Wheat Protein Market Introduction

Wheat protein is a plant-based protein that is derived from wheat grains. It is commonly used as a food ingredient in a wide range of applications, including bakery products, meat products, and vegetarian and vegan products. Wheat protein is a good source of amino acids, making it a popular ingredient in sports nutrition products and dietary supplements.The demand for wheat protein is increasing due to the growing trend of plant-based diets and the rising demand for high-protein food products. Wheat protein is also used as a functional ingredient in food products, as it can improve the texture, binding, and moisture retention of food products.The global wheat protein market is driven by the increasing demand for healthy and nutritious food products, the growing trend of vegetarian and vegan diets, and the rising demand for high-protein food products. The market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing adoption of wheat protein in the food and beverage industry.

Wheat Protein Market Size

The global wheat protein market was valued at USD 2.28 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 3.29 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2026.The bakery and snacks segment is expected to continue to dominate the wheat protein market during the forecast period, due to the increasing demand for bakery and snack products and the use of wheat protein in these products to improve their texture, nutritional value, and shelf-life.The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period, due to the increasing demand for processed food products and the growing population in the region. The increasing health awareness among consumers and the rising trend of plant-based diets are also driving the demand for wheat protein in the region.Wheat protein isolates are expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, due to their high protein content and functional properties. Wheat protein isolates are widely used in sports nutrition products, dietary supplements, and other high-protein food products.Overall, the global wheat protein market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for healthy and nutritious food products, the rising trend of vegetarian and vegan diets, and the growing demand for high-protein food products.

Wheat Protein Market Share

The wheat protein market is highly competitive and is dominated by a few major players. Some of the key players in the global wheat protein market include:

1. Archer Daniels Midland Company
2. Cargill, Incorporated
3. Roquette Freres S.A.
4. Tereos S.A.
5. MGP Ingredients, Inc.
6. Manildra Group
7. Kerry Group plc
8. Gluten Free Flours, LLC
9. The Scoular Company
10. Glico Nutrition Co., Ltd.

These companies are focusing on expanding their product portfolio and geographical presence through mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations. They are also investing in research and development activities to develop new and advanced wheat protein products that offer improved performance in food processing applications.Based on the product type, wheat protein concentrates are expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period, due to their widespread use in various food applications, including bakery products, meat products, and vegetarian and vegan products.Geographically, Europe is expected to dominate the global wheat protein market, due to the high consumption of wheat-based products in the region and the growing demand for high-protein food products. North America and Asia-Pacific are also expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, due to the increasing adoption of wheat protein in the food and beverage industry in these regions.

Wheat Protein Market Trends

Some of the major trends observed in the global wheat protein market are:

1. Growing demand for plant-based protein: With the rising awareness about health and sustainability, consumers are increasingly shifting towards plant-based protein sources. Wheat protein, being a plant-based protein source, is gaining popularity as a viable alternative to animal-based proteins.
2. Increasing use of wheat protein in the food industry: Wheat protein is widely used in the food industry as a functional ingredient due to its ability to improve the texture, nutritional value, and shelf-life of food products. The increasing demand for processed and convenience food products is driving the growth of the wheat protein market.
3. Development of new wheat protein ingredients: The development of new wheat protein ingredients, such as hydrolyzed wheat protein and wheat protein isolates, has expanded the application of wheat protein in the food industry. These ingredients offer improved functionality and are increasingly being used in the production of specialized food products.
4. Growing demand for clean-label and natural ingredients: With the rising demand for clean-label and natural food products, there is an increasing demand for wheat protein ingredients that are derived from natural sources and can be used as clean-label ingredients in food products.
5. Technological advancements in wheat protein processing: The development of new processing technologies, such as extrusion and fermentation, has led to the production of wheat protein with improved functionality and nutritional value. This has expanded the application of wheat protein in the food industry, particularly in the production of plant-based meat alternatives.

Wheat Protein Market Driving factors

The global wheat protein market is primarily driven by the following factors:

1. Growing demand for plant-based protein: The increasing awareness about health and sustainability is driving the demand for plant-based protein sources, including wheat protein.
2. Growing demand for convenience and processed foods: The demand for convenience and processed food products is on the rise, particularly in emerging economies, which is driving the demand for wheat protein as a functional ingredient in food products.
3. Rising health consciousness among consumers: Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for food products that offer nutritional benefits. Wheat protein is a good source of protein and is increasingly being used in the production of functional food products.
4. Increasing use of wheat protein in animal feed: Wheat protein is used as an ingredient in animal feed due to its high protein content and nutritional value. The growing demand for meat and dairy products is driving the demand for wheat protein in the animal feed industry.
5. Technological advancements in wheat protein processing: The development of new processing technologies, such as extrusion and fermentation, has led to the production of wheat protein with improved functionality and nutritional value. This has expanded the application of wheat protein in the food industry, particularly in the production of plant-based meat alternatives.

Wheat Protein Market Regional Analysis

The global wheat protein market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.Europe is the largest market for wheat protein, due to the high consumption of wheat-based products in the region and the growing demand for high-protein food products. The presence of major wheat protein manufacturers and increasing investments in research and development activities to develop new and innovative wheat protein products are also driving the growth of the market in the region.North America is also a significant market for wheat protein, due to the increasing demand for plant-based proteins and the growing trend of healthy eating among consumers. The rising demand for gluten-free products and the increasing use of wheat protein as a substitute for meat-based proteins in vegetarian and vegan products are also driving the growth of the market in the region.The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period, due to the increasing demand for processed food products and the growing population in the region. The increasing health awareness among consumers and the rising trend of plant-based diets are also driving the demand for wheat protein in the region.South America and Middle East & Africa are also expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, due to the increasing demand for healthy and nutritious food products and the growing trend of vegan and vegetarian diets in these regions. However, the lack of awareness among consumers and the high cost of wheat protein products may hinder the growth of the market in these regions.

Wheat Protein Market Forecasts 2030

The global wheat protein market is expected to continue growing steadily over the next decade, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4.5% from 2021 to 2030. The increasing demand for plant-based protein sources, particularly in developed regions such as North America and Europe, is expected to be a major driver of market growth.The demand for wheat protein as a functional ingredient in processed and convenience food products is also expected to contribute to market growth. The growing popularity of meat alternatives, particularly in developed countries, is expected to drive the demand for wheat protein isolates and concentrates, which are used in the production of plant-based meat products.The increasing demand for natural and clean-label ingredients is also expected to drive the demand for wheat protein, as it is derived from a natural source and can be used as a clean-label ingredient in food products. However, the availability of alternative plant-based protein sources, such as soy and pea protein, may pose a challenge to the growth of the wheat protein market.In terms of regional analysis, North America and Europe are expected to be the largest markets for wheat protein, with Asia-Pacific expected to be the fastest-growing market due to the growing demand for convenience food products and increasing health consciousness among consumers.

Wheat Protein Market Key Industry Players

The wheat protein market is highly competitive and is dominated by a few major players. Some of the key players in the global wheat protein market include:

1. Archer Daniels Midland Company
2. Cargill, Incorporated
3. Roquette Freres S.A.
4. Tereos S.A.
5. MGP Ingredients, Inc.
6. Manildra Group
7. Kerry Group plc
8. Gluten Free Flours, LLC
9. The Scoular Company
10. Glico Nutrition Co., Ltd.

These companies are focusing on expanding their product portfolio and geographical presence through mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and collaborations. They are also investing in research and development activities to develop new and advanced wheat protein products that offer improved performance in food processing applications.For instance, in 2020, Archer Daniels Midland Company launched a new range of high-protein wheat concentrates, called Nutriance, which are specifically designed for plant-based meat and dairy products. Similarly, in 2019, Roquette Freres S.A. launched a new range of wheat protein isolates, called NUTRALYS T70S, which are suitable for various food applications, including bakery products, snacks, and nutritional bars.Other key players in the market include Agridient B.V., Crespel & Deiters GmbH & Co. KG, CropEnergies AG, Glico Nutrition Co., Ltd., Meelunie B.V., and Tereos Syral.