Whey market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The whey market in Southern Asia grew significantly from 44 987 t in 2018 to a peak of 55 033 t in 2019, fueled by increasing consumer awareness of whey as a biofunctional ingredient and shifting dietary preferences toward health and nutrition. This demand surge was supported by the expanding reach of e-commerce between 2015 and 2020, which made protein powders more accessible beyond major cities, and by domestic manufacturing scale that helped lower prices. Major dairy companies like Amul, Mother Dairy, and Haldiram's began entering the whey protein and protein-enriched snack segment from 2021 onward, turning these products into impulse buys through direct-to-consumer and quick-commerce channels.

After a market correction in 2020 and stabilization around 49 710 t in 2021, volume climbed again to 52 741 t in 2022. This recovery was primarily driven by rising fitness awareness, the proliferation of gyms, and government-backed technological initiatives such as the Centre for Smart Protein in Bengaluru, which supported sustainable protein production. New product segments like protein-rich ice creams from startups emerged, catering to evolving consumer tastes. Although domestic production rose sharply to over 20 000 t in 2022, import restrictions and supply chain bottlenecks began to pose challenges.

By 2023, the market stabilized at 52 505 t. Parag Milk Foods invested in expanding whey processing capabilities, and private sector participation increased. However, import constraints, global supply shortages influenced by China's large imports, and inflationary pressures led to price hikes. Into 2024, major dairy firms continued to expand high-protein product lines, including shakes and powders, while distribution channels widened through modern trade and e-commerce. Consumer demand remained strong due to health consciousness and fitness trends, though supply chain disruptions and exploration of alternative proteins like precision fermentation began shaping the market landscape.

Production whey in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of whey, 2017-2020

World map of production of whey, 2017-2020

Southern Asia's whey production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 15 K t of whey, marking a sharp 36.4% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 10.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest production level was in 2018, at 9 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 36.4%.

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

Exports whey from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 31 t and peaked in 2017, with a 166-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Southern Asia's whey exports totaled 38 t, representing a steep 25.5% gain compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 99.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of whey exports in kind was highly diversified. Benin accounted for 17.5% of exports, Uzbekistan for 9.5%, and Iraq for 3.9%, together making up only 30.9% of total flows. The remaining 69.1% came from a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports bottomed in 2019 at 14 K $ US and peaked in 2017, with a 414-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Southern Asia's cross-border whey shipments were recorded at 58 K $ US, showing a sharp 305.0% gain from 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, at 99.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

An analysis of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Uzbekistan contributed 11.5% of exports, Benin 8.2%, and Iraq 4.8%, together accounting for just 24.5% of total flows. The remaining 75.5% was spread among other partners.

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

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

Imports whey to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

After rising for two years, Southern Asia's whey import volumes declined. In 2020, imports stood at 35 949 t, corresponding to a solid 18.6% year-over-year fall. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8.1%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 2.8%. The highest import level was in 2019 at 44 186 t, which also saw the largest increase of 11.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, France, and Poland were the primary suppliers of whey to Southern Asia in kind. Turkey accounted for 28.4% of imports, France for 28.1%, and Poland for 9.7%, jointly representing 66.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Southern Asia's whey import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 49 307 K $ US, representing a 10.9% year-over-year rise. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 25.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.0%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 37 994 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 3.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 17.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, France, and the United Arab Emirates stood out as the main markets for whey imports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 27.0% of imports, France for 24.2%, and the UAE for 14.7%, together representing 65.9% of total flows.

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

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