The global buttermilk powder market is projected to witness substantial growth from 2024 to 2031, expanding at a value-based CAGR of 7.2%. Expected to increase from USD 3.11 billion in 2024 to around USD 5.09 billion by 2031, this growth is fueled by rising consumer demand for nutritious, processed food products and increasing applications in the food and animal feed industries.
Increasing health awareness and busy lifestyles are steering consumers toward processed foods, of which buttermilk powder is a key ingredient due to its health benefits and convenience. According to the USDA, processed foods are those that undergo preservation or transformation procedures, such as drying or packaging, to enhance shelf life and storage efficiency. As consumer preference for exotic flavors and nutritious ingredients grows, demand for buttermilk powder rises across applications in processed foods, especially in bakery, soups, and meat products.
Key Market Drivers
1.Substitute for Skimmed Milk Powder: Buttermilk powder is increasingly used as a substitute for skimmed milk powder, which contains oxidized cholesterol. Buttermilk powder, conversely, offers similar protein content with less health risk, boosting its popularity in applications requiring a rich dairy flavor.
2.High Solubility and Emulsifier Capacity: With higher solubility than skimmed milk powder, buttermilk powder is favored in food and beverage production, particularly where enhanced flavor and texture are desired. Its natural emulsifying properties also increase its use in culinary applications.
3.Rising Use in Animal Feed: Buttermilk powder's composition of lactose, proteins, and minerals, along with its long shelf life, makes it a valuable component in animal feed, especially in pet and pig feed. Its phospholipid content supports feed cost efficiency without compromising nutritional value for animals.
4.Preference for Premium, Shelf-Stable Food Products: Busy lifestyles and higher disposable income drive demand for food products with long shelf life. Buttermilk powder meets these requirements due to its low moisture content, which helps prevent oxidation and increases its longevity.
Business Opportunity
With increasing consumer preference for convenient, healthy products, buttermilk powder offers significant business opportunities across the processed foods and animal feed sectors. The potential for buttermilk powder in these sectors is anticipated to grow due to its functional benefits and health advantages over traditional dairy products. As technology advances, leading companies are focusing on innovative packaging solutions to further extend product shelf life and meet consumer demand for stable, long-lasting ingredients.
Regional Analysis
- Europe: The largest regional market, Europe holds around 38% of the global buttermilk powder market share. This dominance is expected to persist, driven by growing awareness of health benefits and demand for premium food ingredients.
- North America: This region ranks as the second-largest market, with increased consumer awareness around shelf-stable food options supporting buttermilk powder adoption.
- East Asia: China leads the East Asian market with 72% market share, fueled by high demand for buttermilk powder in food applications and its robust manufacturing and distribution infrastructure.
Category-wise Insights
- End Use Segments: The food and beverage industry holds the largest share (42%) within end-use applications, as buttermilk powder is incorporated into sauces, soups, and meat products to deliver rich, exotic flavors.
- Distribution Channels: While business-to-business transactions represent the bulk of the market share, the business-to-consumer segment is poised for strong growth, with an anticipated CAGR of 8.5%, driven by consumer preference for purchasing from online retail, specialty stores, and supermarkets.
Competitive Analysis
Key players are investing in R&D to discover new applications for buttermilk powder in both food and non-food sectors. Companies like Hoogwegt Group, Continental Dairy Facilities LLC, All American Foods, Agropur, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, and California Dairies, Inc. are exploring innovative solutions for product enhancement and extending shelf life, contributing to increased product stability and versatility across various industries.
Key Players
- Hoogwegt Group
- Continental Dairy Facilities, LLC
- All American Foods
- Agropur
- DFA Ingredients Solutions
- Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
- IPS-Ingredis
- Lactalis Ingredients
- North Cork Creameries
- NOW Health Group
- California Dairies, Inc
- Dairygold Deutschland Handels GmbH
- Westland Milk Products
- Uelzena Group
- Valio Ltd.
- GFN Foods Sales Inc.
- Numidia BV
- Bempresa
- ACE International LLP
- Michigan Milk Producer association
Buttermilk Powder Market Segmentation
By Nature:
By End Use:
- Food & Beverage Industry
- Animal Feed Industry
- Foodservice Industry
- Retail/Households
By Distribution Channel:
- Business to Business
- Business to Consumer
- Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Online Retail
- Specialty Stores
By Region:
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- South Asia & Pacific
- East Asia
- Middle East & Africa