Report

The United Kingdom milk protein market size is expected to grow from USD 40.54 million in 2024 to USD 51.86 million by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.05% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Key Highlights
-Nutritional fortification of food and drinks is gaining popularity in the country. This coincides with a general increase in people's motivation to live healthier lifestyles, which can be seen in the marketplace. The country's supply of dairy ingredients will benefit greatly from this. In addition, the rising demand for dairy ingredients like milk protein is being fueled by the versatility of these products across a variety of end-user industries in the country, including the bakery, confectionery, nutritional beverage, meat, and dairy sectors. There has been an upsurge in the consumption of organic and other items with clean labeling.
-Thus, there has been a rise in demand from many end-user industries for organic and clean-label dairy proteins. This has prompted a slew of domestic product launches and consolidations in response to the market's shifting priorities, and it's anticipated that this would enhance demand in the country's market of interest.
-In addition, dairy companies are increasing their self-sufficiency in cheese production. For instance, the data revealed in Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reports that the country recorded 92% self-sufficiency for cheddar production in 2019. Also, the data disclose that Cheddar cheese accounted for 49% of total cheese volumes sold during the 52 w/e 26 December 2021.
-Furthermore, increasing investments in the sports nutrition industry owing to the growing consumer interest in sports drinks and supplements is driving the demand for dairy protein ingredients in the United Kingdom. Over the years, whey protein concentrates (WPC), whey protein isolates (WPI), and dairy-derived whey have become ingredients of choice in manufacturing ready-to-drink protein shakes and high-protein meal replacements. For instance, according to the Office for National Statistics (UK), in 2021, the total sales value for protein concentrates manufactured in the United Kingdom (UK) surpassed GBP 463 million. Over the years, dairy protein concentrate has become an ingredient of choice in manufacturing ready-to-drink protein shakes and high-protein meal replacements.


United Kingdom Milk Protein Market Trends

Consumer Inclination Toward Protein-Rich Food


- Consumer inclination towards protein-rich foods has been a significant driver for the growth of the United Kingdom milk protein market. As more consumers become health-conscious and seek nutritious options, the demand for protein-enriched products has risen. Milk protein, being a rich source of essential amino acids and beneficial nutrients, has gained popularity as an ingredient in various food and beverage products, such as sports nutrition, functional foods, and dietary supplements. This trend has led to increased production and innovation of milk protein-based products, contributing to the expansion of the market in the United Kingdom.
- Owing to the rise in awareness about nutritional products, consumers are more adapted to a healthy lifestyle and increased their protein intake by consuming protein supplements. For instance, in 2019, a study about protein supplement consumption published in PubMed Central stated that nearly 51.9% of the United Kingdom's population consumes protein supplements. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of consumption of protein supplements is witnessed among gym users to enhance their performance and stamina. Also, the increased sports participation in the country has driven the demand for the milk protein market. The major application of milk protein isolates is in the dietary supplement and sports nutrition industry. Gym-goers favor whey protein because of its high efficacy in bodybuilding and muscle recovery. Whey protein supplements are frequently used by athletes in conjunction with physiotherapy and psychotherapy to improve vital signs and physical performance. As a result, the growing demand for protein supplements is expected to fuel the growth of milk protein isolates in the market.


Increasing Demand For Infant Formula Drives Milk Protein Demand


- The increasing demand for infant formula has significantly impacted the United Kingdom's milk protein market, driving growth and shaping the dynamics of the industry. The rising demand for infant formula can be attributed to several factors, including changing lifestyles, urbanization, and an increasing number of working mothers. As more parents seek convenience and reliability in feeding their infants, the demand for high-quality infant formula products has surged. In response to this demand, the United Kingdom's milk protein market has experienced substantial growth. Milk protein is a key ingredient in infant formula, providing essential nutrients for a baby's growth and development.
- Manufacturers of infant formula and dairy processors have adapted to this changing landscape, focusing on innovation and research to develop products that closely mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk. Also, the rise in milk production in the region is further assisting the milk protein market, thereby further supporting the infant formula market, which holds a major share of the milk protein market. The quest for better formulations has driven investments in technology and the adoption of advanced processing methods in the dairy industry.
- Furthermore, the growing awareness of the importance of early childhood nutrition and its long-term impact on a child's health has further driven the demand for infant formula enriched with essential nutrients, including milk protein. The composition of infant formulas and follow-on formulas that are available in the market of the United Kingdom has been complying with EU rules (Directive 2006/141/EC). The regulation has authorized the use of hydrolyzed milk protein in infant formulas.
- Thereby, the authorization of hydrolyzed milk protein in infant formulas is expected to fuel growth in the market studied. For instance, in February 2022, the recent update on European Union regulation stated that all the protein hydrolyzates used in infant formulas and follow-on formulas in European Union would need to be evaluated.


United Kingdom Milk Protein Industry Overview

The United Kingdom's milk protein market is fragmented, with the top five companies. The major players in this market are Groupe Sodiaal, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Glanbia PLC, Kerry Group plc, and Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. Key United Kingdom protein market players are investing in R&D and entering into mergers and acquisitions to enhance their product portfolios. Owing to the rapidly developing nature of the market, new product innovation has become the most commonly used strategy among all, as it helps in understanding the changing needs of the consumers in the market. Furthermore, they are adopting competitive strategies by investing more in developing new-generation technologies to produce milk proteins.

Additional Benefits:

- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support