High-end protein products - WPC80, isolates and hydrolysates - were growing at double digit figures, “whereas whey powder and other low-end products are stagnating”.
“It is tempting to say that demand for whey and lactose just keeps growing, irrespective of significant price volatility over the last 5 years and the relative poor performance of the global economy,” said Tage Affertsholt, Partner of 3A Business Consulting.
Lactose, pharmaceutical lactose, permeate and lactose derivatives were worth €1.62bn in 2011, €1.94bn in 2015, 3A predicted.
“For the lactose product group, high growth is apparent for permeate, but also for standard lactose, pharmaceutical lactose and galactooligosaccharides,” it said.
Major players are Lactalis, FrieslandCampina, Fonterra, Arla Foods, Saputo, Glanbia, Murray Goulburn, DMK/Wheyco, Leprino, Agropur, Sachsenmilch, Armor Proteines and Hilmar, Meggle, Euroserum, Milei, Volac, Carbery, Dairygold, Milk Specialties Global and Davisco.
A 3A Business Consulting report said the whey market would be worth €6.88bn in 2015 – a 4% yearly growth at constant prices since 2010.
