Introduction
Whey production is a significant component of the global dairy industry, with several countries playing a key role in its production. In this report, we will delve into the top 10 whey-producing countries in the world in 2025, highlighting their production volumes, industry insights, and key players in the market.
1. United States
Production Volume:
The United States is one of the leading whey-producing countries in the world, with a significant share of the global market. In 2025, the country is expected to produce over 1.5 million metric tons of whey, driven by the robust dairy industry and technological advancements in production processes.
Industry Insights:
The U.S. whey industry is dominated by key players such as Glanbia, Hilmar Cheese Company, and Foremost Farms USA, who contribute significantly to the country’s whey production. The industry is characterized by a high level of competition, with companies focusing on product innovation and marketing strategies to stay ahead in the market.
2. EU-28
Production Volume:
The European Union (EU-28) is a major player in the global whey market, with a production volume expected to exceed 2 million metric tons in 2025. Countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands are key contributors to the region’s whey production.
Industry Insights:
The EU-28 whey industry is characterized by stringent regulations on dairy production and quality standards, ensuring high-quality whey products for consumers. Key companies in the region include Arla Foods, FrieslandCampina, and Lactalis, who have a strong presence in the global whey market.
3. China
Production Volume:
China has emerged as a major whey-producing country in recent years, with a production volume expected to reach 800,000 metric tons in 2025. The country’s growing dairy industry and increasing demand for whey products are driving this growth.
Industry Insights:
The Chinese whey industry is experiencing rapid expansion, with domestic companies such as Yili Group, Mengniu Dairy, and Bright Dairy playing a significant role in the market. The industry is poised for further growth, fueled by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits of whey products.
4. New Zealand
Production Volume:
New Zealand is known for its high-quality dairy products, including whey, with a production volume expected to reach 600,000 metric tons in 2025. The country’s favorable climate and advanced farming practices contribute to its strong position in the global whey market.
Industry Insights:
Key players in the New Zealand whey industry include Fonterra, Synlait Milk, and Westland Milk Products, who are known for their premium whey products. The industry is focused on sustainability and innovation, ensuring a competitive edge in the global market.
5. India
Production Volume:
India is a growing player in the global whey market, with a production volume expected to surpass 400,000 metric tons in 2025. The country’s expanding dairy industry and increasing focus on dairy exports are driving this growth.
Industry Insights:
The Indian whey industry is dominated by companies such as Amul, Mother Dairy, and Parag Milk Foods, who are investing in modern production facilities and technology to meet the growing demand for whey products. The industry is poised for further growth, fueled by increasing disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences.
6. Brazil
Production Volume:
Brazil is a significant whey-producing country in South America, with a production volume expected to reach 300,000 metric tons in 2025. The country’s strong agricultural sector and favorable climate contribute to its position in the global whey market.
Industry Insights:
Key players in the Brazilian whey industry include Lactalis do Brasil, Danone, and Nestlé, who are known for their high-quality whey products. The industry is focused on sustainable practices and product innovation, ensuring a competitive advantage in the global market.
7. Argentina
Production Volume:
Argentina is a key player in the global whey market, with a production volume expected to exceed 250,000 metric tons in 2025. The country’s rich agricultural resources and strong dairy industry contribute to its significant whey production.
Industry Insights:
The Argentine whey industry is characterized by companies such as Sancor, La Serenísima, and Mastellone Hermanos, who are leading players in the market. The industry is focused on product diversification and market expansion, catering to both domestic and international demand for whey products.
8. Australia
Production Volume:
Australia is a major whey-producing country in the Asia-Pacific region, with a production volume expected to reach 200,000 metric tons in 2025. The country’s advanced dairy industry and strong export capabilities contribute to its position in the global whey market.
Industry Insights:
Key players in the Australian whey industry include Murray Goulburn, Bega Cheese, and Fonterra Australia, who are known for their high-quality whey products. The industry is focused on sustainability and product innovation, ensuring continued growth in the global market.
9. Belarus
Production Volume:
Belarus is a key whey-producing country in Eastern Europe, with a production volume expected to exceed 150,000 metric tons in 2025. The country’s strong dairy industry and favorable government policies support its significant whey production.
Industry Insights:
The Belarusian whey industry is characterized by companies such as Savushkin Product, Bellakt, and Polotsk Dairy Plant, who are leading players in the market. The industry is focused on quality control and product innovation, ensuring a competitive edge in the global whey market.
10. Russia
Production Volume:
Russia is a growing player in the global whey market, with a production volume expected to reach 100,000 metric tons in 2025. The country’s expanding dairy industry and increasing focus on dairy exports are driving this growth.
Industry Insights:
The Russian whey industry is dominated by companies such as EkoNiva Group, Danone Russia, and Wimm-Bill-Dann, who are investing in modern production facilities and technology to meet the growing demand for whey products. The industry is poised for further growth, fueled by increasing disposable incomes and changing consumer preferences.
In conclusion, the global whey market is driven by key producing countries such as the United States, EU-28, China, and New Zealand, who play a significant role in meeting the growing demand for whey products worldwide. With evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements in production processes, the whey industry is poised for further growth and innovation in the coming years.
