The product offered high mixability, improved powder flow, and up to five times faster foam dispersion, due to its “unique” agglomeration technique.

July 2021

Mars Chocolate Drinks & Treats expanded the range of its protein products with the launch of Chocolate M&M’s Hi Protein whey protein concentrate powder. It is available in 875-gram- packs, with 21g of protein and 141 g of calories per serving. The products have increased the brand’s demand and reputation across several global regions, including the European Union.

Fermentation Production Processes are Boosting the Demand of the Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market

The incorporation of fermentation processes in whey protein concentrate production is gaining traction in Europe as it is known to enhance the nutritional profile and functional properties of the protein. Fermentation improves the digestibility of whey proteins and increases the bioavailability of essential amino acids, making them more accessible for the body to utilise. Essentially, this is one of the major reasons why several brands are opting for the technique, leading to the overall development of the European whey protein concentrate market. For instance, Vivici made a significant breakthrough with the launch of its natural equivalent whey protein concentrates beta-lactoglobulin using fermentation in February 2024.

Flavour Innovations are Increasing the Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Opportunities

Key market players are innovating new flavours for whey protein concentrate beverages to enhance their appeal to customers, leading to the overall Europe whey protein concentrate market development. Brands are expanding beyond the classic flavours of chocolate and vanilla options, experimenting with regional flavours such as matcha, salted caramel, and tropical fruits. Contributing to the trend, MuscleTech launched new flavours for its whey protein concentrate beverages in Europe in January 2024, namely, White Chocolate Ripple and Salted Caramel flavours for its Nitro-Tech (classic) and Nitro-Tech Whey Gold beverages.

Increasing Adoption of Halal Certifications is Impacting the Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Revenue

Due to changing food consumption patterns and the presence of diverse religious groups, the demand for halal-certified whey proteins has increased in Europe. Halal certifications ensure that whey protein concentrate products meet specific religious guidelines, catering to an inclusive consumer base. This helps increase the overall market revenue, encouraging manufacturers to prioritise their production. To reflect the same, ALIMA-BIS, the company known for manufacturing ALIMA Milk and Whey Powders, received a Halal Certificate for their production plant in Poland in 2023.

Advancements in Production Processes are Creating New Opportunities in the Europe Whey Protein Market

Recent advancements in the whey protein concentrate production processes are significantly enhancing market productivity and increasing the overall supply of whey protein concentrate products in the market. In September 2023, the European Commission approved investing in the four-year project aimed at developing whey protein concentrate from carbon dioxide and electricity from amongst a pool of more than 440 proposals. The process involves engineering a microbe that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen, produced from water using electricity, into beta-lactoglobulin, a major constituent of milk, aiming to “free the cow” from the development of dairy-based whey protein.

Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Trends

Collaboration with Fitness Influencers is Becoming a Major Market Trend

Collaboration with fitness influencers has emerged as a significant trend in the Europe whey protein concentrate market, driven by the growing popularity of authentic and expert endorsement in health and wellness products. Influencers, often seen as relatable figures in the fitness community, leverage their platforms to share personal testimonials, workout routines, and nutrition tips, bridging the gap between brands and consumers. For instance, Semion Panda, a well-known fitness influencer in the United Kingdom, has endorsed whey protein concentrate brands such as Myprotein, MuscleTech, and Gymshark. Such partnerships not only enhance brand visibility but also foster trust, as followers are more likely to purchase products recommended by influencers they admire.

Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Nature
  • Conventional
  • Organic
Market Breakup by Composition
  • WPC 30%-50%
  • WPC 50%-80%
  • Others
Market Breakup by End Use
  • Infant Formula and Baby Foods
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Food Processing
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Beverages
  • Others
Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline
Market Breakup by Country
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Others
Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Share

Conventional Whey Protein Concentrate Consumption in Europe is Rising Due to the Popularity of Functional Foods and Beverages

According to the Europe whey protein concentrate market analysis, the market is led by the demand for functional foods and beverages that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. As per the government reports, the functional food market in the United Kingdom was valued at EUR 209.6 billion in 2021, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 9.5% between 2021 and 2028. As more individuals seek convenient ways to enhance their diets with high-quality protein sources for muscle recovery, weight management, and overall wellness, whey protein concentrate is expected to become a staple ingredient in a variety of products, from smoothies to snack bars, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Furthermore, organic whey protein concentrate products are gaining traction in Europe, due to changing food consumption patterns, health concerns and the preference for plant-based food sources. These are free from harmful additives and are 100% naturally sourced, which increases their efficiency as a health or dietary supplement. Major brands, recognising the rising demand, are entering the market, aiming for future growth and stability. For instance, in February 2024, Swiss multinational Nestlé SA released its first precision fermentation dairy protein powder, an animal-free and lactose-free whey concentrate product, named Better Whey under the Orgain brand.

Affordability of WPC- 30% to 50% Concentrates is Propelling the Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Growth

According to the Europe whey protein concentrate market report, the Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) segment, which contains 30% to 50% protein, leads the market in Europe. This growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for affordable, functional protein supplements among health-conscious consumers. These products are considered a cost-effective alternative to higher-protein formulations, providing a balance of price and functionality, and are hence a popular choice among manufacturers, especially for use in various food and beverage formulations, such as smoothies, snacks, and ready-to-drink beverages.

Furthermore, the demand for Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) with 50% to 80% protein content is being driven by the growing popularity of high-protein diets and the increased awareness of WPC’s benefits in supporting lean muscle development, athletic performance, and recovery. This higher concentration range is particularly favoured in sports nutrition and specialised dietary supplements, where consumers seek products with higher protein levels to meet their rigorous fitness goals.

By End Use, Dietary Supplements are Leading the Whey Protein Concentrate Market in Europe

Whey protein concentrate is commonly used in dietary supplements, primarily because of its high amino acid content and quick digestibility, which play a key role in supporting muscle recovery and growth. This has significantly contributed to the growth of the Europe whey protein concentrate market. Derived from milk during the cheese-making process, it plays a crucial role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis. As a result, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals looking to improve their overall health often incorporate whey proteins into their diets. Additionally, products such as Nutri Whey ProHeat, a microparticulated, heat-stable protein ingredient launched by FrieslandCampina Ingredients in 2023, have also found their use in the medical nutrition market.

Besides, whey protein concentrate demand growth is also being witnessed in the preparation of infant formulas, as a suitable alternative to breast milk in composition when compared to other protein sources like casein. Their essential amino acids and bioactive components support infant growth and immune system development while their faster digestion rate ensures that infants efficiently absorb nutrients, reducing the likelihood of gastrointestinal discomfort. Taping into the market potential of this industry, the EU-approved whey protein concentrates hydrosylate, Hyvital Whey HA 300, an infant formula developed by FrieslandCampina Ingredients, to be used across the region in October 2024.

Rising Online Sales is Impacting the Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Revenue

The online sales of whey protein concentrate products are being driven by the expansion of the e-commerce industry and rising internet penetration in Europe. Online purchases were preferred by consumers due to benefits such as doorstep delivery, easy and hassle-free return/exchange policies, and frequent discounts as well as free-of-cost deliveries frequently offered by dealers.

However, offline sales of the product remain strong, owing to the growth of Europe’s retail industry. According to the European Commission, the retail sector is the largest industrial ecosystem in Europe, accounting for 11.5% of the EU’s total value added. The ecosystem comprises 5.5 million companies, with 99% of them being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Regional Analysis

The retail food and beverages market is driving the whey protein concentrate demand in the United Kingdom and Germany. According to the UK government, the country produced and exported food products in 2023, with a total turnover of approximately EUR 143 billion. Of this, EUR 24 billion was recorded as the export turnover from trade with over 220 countries. The rising investment in the sector, recorded at EUR 3.2 billion during the period, is further increasing the growth potential, which is expected to have a positive long-term impact on the Europe whey protein concentrate market.

Similarly, reports suggest that Germany also accounts for one of the largest food and beverage processing markets in Europe. In 2022, the country produced an estimated EUR 218.5 billion worth of processed food and drinks, marking a 17% increase from 2021. Furthermore, on an average, 35% of the products were exported across Europe and Asia, generating a significant turnover for the industry.

Competitive Landscape

The Europe whey protein concentrate market key players are expanding their scope across various industries to increase market value. Besides, they are also investing in research and development of new production processes to enhance market productivity and ensure long-term sustainability.

Arla Foods amba

Established in the 1880s and headquartered in Denmark, Arla Foods, the fifth-largest dairy company globally in the world, is a cooperative owned by more than 12,500 dairy farmers across seven European countries. It is known for developing quality dairy products with 100% natural ingredients via sustainable and environmentally friendly processes.

Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.

Established in 1871 in Amersfoort, Friesland Campina is an international dairy cooperative owned by farmers in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. It is known for producing nutritious and affordable dairy products in 29 countries where it currently operates. Besides, its consumer reach has expanded to more than 100 countries.

Kerry Group Plc

Headquartered in Connecticut, United States, Kerry Group Plc operates in multiple domains which includes developing food ingredients, food products, beverages, and pharmaceutical ingredients. The company has over 137 manufacturing locations in more than 35 countries. It also boasts more than 70 technology and innovation centres and has a consumer reach of 1.25 billion globally.

Glanbia Plc

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Ireland, Glanbia is a globally known nutrition company that operates through several consumer brands, primarily in the sports nutrition and protein supplements categories. The average revenue generated in recent years amounted to USD 5.4 billion.

Other key players considered in the Europe whey protein concentrate market report are Volac International Ltd., Lactoprot Deutschland GmbH, RealFoodSource Ltd., KBF Enterprises Ltd., Torq Ltd., and NATURALTEIN LNG International GmbH, among others.

Table of Contents

167 Pages
1 Executive Summary
1.1 Market Size 2024-2025
1.2 Market Growth 2025(F)-2034(F)
1.3 Key Demand Drivers
1.4 Key Players and Competitive Structure
1.5 Industry Best Practices
1.6 Recent Trends and Developments
1.7 Industry Outlook
2 Market Overview and Stakeholder Insights
2.1 Market Trends
2.2 Key Verticals
2.3 Key Countries
2.4 Supplier Power
2.5 Buyer Power
2.6 Key Market Opportunities and Risks
2.7 Key Initiatives by Stakeholders
3 Economic Summary
3.1 GDP Outlook
3.2 GDP Per Capita Growth
3.3 Inflation Trends
3.4 Democracy Index
3.5 Gross Public Debt Ratios
3.6 Balance of Payment (BoP) Position
3.7 Population Outlook
3.8 Urbanisation Trends
4 Country Risk Profiles
4.1 Country Risk
4.2 Business Climate
5 Global Whey Protein Concentrate Market Overview
5.1 Key Industry Highlights
5.2 Global Whey Protein Concentrate Historical Market (2018-2024)
5.3 Global Whey Protein Concentrate Market Forecast (2025-2034)
5.4 Global Whey Protein Concentrate Market Breakup by Region
5.4.1 North America
5.4.2 Europe
5.4.3 Asia Pacific
5.4.4 Latin America
5.4.5 Middle East and Africa
6 Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Overview
6.1 Key Industry Highlights
6.2 Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Historical Market (2018-2024)
6.3 Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market Forecast (2025-2034)
7 Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market by Nature
7.1 Conventional
7.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
7.1.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
7.2 Organic
7.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
7.2.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
8 Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market by Composition
8.1 WPC 30%-50%
8.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
8.1.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
8.2 WPC 50%-80%
8.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
8.2.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
8.3 Others
9 Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market by End Use
9.1 Infant Formula and Baby Foods
9.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
9.1.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
9.2 Dietary Supplements
9.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
9.2.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
9.3 Food Processing
9.3.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
9.3.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
9.4 Sports Nutrition
9.4.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
9.4.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
9.5 Beverages
9.5.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
9.5.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
9.6 Others
10 Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market by Distribution Channel
10.1 Offline
10.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
10.1.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
10.2 Online
10.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
10.2.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
11 Europe Whey Protein Concentrate Market by Country
11.1 United Kingdom
11.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
11.1.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
11.2 Germany
11.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
11.2.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
11.3 France
11.3.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
11.3.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
11.4 Italy
11.4.1 Historical Trend (2018-2024)
11.4.2 Forecast Trend (2025-2034)
11.5 Others
12 Market Dynamics
12.1 SWOT Analysis
12.1.1 Strengths
12.1.2 Weaknesses
12.1.3 Opportunities
12.1.4 Threats
12.2 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
12.2.1 Supplier’s Power
12.2.2 Buyer’s Power
12.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
12.2.4 Degree of Rivalry
12.2.5 Threat of Substitutes
12.3 Key Indicators of Demand
12.4 Key Indicators of Price
13 Value Chain Analysis
14 Price Analysis
15 Competitive Landscape
15.1 Supplier Selection
15.2 Key Global Players
15.3 Key Regional Players
15.4 Key Player Strategies
15.5 Company Profiles
15.5.1 Arla Foods amba
15.5.1.1 Company Overview
15.5.1.2 Product Portfolio
15.5.1.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.5.1.4 Certifications
15.5.2 Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.
15.5.2.1 Company Overview
15.5.2.2 Product Portfolio
15.5.2.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.5.2.4 Certifications
15.5.3 Kerry Group Plc
15.5.3.1 Company Overview
15.5.3.2 Product Portfolio
15.5.3.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.5.3.4 Certifications
15.5.4 Glanbia Plc
15.5.4.1 Company Overview
15.5.4.2 Product Portfolio
15.5.4.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.5.4.4 Certifications
15.5.5 Volac International Ltd.
15.5.5.1 Company Overview
15.5.5.2 Product Portfolio
15.5.5.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.5.5.4 Certifications
15.5.6 Lactoprot Deutschland GmbH
15.5.6.1 Company Overview
15.5.6.2 Product Portfolio
15.5.6.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.5.6.4 Certifications
15.5.7 RealFoodSource Ltd.
15.5.7.1 Company Overview
15.5.7.2 Product Portfolio
15.5.7.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.5.7.4 Certifications
15.5.8 KBF Enterprises Ltd
15.5.8.1 Company Overview
15.5.8.2 Product Portfolio
15.5.8.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.5.8.4 Certifications
15.5.9 Torq Ltd.
15.5.9.1 Company Overview
15.5.9.2 Product Portfolio
15.5.9.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.5.9.4 Certifications
15.5.10 NATURALTEIN LNG International GmbH
15.5.10.1 Company Overview
15.5.10.2 Product Portfolio
15.5.10.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
15.5.10.4 Certifications
15.5.11 Others
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