Europe Protein Ingredients Market Overview and Forecast (2025-2033)
The Europe Protein Ingredients Market is projected to achieve a size of approximately USD 23.83 billion by 2033, up from USD 14.17 billion in 2024. This growth reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.95% between 2025 and 2033. Several factors are driving the expansion of the protein ingredients market in Europe, including health trends, a rising demand for plant-based proteins, interest in sports nutrition, advancements in technology, the promotion of sustainable agriculture, the development of innovative food products, and the increasing popularity of functional meals and meat alternatives.
Industry Overview
Protein ingredients encompass raw materials sourced from various origins, including both plant (such as soy, peas, and rice) and animal sources (such as whey and casein). These ingredients are rich in essential amino acids, contributing positively to health, muscle growth, and recovery. Applications of protein ingredients span across a range of products including protein powders, bars, snacks, dairy items, and meat alternatives. The growing interest in sustainable and health-conscious diets has led to a surge in the popularity of plant-based protein ingredients.
Several key factors are propelling the growth of the protein ingredients market in Europe. Consumers are leaning towards high-protein diets for weight management, muscle preservation, and overall well-being in response to increasing health awareness. The trend of plant-based eating, including veganism and flexitarianism, has significantly boosted the demand for plant-derived protein options such as pea, soy, and wheat. Additionally, the sports nutrition sector is experiencing heightened demand for protein supplements, driven by greater participation in fitness activities.
Overall, the market is stimulated by environmental concerns, an aging population, and ongoing technological advancements in protein extraction processes. This combination of trends is likely to continue shaping the landscape of the protein ingredients market in Europe.
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Europe Protein Market Trends
The growing consumption of animal protein presents significant opportunities for key players in the ingredients category. In the United Kingdom, data from 2018 to 2023 indicated that individuals aged 19-64 had an average daily protein intake of 78 grams, exceeding the adult daily requirement of 65 grams. This figure is based on a reference intake value of 0.84 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Projected average daily animal protein consumption per person is estimated at 40.1 grams, with 24.8 grams sourced from meat and meat products, and 10.1 grams from dairy. Notably, less than 7% of the domestic milk production is exported, facilitating easy access for manufacturers.
The whey protein market is experiencing significant growth, largely driven by the rising popularity of fitness centers and health clubs, which has led to an increase in whey consumption. In 2024, the annual import of whey protein surged by 16.1% compared to 2019. Additionally, there is a growing consumer demand for natural ingredients within the sports nutrition industry, propelled by a focus on overall health and preferences for clean-label products. Organic and grass-fed whey, in particular, have gained traction due to health and ethical considerations.
Women increasingly seek sports nutrition supplements to enhance lean body mass, strength, and performance, and this trend is supported by encouragement from nutritionists and fitness experts. Simultaneously, the rise in veganism and demand for plant-based products reflect changing dietary preferences worldwide. This shift has led to a decrease in meat consumption, posing a challenge for the animal protein market. In fact, the number of vegans in Europe doubled from 1.4 million to 2.8 million, representing 3.3% of the population in 2023.
In terms of raw materials for plant protein manufacturers, meat and milk production play a vital role. Data shows that Germany is the leading producer of milk in the European Union, contributing over 23% of milk deliveries in 2023. Although the number of cattle farms has declined, the average size of these farms is increasing, with higher milk production volumes per cow driving this trend. Over the years, milk production has become concentrated in the grassland regions of northwestern and southern Germany.
In the United Kingdom, milk production continues to rise despite a decreasing number of dairy cows. As of December 2023, there were approximately 2.85 million dairy cows aged over 12 months, with an impressive average milk yield of 8,256 liters per cow annually, reflecting a compared to 7,247 liters in 2019.
As of 2023, the European Union had over 81 million cattle, producing 7.2 million tonnes of beef and establishing itself as the world's third-largest beef producer, following the United States and Brazil. The beef sector within the EU is characterized by diversity in herd sizes, farm structures, and geographical distributions. Notably, three EU member states—France (22.3%), Germany (18.1%), and Italy (12.2%)—account for half of the EU's total beef production.
Germany Protein Ingredients Market
The protein ingredients market in Germany is steadily expanding due to changing consumer preferences toward more sustainable and healthy food options. The rise of vegan and flexitarian diets is increasing the demand for plant-based proteins, as health-conscious consumers search for clean-label, high-protein products across various food categories. Technological advancements are enhancing the flavor, texture, and functionality of proteins, making them more appealing to consumers. In its 2024 budget, the German government has allocated EUR 38 million to promote the development of plant-based, precision-fermented, and cell-cultivated proteins, actively supporting this industry. Additionally, significant investments are being directed toward alternative protein technologies; for instance, Hamburg University of Technology received a EUR 2.6 million grant to ferment whey into mycelium protein. With the involvement of both public and private sectors, Germany is establishing itself as a leading European market for innovative protein ingredients.
France Protein Ingredients Market
The protein ingredients market in France is rapidly growing, driven by increasing consumer demand for specialized nutrition products and high-protein foods and beverages. This market features various protein sources, including plant-based proteins (such as soy, pea, and wheat proteins) and animal-derived proteins (like dairy, eggs, fish, and gelatin). The growth is primarily fueled by the expansion of the plant-based food segment, a heightened interest in fitness and muscle-building, and a rise in health-conscious consumer behavior.
United Kingdom Protein Ingredients Market
In the UK, the protein ingredients market is experiencing significant growth due to evolving consumer preferences and health trends. Plant-based proteins, particularly pea protein, are gaining popularity for their nutritional benefits and sustainability. The highest protein consumption is seen in the food and beverage sector, with increasing demand for meat and dairy alternatives. Additionally, the supplements market is growing due to rising demand for personalized health products and sports nutrition. Advances in protein extraction and processing methods are enhancing product appeal. However, challenges such as fluctuating raw material costs and complex regulations persist. Despite these obstacles, the market is expected to continue growing due to the consumer demand for sustainable and diverse protein sources.
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Europe Protein Ingredients Market Segments:
- Product
- Plant Proteins: Soy Protein, Wheat Protein, Pea Protein, Others
- Animal/Dairy Protein: Dairy Protein, Egg Protein, Fish Protein, Gelatin
- Form
- Concentrate Protein
- Isolate Protein
- Others
- Application
- Food & Beverages
- Infant Formulations
- Clinical Nutrition
- Animal Feed
- Others
Regional Insights: Europe Protein Ingredient Demand
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Russia
- Poland
- Greece
- Norway
- Romania
- Portugal
- Rest of Europe
All companies have been covered from four viewpoints:
- Overview
- Key Persons
- Recent Developments
- Financial Insights
Competitive Landscape – Key Players Overview
- Archer Daniels Midland Co.
- DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
- General Electric Company
- Burcon NutraScience Corp.
- Tessenderlo Group
- Kewpie Corporation
- Roquette Frères
- CHS Inc.
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