Europe Animal Protein Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Europe Animal Protein Market Analysis

The Europe Animal Protein Market size is estimated at 2.24 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 2.89 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.24% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The European animal protein industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by evolving consumer preferences and health consciousness. A notable shift is evident in the younger demographic's purchasing patterns, with 60% of millennials and Gen Z consumers actively seeking functional and nutritionally enhanced bakery products in 2022. This trend has prompted manufacturers to innovate their product portfolios, particularly in developing protein ingredients enriched functional foods that cater to specific dietary requirements and lifestyle choices. The industry has also witnessed substantial growth in health and fitness consciousness, reflected in the addition of over 12 million new members to health and fitness clubs across Europe in recent years.

Innovation in animal protein sources and production methods has become a cornerstone of industry development. The insect protein sector, in particular, has attracted significant investment, with over USD 1 billion already invested in research, development, and production infrastructure. This investment surge reflects the industry's commitment to developing sustainable and alternative animal protein sources. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on clean-label products and natural ingredients, responding to consumer demands for transparency and authenticity in protein-based products.

The industry landscape is characterized by a diverse mix of established players and innovative startups, particularly in the bakery and functional foods segments. Small and medium-sized enterprises dominate certain sectors, as evidenced by the fact that 94% of bakery enterprises are small and mid-sized businesses. This fragmentation has led to increased competition and innovation in product development, particularly in specialized and niche protein ingredients products. Companies are investing in advanced processing technologies and novel formulation techniques to improve protein functionality and application versatility.

Sustainability and regulatory compliance have become central themes in the European animal protein market. The European Union's approval of processed animal protein for poultry and pig feed marks a significant regulatory milestone, opening new opportunities for sustainable animal protein production. Industry players are increasingly adopting environmentally conscious production methods and sourcing practices, driven by both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations. This shift is particularly evident in the development of alternative protein sources and the optimization of traditional protein production methods to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality and functionality.

Europe Animal Protein Market Trends

The growing consumption of animal protein fuels opportunities for key players in the ingredients category

• In the United Kingdom, from 2016 to 2019, the average daily protein intake of individuals aged 19-64 years was 76 g per person, which was more than the 64 g/day average adult daily requirement. This number was calculated using a reference intake value of 0.83 g/kg of body weight per day. The average daily consumption of animal protein per person is projected to be 39.6 g, with 25.9 g coming from meat and meat products and 9.9 g from milk and milk products. Accordingly, the total domestic milk production has risen. Less than 7% of the domestic production is exported, thereby providing easy access to manufacturers.
• The market for whey protein is mainly driven by the growing popularity of fitness centers and health clubs, leading to a rise in whey consumption. The annual whey protein import increased exponentially by 15.09% in 2021 from 2019. However, with a great focus on overall health and consumers’ interest in clean-label products, the sports nutrition industry's demand for natural ingredients has been growing. Ingredients, such as organic and grass-fed whey, have gained prominence due to health and ethical concerns.
• Women seek sports nutrition supplements for lean body, strength, and performance. Encouragement from nutritionists and other fitness experts is also boosting the market sentiment for sports nutrition in the region. Growing veganism, demand for plant-based products, and changing dietary preferences among consumers are being witnessed globally. The low inclination toward meat-based products is visible among consumers, which is a major restraining factor for the animal protein market. The number of vegans in Europe doubled from 1.3 million to 2.6 million, representing 3.2% of the population in 2021.

Meat and milk production contributes majorly in terms of raw material for plant protein manufacturers

• The graph given depicts the production data for raw materials such as meat of cattle, pigs, and chicken (with bone, fresh or chilled), raw milk from cattle and goats, skim milk from cows, and dry whey powder. Germany is the leading producer of milk in the European Union, accounting for more than 21% of milk deliveries in the European Union in 2020. Although the country has been observing a decline in the count of cattle farms, the average size of the farms is witnessing an upsurge. The rise in milk production is attributed to the escalated volume of milk production per cow. Over the years, milk production has been concentrated in the grassland regions of northwestern and southern Germany.
• Milk production is constantly rising in the United Kingdom despite the continuous decline in the number of dairy cows. As of December 2022, the total number of dairy cows in the United Kingdom that were greater than 12 months old stood at 2.66 million heads. In the same year, milk production per cow amounted to 8,169 liters per annum, an increase of 3.5% compared to 7,893 liters in 2017.
• In 2020, there were over 76 million cattle in the European Union (EU), and beef production reached 6.8 million tonnes, making the European Union the world's third-largest producer after the United States and Brazil. The sector is diverse in terms of herd size, farm structure, and geographical distribution of farms in the European Union. Three EU member states alone produce half of the EU's beef: France (21.2%), Germany (17.8%), and Italy (11.1%).

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

• Market maturation and declining birth rates are accountable for the slow growth rate
• Stronghold of the retail sector is supporting market growth
• Healthy trends in beverages impacting market growth
• Sustainable and innovative packaging trends to influence the breakfast cereals market
• Consumers' preferences shift to premium condiments and sauces, away from packaged soups
• Innovation in chocolates is driving sales
• Dairy alternatives to witness significant growth rate
• The growing demand for nutrition-specific diets may drive market demand
• Innovations in product formulations have a greater scope in the market
• Single-head households to drive the RTE/RTC market
• Healthier snacking is likely to boost the market
• The expanding consumer base may benefit the sports supplements segment
• Increased meat production is expected to push the market's growth
• Natural and organic products are taking over the market

Segment Analysis: Protein Type

Whey Protein Segment in Europe Animal Protein Market

Whey protein dominates the European animal protein market, commanding approximately 29% of the total market volume in 2024. The segment's strong position is primarily driven by its extensive applications in the food and beverage industry, particularly in bakery and snacks, which together account for nearly 37% of whey protein consumption. The ingredient's versatility is demonstrated through its applications as a thickener, emulsifier, and texture stabilizer across various food products. Additionally, whey protein's popularity in sports nutrition supplements has significantly contributed to its market leadership, with the sports nutrition sub-segment representing about 68% of whey protein consumption in supplements.

Collagen Segment in Europe Animal Protein Market

The collagen protein segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth trajectory in the European animal protein market from 2024 to 2029, with an expected growth rate of approximately 7% annually. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by increasing applications in the food and beverage sector, particularly in bakery products where collagen protein serves as both a protein enrichment solution and a functional ingredient. The segment's expansion is further supported by rising demand in the personal care and cosmetics industry, where marine collagen specifically is witnessing a growth rate of around 8% in value terms. The increasing consumer awareness about collagen protein's benefits in skin health, joint support, and anti-aging properties is fueling this growth, particularly among health-conscious consumers.

Remaining Segments in Protein Type

The European animal protein market encompasses several other significant segments, including milk protein, gelatin, egg protein, casein and caseinates, and insect protein. Milk protein holds a substantial position due to its widespread use in infant formula and dairy alternatives. Gelatin maintains its importance through applications in the confectionery and pharmaceutical industries. Egg protein continues to be valued for its superior nutritional profile and functionality in various food applications. The emerging insect protein segment is gaining traction in animal feed applications, while casein and caseinates remain crucial in specialized food processing applications. Each of these segments contributes unique functional properties and nutritional benefits to their respective applications, collectively enriching the market's diversity.

Segment Analysis: End User

Food & Beverages Segment in Europe Animal Protein Market

The Food & Beverages segment dominates the Europe animal protein market, commanding approximately 70% of the market share in 2024. This substantial market position is primarily driven by the rising demand for protein-enriched food products across various applications, including bakery, beverages, dairy alternatives, and confectionery items. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by consumers' growing preference for functional foods with additional health benefits, particularly in countries like Portugal, Italy, and Spain, where health is considered a crucial factor in food purchasing decisions. The bakery sub-segment leads the F&B category, accounting for about 54% of the protein consumption, followed by beverages and dairy alternatives, showcasing the diverse application potential of animal proteins in food products.

Personal Care & Cosmetics Segment in Europe Animal Protein Market

The Personal Care & Cosmetics segment is emerging as the fastest-growing sector in the European animal protein market, projected to expand at approximately 6% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer awareness regarding protein-based personal care products and their benefits for skin and hair health. The segment's expansion is particularly notable in premium beauty products, with Germany showing significant interest as reflected in its high per capita spending on cosmetics at around USD 151 per year. The growth is further supported by the rising trend of protein-enriched skin, body, and hair care products, with manufacturers offering protein ingredients in distinct concentrations to meet specific requirements. The segment is also benefiting from the increasing adoption of e-commerce channels, particularly in the United Kingdom, where online retail's share has shown significant growth.

Remaining Segments in End User

The Animal Feed and Supplements segments complete the market landscape, each serving distinct yet crucial roles in the European animal protein market. The Animal Feed segment is particularly significant in supporting the region's extensive livestock and pet food industries, with an increasing focus on protein-enriched feed products for improved animal health and productivity. The Supplements segment, on the other hand, caters to the growing demand for protein-based nutritional products, particularly in sports nutrition and elderly care. Both segments are experiencing steady growth driven by increasing awareness of protein benefits in animal nutrition and human supplementation, with manufacturers continuously innovating to meet specific requirements across different applications and consumer groups.

Europe Animal Protein Market Geography Segment Analysis

Animal Protein Market in Russia

Russia dominates the European animal protein market, holding approximately 15% market share in 2024. The market is primarily driven by the food and beverage sector, with gelatin being the most popular animal protein. The country's growing Islamic and Jewish communities, which together represent over 10% of the population, are driving increased demand for non-pork-derived gelling agents, particularly beef and fish gelatin. The bakery industry plays a crucial role in the Russian market, accounting for 42% of the total animal proteins consumed. The market structure is characterized by a mix of large-scale manufacturers and small to medium enterprises, with about 94% of bakery enterprises being small and mid-sized businesses. The country's extensive network of production facilities, including over 690 large bakeries, 4,800 mid-sized enterprises, and more than 7,000 small and micro-bakeries, supports the robust demand for animal proteins.

Animal Protein Market in Turkey

Turkey emerges as the most dynamic market in Europe, projected to achieve a remarkable growth rate of approximately 7% during 2024-2029. The market's expansion is driven by shifting consumer preferences, increased urbanization, and evolving demographics, particularly the emergence of a younger generation of health-conscious consumers. The beverage application segment shows particular promise, with functional drinks gaining significant traction among consumers under 30 years of age, who represent 50% of functional drink consumption. The country's bakery sector remains a cornerstone of animal protein consumption, with 75% of the population consuming bakery products daily. The market is also witnessing increased demand for collagen protein-based medical supplements, driven by dermatologist recommendations and growing awareness of collagen's benefits in strengthening skin, boosting elasticity, and maintaining hydration.

Animal Protein Market in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom's animal protein market demonstrates strong momentum, particularly in the whey protein segment. The market is characterized by increasing health consciousness and a growing fitness culture, evidenced by the rising number of health club memberships. The supplements sector shows particular vibrancy, with sports nutrition leading the demand. Consumer preferences are evolving towards healthier alternatives, with a notable trend towards organic and grass-fed whey protein products, driven by both health and ethical considerations. The market also benefits from strong e-commerce penetration, with online retail channels significantly supporting market growth. The country's robust research and development activities in protein ingredients applications, particularly in sports nutrition and weight management products, continue to drive innovation in the sector.

Animal Protein Market in Germany

Germany's animal protein market showcases strong fundamentals, with gelatin and whey proteins being the dominant segments. The beverage sub-segment demonstrates particular dynamism, supported by high per capita consumption of fruit juices, where gelatin plays a crucial role in removing precipitates and improving product clarity. The sports and performance nutrition sector shows remarkable potential, driven by the expanding fitness industry and increasing health consciousness among consumers. The country's market is characterized by strong research and development activities, particularly in protein-enriched formulations. The trend towards clean-label products and natural ingredients continues to shape product development, while the growing preference for protein-fortified beverages drives innovation in delivery formats.

Animal Protein Market in Other Countries

The animal protein market across other European countries, including France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, exhibits diverse growth patterns and consumption preferences. These markets are characterized by varying levels of maturity and different consumer preferences for protein applications. France shows particular strength in sports nutrition applications, while Italy demonstrates growing demand for collagen protein-based products. The Netherlands benefits from its strong dairy industry infrastructure, while Belgium and Spain show increasing demand for protein-enriched functional foods. These markets are witnessing evolving consumer preferences towards healthier and more sustainable protein sources, with increasing focus on clean-label products and natural ingredients. The regulatory environment across these countries continues to shape market development, while local dietary preferences and cultural factors influence product adoption patterns.