Whey market in Australia and New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The whey market volume in Australia and New Zealand declined from 123 thousand tons in 2018 to 105 thousand tons in 2021. During these years, rising health consciousness and fitness trends bolstered demand for whey protein in sports nutrition and supplements. However, global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly affected the availability of whey, contributing to the market contraction during the period.

Market volume rebounded sharply to 134 thousand tons in 2022, driven by expanded local production. This growth was supported by Fonterra's launch of grade A whey protein concentrate for the cultured dairy industry and its collaboration with Royal DSM on a precision fermentation startup for sustainable dairy proteins. In 2023, the market volume fell to 102 thousand tons. Subsequently, in 2024, Fonterra strengthened local manufacturing capacity by inaugurating a dedicated whey processing center in Tauranga to increase output of high-purity isolates. The market continues to be shaped by major dairy companies and persistent consumer interest in health and protein-rich products.

Production whey in Australia and New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of whey, 2018-2021

World map of production of whey, 2018-2021

Whey production in Australia and New Zealand has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 135 K t, marking a 6.8% rise compared to 2020. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 126 K t, which represented a 5.1% decline from the previous year.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Whey production in Australia and New Zealand has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the value of whey output stood at 284.1 M $ US, reflecting a significant 21.9% increase over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production value rose by 51.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.9%.

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

Exports whey from Australia and New Zealand

Exports in kind, t

Whey export volumes from Australia and New Zealand have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 47 285 t, showing minimal change compared to 2020. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 43 503 t, which saw a sharp 20.3% decline. However, exports rebounded in 2020 with an 8.6% increase. Overall, from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 13.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia, Malaysia, and China remained the primary buyers of whey from Australia and New Zealand in volume terms. Indonesia accounted for 25.4% of exports, Malaysia for 18.1%, and China for 16.9%. Together, these three countries represented 60.4% of total whey exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Whey export values from Australia and New Zealand have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 99.7 M $ US, showing a strong 14.2% increase over the previous year. The lowest export value was recorded in 2019 at 69.5 M $ US, which experienced a 9.7% decline. However, exports surged in 2020 with a 25.7% increase. From 2018 to 2021, export values grew by 29.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia were the leading buyers of whey from Australia and New Zealand in value terms. China accounted for 23.7% of exports, Indonesia for 19.5%, and Malaysia for 13.2%. Collectively, these three countries made up 56.4% of total whey exports by value.

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

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

Imports whey to Australia and New Zealand

Imports in kind, t

Whey imports into Australia and New Zealand have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 17 744 t, representing a substantial 47.6% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, import volumes fell by 60.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -26.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, France, the United States, and Germany remained the key sources for whey imports into Australia and New Zealand in volume terms. France accounted for 24.9% of imports, the United States for 19.9%, and Germany for 13.8%. Together, these three countries supplied 58.7% of total whey imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Whey import values into Australia and New Zealand have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports were valued at 70.9 M $ US, down by 40.1% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, import values dropped by 46.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -18.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Austria, and Germany remained the leading sources for whey imports into Australia and New Zealand in value terms. The United States accounted for 22.9% of imports, Austria for 17.7%, and Germany for 15.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 56.5% of total whey imports by value.

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

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