Whey market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the whey market in Norway experienced notable shifts in volume. After reaching 19 972 t in 2019, the market size declined to 19 093 t in 2020, coinciding with the global COVID-19 pandemic which affected consumption and industrial development in the natural whey protein segment. The market then stabilized at 18 737 t in 2021.

In 2022, the market volume dropped sharply to 9 570 t. During this period, industry reports highlighted a growing consumer focus on sustainability and personalized marketing, as well as a general increased demand for natural and high-quality whey products. Additionally, whey protein production in Norway remained closely tied to import and production activities in Denmark, emphasizing quality and traceability. By 2023, the market recovered to 15 476 t.

Trade data show that imports remained modest until 2021 but began to rise thereafter, reaching 712 t by 2025. Exports fluctuated initially, then surged after 2022, exceeding 20 000 t in 2025, indicating strong international demand for Norwegian whey.

Production whey in Norway

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Norway ranked as the 28th largest producer of whey globally.

Top producers of whey, 2018-2021

World map of production of whey, 2018-2021

Norway's whey production declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 20 K t of whey, representing a slight decrease of 1.8% compared to the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 21 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 1.4%.

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

Exports whey from Norway

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 945 t, while the maximum occurred in 2018, resulting in a 5.3-fold difference between these years. In 2021, whey exports from Norway totaled 1 603 t, marking a slight rise of 1.3% from the year before. The largest decline was observed in 2019 at 81.0%, and the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 67.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom were the top buyers of whey from Norway, accounting for 42.6%, 33.4%, and 19.5% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 95.5% of Norway's total whey exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Norway's whey exports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 1 961 K $ US, reflecting a robust uptick of 23.3% compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 002 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 66.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 58.8%. Overall, between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 34%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.0%.

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

During 2018–2021, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Denmark formed the main cluster of markets for Norway's whey exports in value terms, with shares of 43.8%, 29.8%, and 23.1%, respectively. Combined, these three countries accounted for 96.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports whey to Norway

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 50 t, while imports peaked in 2021, creating a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, whey deliveries to Norway totaled 89 t, which is 78.3% higher than the previous year. The largest decline was observed in 2020 at 24.8%.

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

Over 2018–2021, imports of whey to Norway in kind were largely concentrated on France, which accounted for 75.2% of total flows; other countries together formed the residual share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Norway's whey import volume in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports tallied 263 K $ US, marking an improvement of 20.3% from a year earlier. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 148 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 53.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 47.8%. Over the period 2018-2021, imports decreased by 17.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.3%.

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

In 2018–2021, France, Austria, and Hungary were the main destinations in the geographical breakdown of whey imports to Norway in value terms, accounting for 39.3%, 17.8%, and 17.1% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 74.2% of total import flows.

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

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