The U.S. whey proteins market is expected to reach 472.3 million pounds by 2015, driven largely by functional advantages of whey proteins and surging demand from the nutrition industry, according to a new report.

Developments in technology of whey processing and investments in R&D are other major driving forces for the growth of the whey proteins market, according to Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Whey has emerged from being a low-profile commodity used in livestock feed to a value-enhancing ingredient with numerous desirable nutritional and functional properties. Developments in technology of whey processing and investments in R&D have led to greater recognition and understanding of the underlying health benefits associated with whey products. Whey protein market momentum is primarily being driven by the functional advantages of whey proteins, isolates and concentrates. Buoyed by surging popularity, whey has emerged to play a key role in the worldwide protein industry. Whey proteins play a vital role in the formulation of amino acid and protein profile in infant formulas, making it nutritionally similar to mother’s milk and thereby enhancing its nutritional value to infants.

The growing nutrition industry, which includes sports nutrition, dietary supplements, functional foods and clinical nutrition, is the principal driving force for the market growth. Moreover, high-end whey protein isolates (WPI), whey protein concentrates (WPC) and whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) are exhibiting substantial growth rates, owing to the rising demand from nutrition and health segments. With an enhanced focus on technological and functional properties, WPI, WPC and WPH are anticipated to widen their field and scope of application.

The U.S. and Europe dominate the global whey proteins market, as stated by the new market research report on whey proteins market. High-end technological developments in the utilization of whey proteins and enhanced investments in R&D are paving the way for development of newer and highly applicable whey derivatives. Moreover, with suppliers customizing their products as per the buyers’ specifications, demand for whey proteins is expected to increase in the coming years. However, rising prices of whey proteins are affecting global market demand, as formulators of food products in the food processing, bakery and confectionery sectors are switching to low cost proteins and vegetable oils.