Protein Ingredients Market - By Source (Plants & Animals), By Product Type (Plant Proteins & Animal/Dairy Proteins), By Form (Dry & Liquid), By Application (Food & Beverage, Animal Feed, Cosmetics & Personal Care, & Others), By Geography - Global Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2024-2030.

Protein Ingredients Market size was valued at $75.63 Billion by 2030, and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period 2024 -2030. The Protein Ingredients Market growth rate is attributed to the growing consumer demand for plant-based protein alternatives with growing consumer interest in foods that promote health and well-being are anticipated to bring new opportunities. Owing to the essential amino acid that has therapeutic effects, protein components are suitable for nutraceutical applications. In addition, in an effort to increase sustainable, reliable production of high-quality protein that should fuel product demand, industry players are rapidly investing in research & development which is likely to increase the demand over the forecast period (2024 - 2030). 

There is a significant shift in consumer preferences towards plant-based protein ingredients driven by health consciousness, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations. As consumers become more aware of the health benefits associated with plant-based diets and the sustainability of plant protein sources, demand for plant-derived protein ingredients continues to rise. This trend is reflected in the increasing number of food companies investing in the development and promotion of plant-based protein products.

The protein ingredients market is witnessing continuous innovation and diversification of product offerings. Companies are investing in research and development to create novel protein ingredients with improved functionality, nutritional profiles, and sensory characteristics. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on developing protein ingredients tailored to specific dietary preferences, such as vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free options, to cater to diverse consumer needs. This trend underscores the importance of innovation in driving market growth and maintaining competitiveness in the protein ingredients industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the protein ingredients market. In response to global lockdowns and restrictions, consumer behavior shifted, leading to disruptions in supply chains and changes in demand patterns. Initially, panic-buying and stockpiling of essential goods led to short-term spikes in protein ingredient sales, particularly for shelf-stable and long-lasting products. However, as the pandemic progressed, economic uncertainties and job losses resulted in reduced consumer spending, affecting the purchasing power for premium protein-based products. Foodservice closures and restrictions also led to a decline in demand for protein ingredients from the hospitality and catering sectors. Additionally, logistical challenges and transportation disruptions hampered the distribution of protein ingredients, further exacerbating market conditions. 

Despite these challenges, the pandemic also catalyzed innovation in plant-based protein ingredients as consumers prioritized health and sustainability concerns, driving long-term growth opportunities in the market.

The report “Protein Ingredients Market Forecast (2024 - 2030)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Protein Ingredients Market:

By Source: Plants and Animals

By Product Type: Plant Proteins (Wheat, Soy, Pea, Canola, Rice, Potato, Hemp, Oat, Almond, Corn, Others) and Animal/Dairy Proteins (Egg Protein, Milk Protein Concentrates/Isolates, Whey Protein Concentrates, Whey Protein Hydrolysates, Whey Protein Isolates, Gelatin, Casein/Caseinates, Collagen Peptides)

By Form: Dry and Liquid

By Application: Food & Beverage, Infant Formulations, Animal Feed, Cosmetics & Personal Care, and Others

By Geography: North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia, Belgium, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Rest of APAC), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Rest of South America), and Rest of the World (Middle East, and Africa)

• North America dominated the Protein Ingredients Market with a share of 42.16% in the year 2023.

• The factors such as rising demand from food products such as milk sausages, spicy sauces, yogurt, spreads, bakery products, cold cuts, and margarine are amongst the major factor projected to impel growth of Protein Ingredients Market.

• Increased demand for protein features, recognition of balanced diets and nutritious foods, new technical advances in the protein ingredients industry, increased demand for superior personal care and healthcare products and increased consumption of animal by-products are the key factors owing the growth in the segment during forecast period 2024 - 2030.

 

On the basis of product type, plant protein segment held the highest segmental revenue share in 2023. This can be attributed to the fact that relatively inexpensive price than the animal-derived variants. As they are considered to be healthier and more nutritious than their animal-based counterparts, customers are gradually embracing plant protein ingredients. Moreover, new markets are anticipated to drive the demand for plant proteins over the forecast period 2024 - 2030. On the contrary, animal/dairy proteins segment is anticipated to witness significant growth along the forecast period 2024 - 2030 as the demand for animal protein ingredients is poised to witness significant growth owing to clear empirical evidence about the health benefits provided by them over the next few years. 

On the basis of application, food and beverages segment accounted for the largest segmental revenue of the Protein Ingredients market in 2023 owing to the fact that various animal protein ingredients are used for the production of protein brownies, super food bites, diet truffles and grazers, such as whey protein concentrate. The use of whey protein helps improve the dietary fibre, the consistency of the dough, the volume of the finished product, the ability to maintain moisture, and the texture of the said bakery products. However, the animal feed is poised to hold the highest growth rate with a CAGR of 7.8% over the forecast period 2024 - 2030. This is owing to the fact that rising meat consumption, mainly in Asia-Pacific, Central and South America and Eastern Europe, is the driving force in the application of plant and animal protein ingredients to animal feed. 

North America is the major region dominating the Protein Ingredients market with a market share of 40.1% in the year 2023 on account of increasing consumption of energy bars, cold cereals, and snacks. The launch of new products by companies such as Darling Ingredients focus on customer requirements for high protein content, thereby rising demand. Favorable regulation in the United States is poised to favor regional developments along with new product growth. However, Asia Pacific is projected to be the significant-growing market during the forecast period 2024 - 2030 owing to growing exports and domestic demand for plant and animal protein ingredients. China is one of the largest producers of animal and plant protein owing to the easy availability of raw materials. In addition, growth in healthcare and food and beverage industries is poised to propel the demand in developing economies, such as China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Korea over the next few years.

The protein ingredients market is experiencing a surge in demand primarily due to the increasing popularity of plant-based protein products. Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier lifestyles and sustainable food choices, prompting a rise in the consumption of plant proteins. This trend is fueled by growing awareness of the health benefits associated with plant-based diets, including reduced risk of chronic diseases and environmental sustainability. Additionally, advancements in food technology have led to the development of innovative plant protein ingredients, enhancing their taste, texture, and versatility, thereby attracting a broader consumer base. As the demand for plant-based protein products continues to rise, the protein ingredients market is poised for significant growth in the foreseeable future. 

Despite the driving factors, stringent government regulations related to labeling and inclusion in application industries is projected to hamper protein ingredients market trends. Plant-based product definitions and labeling regulations are inconsistent across markets and often hinder the visibility and placement of these products in application industries thereby restraining the market growth. In addition, regulatory procedures for measuring protein quality vary across the globe which is further poised to impose barriers on manufacturers incorporating protein ingredient in food & beverage industry globally.

Product launches, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and geographical expansions are key strategies adopted by players in the Protein Ingredients Market. The key companies in the Protein Ingredients Market are:

1. The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

2. Cargill, Incorporated

3. The Agrana Group

4. Roquette

5. DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

6. Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited

7. Darling Ingredients

8. Ingredion Inc.

9. Kerry Group plc 

10. Bunge Global SA

• In April 2023, at the Vitafoods event, Rousselot, a health brand under Darling Ingredients, showcased its collagen peptides solution PEPTAN®, emphasizing its holistic well-being benefits. This premium protein-based ingredient is supported by scientific research and boasts versatile formulation properties. 

• In June 2023, Roquette unveiled its new food innovation center in Lestrem, France, featuring a sensory analysis laboratory, a demonstration kitchen, and collaborative labs for pilot-scale testing of various plant-based ingredients. 

• In May 2023, Burcon NutraScience Corporation announced its strategic initiative, Burcon 2.0, aimed at providing pilot-scale plant protein processing as a service. 

• In February 2023, Roquette embarked on a collaborative project with Eurial, Agri Obtentions, Greencell, Université Lumière Lyon 2, and INRAE to develop AlinOVeg, focusing on French plant-based protein extraction and product development. 

• In January 2023, Roquette's investment in DAIZ Inc. demonstrates its commitment to disruptive solutions in the healthy plant protein foods sector.