The European Whey Processors Association (EWPA) has published a report on the future trajectory of the whey industry. The project, led by Benno van Mersbergen, director of product strategy and marketing at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, examined the external forces that could shape the future of the whey industry and how manufacturers can adapt to these potential scenarios.
 
Whey is a primary protein found in cow’s milk, and contains all nine essential amino acids and is highly soluble. It is used in specialty applications such as infant formula, sports nutrition, and in healthy aging formulas.
 
Whey has a range of applications, and, as a side stream of cheese production, makes use of existing materials. However, more can be done to ensure the production is as sustainable as possible. Meanwhile, the rising cost in fuel, global supply chain issues, and reduced production volumes is having a significant effect on the industry.
 
Possible Scenarios
 
Using insights from whey sector experts, the white paper presents its findings on the basis of an impact-uncertainty axis. It considers economic, environmental, political, regulatory, social, and technological factors impacting the whey industry, along with consumer research. The white paper concludes with four possible future outcomes for the whey market:
 

• Whey for All: food security becomes a top global priority for policy makers, and the decline in dairy herds eases and farm costs are relieved. There is no limitation on the whey available.
• New Horizons: reduced emissions becomes a top global priority, leading to a reduction in dairy herds and resultant increase in farming costs. Global whey output and meat consumption decreases, leading to reduced demand and whey becoming a more specialized ingredient.
• Wheyvolution: environmental restrictions increase while global conflicts and geopolitical tensions also mount, limiting free trade. Food security becomes a high global priority so whey output increases, and consumers continue to use whey alongside alternative proteins in their diets.
• Indispensable Whey: Slowing climate change becomes the top global priority and this speeds the decline in dairy herds, resulting in significantly reduced whey output. Demand for protein continues to grow, however, supply limitations force formulators to use alternative proteins, with whey only being used where it cannot be substituted

“Whey proteins are an important source of nutrition for a broad range of consumers including infants, athletes, and our aging population,” said van Mersbergen. “By highlighting the importance of a collaborative industry approach, we hope these insights will help whey manufacturers identify opportunities for innovation to make sure we’re getting the best quality proteins to those who need them as efficiently as possible.”
 
“The whey industry is intrinsically connected to and affected by global market forces,” said Luis Cubel, EWPA president. “It’s important for policymakers to take a wide view of the potential impact on the whey sector when setting legislative priorities. Through the publication of this in-depth report, our aim is to deepen the conversation about the future of the whey industry and its likely trajectory over the coming years. By examining the current state of play and potential outcomes of external influences affecting the whey sector, we can better prepare ourselves and our members for what the future might hold.”