Whey market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French whey market expanded from 593.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 732.8 thousand tons in 2023, peaking at 756.8 thousand tons in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by increasing demand for whey protein in sports nutrition and dietary supplements, fueled by product diversification into higher-value segments like WPC80. Additionally, heightened export competition, particularly from Belarus, reduced French whey exports, making more product available domestically.

Market volume experienced fluctuations, dropping to 611.9 thousand tons in 2020 amid price volatility linked to energy costs and global market shifts. In 2023, the market decreased to 732.8 thousand tons as imports contracted significantly, even though domestic production reached 855.7 thousand tons. Throughout the period, major producers like Eurosérum maintained significant capacity, while fitness and wellness trends continued to stimulate consumption.

Production whey in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France held the fourth position globally in whey production.

Top producers of whey, 2017-2020

World map of production of whey, 2017-2020

France's whey production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 735 K t of whey, marking a 9.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 16.7%, with an average annual decline of 5.9%. The highest production level was in 2018 at 902 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 10.0% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports whey from France

Exports in kind, K t

France's whey exports decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 306.7 K t, down 1.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 5.1%, averaging an annual decline of 1.7%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 423.2 K t. The sharpest decline was in 2019 at 26.3%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 30.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France's export partner structure for whey in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. The Netherlands accounted for 21.1% of exports, China for 16.0%, and Indonesia for 9.4%, together making up 46.4% of total flows. The remaining 53.6% was distributed among many other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

France's whey export value increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 433.6 M $ US, up 5.2% year-over-year. However, from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 2.1%, with an average annual decline of 0.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 405.2 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 8.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical structure of France's whey exports in value terms was highly diversified. China represented 19.5% of export value, the Netherlands 14.2%, and Indonesia 8.9%, together accounting for only 42.6% of total flows. The remaining 57.4% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020

Imports whey to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's whey imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 183.2 K t, a moderate 5.2% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 50.4%, with an average annual decline of 20.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 114.7 K t, which also experienced the largest decline of 69.0%. The biggest increase occurred in 2019 at 51.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland were the key partners for France's whey imports in kind. Italy contributed 35.4% of imports, Germany 18.9%, and Switzerland 13.2%, together representing 67.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, France's whey import value increased. In 2020, imports totaled 166.8 M $ US, a solid 16.8% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 9.2%, with an average annual decline of 3.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 142.9 M $ US, while the largest decline was in 2018 at 20.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands were the main suppliers of whey to France in value terms. Germany accounted for 29.5% of import value, Italy for 19.8%, and the Netherlands for 19.4%, together comprising 68.7% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020