North America Wheat Protein Ingredients Market

North America Wheat Protein Ingredients Market Analysis

The North America Wheat Protein Ingredients Market is expected to register a CAGR of 3.3% during the forecast period.

• The wheat protein ingredients market in the North American region has been experiencing steady growth over the past few years due to various factors, including the increasing demand for plant-based proteins, rising health consciousness among consumers, and the growing awareness of sustainable and environmentally friendly food choices. The market for wheat protein ingredients is expanding, with an increasing number of applications in the food and beverage industry and being used as functional ingredients, emulsifiers, and stabilizers in a wide range of products.
• Additionally, the surging popularity of plant-based diets, consumers' inclination toward consuming plant-based foods, and the demand for alternative protein sources have been driving the adoption of wheat protein ingredients in the region. They are often used in plant-based meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, protein bars, and other vegetarian and vegan products. For instance, according to the Good Food Institute, in 2021, meat alternatives had the second-highest sales value in the plant-based food market in the United States. Meat alternatives were valued at USD 1.4 billion.
• Moreover, the food processing industry is accounting for the major consumption of wheat protein ingredients, utilizing them in various processed foods to enhance texture, improve moisture retention, and increase protein content.
• Wheat protein ingredient is a versatile ingredient that finds various applications in the food processing industry. It is extensively used in the production of bread, rolls, and other baked goods in the North American region. It provides elasticity and strength to the dough, improving the dough's handling properties and enabling better gas retention during fermentation, resulting in a desirable texture and volume in the final product. Such factors are attracting more new manufacturers to incorporate wheat protein into their products, thus driving the demand for wheat protein in the region.

North America Wheat Protein Ingredients Market Trends

Rising Preference for Plant-Based Protein

• Consumer interest in increasing protein intake is rising majorly owing to the increasing need for protein as a food-nutritional component. Similarly, the emergence of vegetable protein from sources like wheat depicts the change in customer demand from animal protein to plant protein with similar functional and nutritional characteristics.
• Additionally, the trend of increasing consumption of plant-based foods and beverages in the region is further supporting the market's growth. For instance, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in 2021, the retail sales of plant-based ready meals amounted to nearly USD 19.1 million in Canada. Similarly, according to La República (Colombia), in 2022, Mexico accounted for the largest sales of plant-based beverages, with a sales volume of 56.2 million liters.
• Moreover, over the years, the availability and variety of plant-based food options, including wheat protein ingredients, have significantly improved. Consumers now have access to a wide range of plant-based alternatives to traditional animal-based products, including plant-based meats, dairy-free milk, and vegan alternatives for many other food items.
• In line with this, many manufacturers in the region are also offering wheat protein ingredients with multiple benefits. For instance, Manildra Group USA offers a wide range of wheat proteins under its GemPro Ultra range, claiming that these protein options can manage texture as the protein content increases.
• Furthermore, the company claims that GemPro Ultra is high in glutamine peptides, and its capabilities go beyond the traditional applications and offer alternatives for beverages and nutrition bars. Such factors in the regional market are expected to further aid the market in growth during the forecast period.
• Furthermore, the bakery industry drives sales of wheat protein isolates. According to International Food Information Council (IFIC) 2021 diet industry statistics, in the United States, 4 in 10 people follow a diet or specific eating pattern. Among those, 12.9 million Americans follow the keto diet each year. This creates a significant demand for concentrates in the bakery industry. It works well in bread, sheeted products, egg replacement in cakes and muffins, and batters and fillings.

United States Holds the Largest Share in the Market Share

• There is a steady consumption growth of bread and bakery items in the country. This trend in the country is expected to remain the same in the forecast period; however, custom blends of wheat flour and wheat protein are expected to record higher sales, with the growing demand for health-promoting bakery products that are minimally processed with lesser preservatives, lesser trans fats, are high in protein, and have other essential micro-nutrients.
• Moreover, due to urbanization and the increase in the working population, the growth of out-of-home consumption is rising, which increases the demand for instant and nutritious bakery products, which majorly use wheat protein as an ingredient. For instance, According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, in the United States in 2021, bread generated sales amounting to approximately USD 2.66 billion. Retail sales of cakes were about USD 2 billion.
• Moreover, the rise in popularity of plant-based diets and vegetarian/vegan lifestyles in the country has led to an increased demand for plant-based protein sources. Wheat protein is a versatile and high-protein meat substitute that appeals to those seeking alternatives to animal-based proteins. It has gained a significant demand from consumers, which drove manufacturers to increase its usage. Wheat protein can mimic the texture and taste of meat when prepared and seasoned properly, making it a popular choice for meat alternatives in various dishes like burgers, sausages, and nuggets, thus creating space for manufacturers to innovate with the products.
• Furthermore, wheat protein is free from common allergens like soy and dairy, making it an attractive option for individuals with soy or lactose intolerance or those looking to avoid allergens in their diet. Such factors, coupled with players' interest in expanding their product portfolios with innovative ingredients that have different application capabilities, are driving the market's growth in the country.

North America Wheat Protein Ingredients Industry Overview

The North America wheat protein ingredients market is consolidated with various players participating in the market share. The major players in this market are The Scoular Company, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Kerry Group PLC, MGP Ingredients Inc., and Südzucker Group. Several other small and international players are involved in the manufacturing and distribution of wheat protein ingredients in the country to gain an advantage and cater to the growing demand. Major players are focused on offering organic wheat protein ingredients with gluten-free and clean-label claims to attract more manufacturers. The other key players of the market that are not among the top players are also adapting distinct strategies to enhance their market position, thereby making the market highly competitive regardless of their current position.

North America Wheat Protein Ingredients Market Leaders

North America Wheat Protein Ingredients Market News

• February 2022: MGP Ingredients, Inc., a prominent provider of specialty proteins and starches, made an exciting announcement regarding the construction of a cutting-edge extrusion plant. This facility will be dedicated to producing its renowned ProTerra line of texturized proteins. The primary objective behind this move is to address the surging demand for ProTerra products while simultaneously enhancing their control over the entire manufacturing process.
• December 2021: Summit Ag Investors, in conjunction with its portfolio company Summit Sustainable Ingredients, proudly initiated the construction of a state-of-the-art wheat protein (vital wheat gluten) ingredients facility. This facility is strategically located adjacent to Prairie Horizon, a property recently acquired by Summit.
• September 2020: Archer Daniels Midland Company introduced a range of textured wheat proteins to the United States market. This innovative lineup includes Prolite MeatTEX textured wheat protein and Prolite MeatXT non-textured wheat protein. These highly functional protein solutions have been designed to elevate the texture and density of meat alternatives.
• June 2020: Archer Daniels Midland Company established a joint venture in collaboration with beef producer Marfrig. The primary objective of this partnership is to supply a wide array of plant-based products, encompassing soy flour, soy protein concentrates, isolated soy proteins, textured proteins, wheat protein isolates, and other related offerings, to both the North and South American markets.