Whey market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

The Australian whey market volume grew from 78.0 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 109.6 thousand tons in 2022, driven by expanding fitness culture and direct industry investment. Fonterra's substantial expansion in 2018 and the 2022 opening of Kerry Ingredients' innovation center for whey-based ingredients boosted production capacity and product innovation, while the rapid growth of fitness centers and gyms increased consumption.

Consumer preferences shifted decisively toward sustainable, clean-label, and specialized whey products, exemplified by FrieslandCampina's launch of a new ingredient and the integration of whey into bakery and snack items. The rise of online sales channels improved market access, and strong sports participation among young adults sustained demand, though market volume adjusted to 78.9 thousand tons in 2023.

Throughout the period, the market was shaped by continuous entry of major players and R&D focused on protein isolation and customization. Factors such as the growing preference for grass-fed, antibiotic-free products and the emphasis on post-workout recovery kept the market dynamic, with online shopping growth further supporting sales.

Production whey in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Australia ranked as the 14th largest producer of whey globally.

Top producers of whey, 2018-2021

World map of production of whey, 2018-2021

In 2021, Australia produced 108 K t of whey, representing a 12.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 97 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 5.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Whey production in Australia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 212.4 M $ US, marking an 18.8% rise from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production surged by 58.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports whey from Australia

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Australia's cross-border shipments of whey totaled 30 973 t, showing a modest decline of 3.4% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 19.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 29 952 t, with the largest decline that year at 21.7%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia were the top contributors to Australia's whey exports in kind, accounting for 32.0%, 16.8%, and 13.3% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 62.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Whey shipments from Australia to abroad increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 60 694 K $ US, reflecting a slight increase of 2.3% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 21%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 42 820 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 14.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a jump of 38.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During the 2018-2021 period, three key markets—Indonesia, China, and Thailand—collectively absorbed 60.5% of Australia's total whey exports in value terms.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports whey to Australia

Imports in kind, t

Australia's whey import volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 9 144 t, down by 20.7% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 34.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -13.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018-2021, the United States, Austria, and Norway were the largest sources of whey imports in kind for Australia, together accounting for 64.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Australia's whey imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 39 942 K $ US, a decrease of 8.9% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 29.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Austria, and Germany were the largest suppliers of whey to Australia in value terms, contributing 39.9%, 25.5%, and 6.9% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 72.2% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021