Italy Animal Protein Market

Italy Animal Protein Market Analysis

The Italy Animal Protein Market size is estimated at USD 155.30 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 198.20 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

• Italy's animal protein is a growing market due to its increasing prevalence in many applications, such as clinical and sports nutrition, dairy products, bakery and confectioneries, and others, in the form of functional foods, beverages, and healthy aging. Health and wellness is the driving factor for increased dairy protein consumption. The sector witnessed accelerated growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing to strong ties between dairy protein and a healthy diet. For instance, as per The Italian National Institute of Statistics, the import of whey powder increased by 26.16% from 2019-2022 in Italy.
• Additionally, consumers and sportspersons are looking for natural and less processed nutritional solutions with proven benefits. Many animal protein ingredient manufacturing companies are launching new nutritional solutions to support sports nutrition manufacturers. For instance, in December 2021, Lactalis Ingredients launched high protein concepts, targeting sports nutrition and healthy aging. The products are high-protein shakes and high-protein puddings, both of which contain a blend of two native protein sources: Pronativ native micellar casein and Pronativ native whey protein.
• Furthermore, rapid expansion in the bakery and confectionery industry owing to the increasing export demand along with high local consumption of chocolates and candies is anticipated to generate substantial demand for animal protein ingredients as these are largely used to enhance the structural properties of confectionery.
• However, the growing trend toward vegan diets and the incorporation of plant proteins in processed foods are the major factors driving the demand for plant protein ingredients, further restricting the growth of animal protein ingredients in the Italian market.

Italy Animal Protein Market Trends

Consumer Inclination Toward Protein-rich Foods

• The high-protein trend gains momentum in European countries, such as Italy, as protein claims on food and drink launches continue growing. Even though the share of products carrying high-protein claims is low in the country, the absolute number of high-protein food and drink introductions saw a great increase over the past years, making 'high in protein' one of the strongest growing claims in the Italian food and drink market. For instance, as per EUROSTAT, the total meat production in Italy increased by 7.81% from 2019 to 2022 in Italy.
• Italian consumers actively seek more milk protein in their meals, as well as their beverages and snacks. The growing geriatric population in Italy fuels the demand for medical and nutritional products that help bone and muscle maintenance. This propelled the demand for animal protein like milk protein ingredients in the recent past. Thus, with high protein/protein-rich food and beverages gaining immense popularity on the retail shelves of Italy, the demand for animal protein ingredients increases steadily.
• Furthermore, mainstream consumers understand that protein supports satiety, weight loss and management, and muscle building and maintenance. Owing to high nutritional quality and versatile functional properties, animal protein ingredients are widely used in many food formulations, such as dairy desserts, nutritional beverages, ice cream, yogurt, spreads, meat products, confectionery, and baked goods. Animal protein ingredients will continue to lead in premium applications, such as sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, and infant formula.

Food and Beverage Segment Dominates the Market

• Italy is one the largest milk producers in the European Union, with an output of more than 13.202 thousand tonnes of cows' milk in 2021, as per The Italian National Institute of Statistics. Also, according to the Euro Group For Animal Organization Report 2022, Italy is Europe's fourth largest egg producer, with 772,000 tonnes per year. The production of these animal protein sources in Italy actively supports the growth of its derivates, such as whey protein and egg protein concentrates, and its utilization in numerous food and beverage products.
• Additionally, dried milk protein concentrate is produced using a combination of processes, such as ultrafiltration (UF), evaporation or nanofiltration, and spray drying. The increasing demand for milk protein concentrates is supported by the steady growth in whey milk powder production in Italy. For instance, as per The Italian National Institute of Statistics, whey powder and piece production increased from 872 thousand tonnes to 887 thousand tonnes from 2021-2022.
• Furthermore, the positive outlook of the animal protein industry in the country, along with the increasing consumer demand for protein-rich food with constant evolution in product launches, actively accelerates the application of animal protein ingredients in the food and beverage industry of the region. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period.

Italy Animal Protein Industry Overview

The Italy animal protein market is fragmented, with the top five companies including Agrial Group, Arla Foods amba, Darling Ingredients Inc., Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, and Lactoprot Deutschland GmbH occupying the market. The leading players focus on increasing their product offerings, thus producing a more comprehensive range of milk proteins. Additionally, these companies are increasing their investments in research and development (R&D) to develop products that are in line with customer needs. Moreover, companies are also focused on mergers & acquisitions and strategic partnerships to expand their geographical presence and strengthen their market position across international markets.

Italy Animal Protein Market Leaders

Italy Animal Protein Market News

• March 2022: Glanbia Nutritionals unveiled an innovative protein solution known as "Crunchie Milk Protein Bites." This groundbreaking product was specifically crafted to address the numerous challenges encountered in the production and sensory aspects of protein extrusion within the snack and cereal categories. Glanbia's cutting-edge BarPro 100/120 MPCs were meticulously designed and optimized to provide a markedly improved texture during extrusion, characterized by reduced chalkiness, powdery consistency, and glassiness when compared to other protein products. The result is a diverse array of exceptional textures.
• February 2021: Lactalis Ingredients introduced their latest offering, the "Pronativ Native Micellar Casein." Marketed as a pure and natural protein, this product is extracted from milk using a cold filtration method, with absolutely no additives or chemicals added in the process. It represents a significant step forward in delivering high-quality protein.
• June 2021: Royal Friesland Campina proudly launched "Deminal 90 Organic." This premium demineralized whey ingredient was specifically crafted to cater to the burgeoning organic infant formula market. The company's commitment to excellence is evident in this product, which meets the exacting standards of organic infant nutrition.