Protein Ingredients Market Companies Analysis

The global protein ingredients industry is set for robust expansion, projected to grow from US$ 50.31 billion in 2024 to US$ 89.21 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 6.57% between 2025 and 2033.

This growth is fueled by increasing consumer focus on health, nutrition, and active lifestyles. Demand for protein-enriched foods, sports nutrition, dietary supplements, dairy alternatives, and plant-based products continues to rise. Technological improvements in protein extraction, purification, and functional formulation have enhanced product versatility across applications.

With rising veganism, clean-label preferences, and sustainability awareness, plant-based proteins such as soy, pea, rice, and canola are gaining significant traction. Meanwhile, animal-based proteins remain strong in sports and clinical nutrition segments.

Market Overview

Protein ingredients are derived from both plant and animal sources and are widely used across:

  • Functional beverages

  • Bakery and confectionery

  • Meat alternatives

  • Dairy alternatives

  • Nutraceuticals

  • Sports nutrition

Shifting dietary patterns, urbanization, and increasing disposable incomes are accelerating global demand. Companies are innovating with allergen-free, non-GMO, and sustainable protein solutions to meet evolving consumer expectations.

Leading Companies in the Protein Ingredients Market

DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

Established: 1802
Headquarters: Wilmington, Delaware, USA

DuPont is a diversified science and technology company providing advanced materials and specialty ingredients. In the protein ingredients segment, the company focuses on functional food solutions, advanced processing technologies, and sustainable ingredient innovation. Its broad industry presence spans healthcare, clean energy, aerospace, and food & beverage sectors.

MGP Ingredients

Established: 1941
Headquarters: Atchison, Kansas, USA

MGP Ingredients specializes in wheat proteins, starches, and specialty ingredients. The company serves food processing and packaged goods industries while also operating in premium distilled spirits. Its protein solutions support bakery, snacks, and plant-based formulations.

Kerry Group plc.

Established: 1972
Headquarters: Tralee, Ireland

Kerry Group is a global leader in taste and nutrition solutions. Its portfolio includes protein fractions, enzymes, bioactives, fermented ingredients, and functional food components. Kerry serves food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries globally.

Glanbia Plc.

Established: 1997
Headquarters: Kilkenny, Ireland

Glanbia produces sports and lifestyle nutrition products, including protein powders, ready-to-drink beverages, dairy ingredients, and functional food components. Its strong brand portfolio and global distribution network enhance its market position.

Bunge Limited

Established: 1818
Headquarters: Chesterfield, Missouri, USA

Bunge is a global agribusiness and food processing company engaged in oilseed processing and plant-based protein production. The company supplies vegetable oils, protein meals, and food ingredients to global food manufacturers.

Sustainability Analysis

Kerry Group plc

Kerry aligns its sustainability strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on:

  • Zero Hunger (Goal 2)

  • Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3)

  • Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12)

In 2023, Kerry reached over 1.25 billion consumers with positive nutritional solutions. The company achieved:

  • 48% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions

  • 39% reduction in food waste

Sustainability remains central to its long-term growth strategy.

SWOT Analysis Highlights

Axiom Foods

Strength – Innovative Product Portfolio

Axiom Foods offers patented proteins such as Oryzatein® rice protein and VegOtein™ pea protein. These allergen-friendly, chemical-free proteins align with clean-label and sustainable nutrition trends.

Opportunity – Expanding Plant-Based Market

Growing veganism, lactose intolerance, and sustainability awareness present major opportunities. Strategic partnerships and expansion into functional foods can enhance revenue and global footprint.

Burcon NutraScience

Strength – Proprietary Extraction Technology

Burcon NutraScience holds patents for extracting proteins from pea, canola, soy, hemp, and sunflower. Its technology supports clean-label, high-quality protein production.

Opportunity – Strategic Partnerships

Collaborations with food and beverage manufacturers enable commercialization and global expansion of plant-based protein solutions.

CHS Inc.

Strength – Diversified Business Portfolio

CHS Inc. operates across agronomy, grain marketing, and energy sectors. Its cooperative structure ensures long-term stakeholder alignment.

Opportunity – Technological Advancement

Precision agriculture, automation, and data analytics provide growth potential. Sustainable practices enhance competitiveness in evolving markets.

Recent Developments

  • May 2025: Bunge Limited invested EUR 484 million in a soy protein concentrate facility in Indiana, strengthening its plant-based protein portfolio.

  • March 2024: Cargill, Incorporated expanded renewable energy capacity by 42%, adding 300 MW of solar and wind power.

  • March 2024: Archer Daniels Midland Co. donated US$ 1 million to Water.org to support safe water and sanitation initiatives globally.

These developments highlight industry-wide commitments to sustainability, capacity expansion, and diversification.

Market & Company Analysis Coverage

The report provides in-depth coverage of:

  • Historical Trends

  • Forecast Analysis

  • Market Share Analysis

  • Company Overview

  • Business Model & Operations

  • Executive Leadership

  • Mergers & Acquisitions

  • Sustainability Strategies

  • Product Benchmarking

  • SWOT Analysis

  • Revenue Insights

Companies covered include:

  • Archer Daniels Midland Co.

  • DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

  • MGP Ingredients

  • Kerry Group plc.

  • Tessenderlo

  • CHS Inc.

  • Crop Energies AG

  • Glanbia Plc.

  • Cargill, Incorporated

  • Roquette Frères

  • Bunge Limited

  • Axiom Foods

  • Puris

  • Burcon NutraScience

Final Thoughts

The protein ingredients market is on a strong upward trajectory, projected to reach US$ 89.21 billion by 2033. Rising health awareness, plant-based adoption, clean-label demand, and sustainability commitments are reshaping the competitive landscape.

Industry leaders are investing in advanced extraction technologies, renewable energy, and strategic partnerships to secure long-term growth. As global consumers prioritize protein-rich and sustainable diets, protein ingredients will remain a foundational pillar of the food and nutrition industry for years to come.