Looking at the estimates by the United Nations (UN), the global population is increasing rapidly to reach 9.5 billion by the end of 2050. Along with increasing population and globalization, the global demand for food products is rising significantly. The world is undergoing various socioeconomic changes such as rising disposable income, ageing population, and urbanization. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and aware of the contribution of protein-rich food in healthy living, which is causing a transition in dietary patterns at the individual level. Increasing needs for adding protein in a healthy diet is leading to boost demand for protein ingredients globally.
Proteins – Building Blocks of Muscle Tissues
Proteins are organic compounds that are primarily made of 20 different types of amino acids. Amino acids play many critical roles by supporting almost all the metabolic processes in the human body. As the body cannot produce some types of amino acids, introducing protein-rich food products in a diet is important so as to avoid protein-deficiencies. Consumption of adequate amount of proteins is necessary for building muscles and repairing body tissues. Proteins act as a big source of energy for the human body and improve immunity to fight antigens such as virus and bacteria. Subsequently, growing awareness about the importance of its consumption in a diet is boosting the growth of the protein ingredients market.
Types of Proteins Based on its Original Source
Food products that contain all the types of amino acids are referred as complete proteins. Complete proteins are usually derived from animal-based food products. On the other hand, proteins derived from plant-based foods, which are called complementary proteins, are not considered as complete proteins. Plant-based foods need to be consumed in combination with animal-based food in order to add complete proteins in a diet.
As the human body cannot store proteins, plant-based foods and animal-based foods are the only sources for providing proteins to the body. Foods that contain animal-based proteins are fish, meat, eggs, dairy, and poultry, and foods that contain plant-based proteins mainly include nuts, lentils, and beans. Proteins derived from plants and animals are distinguished according to different types of amino acids contained in plant-based and animal-based foods. Animal-based protein ingredients contain a wide range of essential amino acids, whereas some plant-based proteins contain a relatively lower amount of amino acids. Even though some types of vitamins and nutrients are high in animal protein sources, consuming certain types of meat can cause diseases.
Consumers are becoming more conscious about their dietary intake and making critical choices while adding protein ingredient to their diet. Protein ingredient manufacturers in the world are keenly monitoring the factors influencing purchasing decisions of consumers. Consumer insights are expected to make a significant impact on the manufacturing and marketing strategies of protein ingredient manufacturers in the world.
Product Innovation to be a Popular Trend Among Protein Ingredient Manufacturers
Arla Foods, a Denmark-based manufacturer of dairy products, recently launched a new range of Complementary Feeding products that contain high-quality whey protein. The new product range supports dietary transition in infants from breast milk or infant formula to solid foods. The company also stated that the Complementary Feeding range contains whey protein extracted from cows’ milk as a primary ingredient, which delivers several health benefits such as allergy management, gut health, and bone development in babies.
FrieslandCampina DMV B.V, a global player in the protein ingredients market, unveiled a new product ‘Nutri Whey Native’, which is a natural and pure source of whey protein. The company incorporated advanced technologies such as ceramic microfiltration technology to ensure the nativity of the product. It targets growing consumer needs for natural and healthy products, by adding a high nutritional value in the product. More than 14% of leucine contents in ‘Nutri Whey Native’ make it simpler to reach the adequate levels of leucine for excellent muscle protein synthesis.
Cargill Inc., one of the biggest food manufacturers in the world, is currently focusing more on recognizing the exact consumer demands and introducing innovative protein ingredients. Cargill Inc. polled over 1,000 Americans in Dec. 2017 for its Feed4Thought survey, according to which around 62% millennials showed interest in protein ingredients with natural supplements. In the conclusion of the survey, the company mentioned that consumers are preferring protein ingredients derived from animals fed with natural feed additives. After identifying the growing demand for protein and increasing consumption of meat in the U.S., Cargill Inc. invested over $850 million in its animal protein business. The company is leveraging the latest developments in meat science, supply chain, and food trends to ensure long-term growth in the industry.
As consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are willing to change their dietary patterns with the inclusion of proteins, the global demand for protein ingredients is increasing rapidly. Apart from adopting innovative manufacturing technologies, market players are incorporating unique marketing strategies to attract more consumers. Collaborating with leading athletes to promote premium protein ingredients for sports nutrition may continue to be a popular trend among established food companies in the market. For instance, Brazil’s Adriano Bastos – an eight-time marathon winner – and Denmark’s Maja Alm – a gold-medalist in Orienteering and cross-country running – signed on as ambassadors for ‘Lacprodan® HYDRO.365’. ‘Lacprodan® HYDRO.365’ is the premium whey protein hydrolysate manufactured by Arla Foods.