Colostrum Market

Market Overview

The global colostrum market size was valued at USD 1.25 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 1.83 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.31% during the forecast period (2024–2032). In recent years, people have been inclined and focused on their health like never before. As colostrum is known for its immense health benefits, its consumption is increasing, which is anticipated to drive the global market. Moreover, in recent times, key market players in the colostrum industry are taking up several strategic initiatives to enhance their market share, thereby creating opportunities for market growth.

The first milk that mammals—including humans—produce in the days immediately following childbirth is called colostrum. It's exceptionally rich in nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors, crucial for the newborn's health and development. This thick, yellowish fluid protects against infections, aiding the infant's immature immune system.

Colostrum also acts as a laxative, helping to expel meconium, the newborn's first stool, which contains waste accumulated during gestation. Its high concentration of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals supports the newborn's rapid growth and provides energy.

Colostrum's antibodies help establish a protective barrier in the infant's gastrointestinal tract, preventing harmful bacteria from invading. Thus, colostrum is vital in jumpstarting the newborn's immune system and providing essential nutrients for a healthy start in life.

Highlights

• Cow dominates the source segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Global Colostrum Market Drivers:

Growing Awareness of Colostrum's Health Benefits

Growing awareness of colostrum's health benefits is a key driver in the colostrum market's growth trajectory. Colostrum is increasingly recognized for its immune-boosting properties, digestive health benefits, and overall nutritional richness. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious, seeking natural and functional foods to support their well-being. Colostrum's reputation as a source of essential nutrients, growth factors, and antibodies positions it favorably in the market.

Moreover, the worldwide population is increasingly prioritizing their health and adopting a physically active way of life. According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Body (IHRSA), a trade body for commercial health clubs based in Boston, the number of individuals using health clubs was 58 million in 2010 and climbed to 73.6 million in 2019. In addition, Germany had 11.7 million individuals who were members of health clubs. These health clubs and fitness centers employ consulting dietitians who significantly impact the usage of colostrum amongst health and fitness enthusiasts. Consequently, these factors are estimated to boost the market expansion.

Global Colostrum Market Restraint:

Seasonal Variability

Seasonal variability poses a significant restraint on the colostrum market due to its direct correlation with the calving season of dairy animals. Colostrum, produced in the initial days after childbirth, is subject to fluctuations in supply throughout the year. The seasonal nature of calving leads to periods of abundance and scarcity, impacting the availability and stability of colostrum supply. This variability can disrupt the market's ability to meet demand consistently, leading to challenges in maintaining inventory levels and fulfilling orders. Moreover, it can also result in price fluctuations, as scarcity drives up prices during low-supply periods. This is estimated to hinder market growth.

Global Colostrum Market Opportunities:

Strategic Initiatives by the Key Players

Strategic initiatives by key players in the colostrum market, such as product innovation, expansion into new markets, and strategic partnerships, drive growth and market dominance. For instance, in November 2019, PanTheryx, a biotechnology firm focused on harnessing the benefits of bovine colostrum-based treatments, disclosed a lucrative partnership between its subsidiary APS BioGroup and VitaDairy, the prominent Vietnamese nutritious dairy company.

The agreement's signing is crucial for VitaDairy, the market for Growing-Up Milk, and the well-being of children in Vietnam. APS BioGroup and VitaDairy have entered into a three-year agreement, where APS BioGroup will be the sole producer and supplier of a bovine colostrum ingredient called Colos IgG 24h for VitaDairy. VitaDairy's ColosBaby product line in Vietnam will feature this exclusive colostrum as its primary component. Such initiatives are expected to create opportunities for market growth.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global colostrum market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. 

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global colostrum market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. The North American colostrum market benefits from a strong customer base and has promising growth potential, owing to the well-developed dairy industry in the region. According to recent data from the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS), Americans now consume more dairy products than in previous years. In 2020, the dairy consumption of Americans amounted to around 655 pounds. The per capita dairy consumption in the United States rose to 667 pounds in 2021. The latest data, released in September 2022, indicate a consistent upward trend in dairy consumption since 1975 when the USDA first measured the annual consumption of milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products. The per capita dairy consumption in the United States was 539 pounds in 1975.

Additionally, advancements in colostrum processing technologies have enhanced product quality, making it more appealing to consumers. The growing prevalence of chronic illnesses and a shift towards preventive healthcare drive the demand for colostrum-based supplements. Moreover, expanding e-commerce platforms has widened the reach of colostrum products, making them more accessible to consumers. Collectively, these factors contribute to the increasing prominence and growth of the colostrum market in North America.

The Middle East and Africa is expected to witness sluggish growth. The regional market is propelled by the rising demand for colostrum products in households that provide essential nutrients to infants. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), in sub-Saharan Africa, around 1.16 million babies die in the first month every year, making it one of the regions with the highest infant mortality. Several organizations and associations are taking initiatives to provide better health essential packages and facilities to pregnant women in the region so that they can attend to dire situations. As per the African Development Bank Group (AfDB group), the proportion of underweight children decreased from 34% in 1990 to 24% in 2012. Moreover, the increasing investment in sub-Saharan Africa's agribusiness and animal husbandry sector is surging the market growth.

Segmental Analysis

The global colostrum market is bifurcated into source, grade, product, nature, and application.

Based on the source, the global colostrum market is segmented into cow, buffalo, and bovine. 

The cow segment held the highest market share. The cow segment is estimated to hold high shares in the global market due to the shifting preference of customers to cow milk over other milk sources. On average, 1kg of IgG can be extracted from each cow immediately after calving. Recognized for its remarkable health properties, humans increasingly seek colostrum for its potential to boost immune function, aid in digestion, and promote wellness. Cow colostrum, when ethically and sustainably harvested, is a natural powerhouse that presents a promising way to improve human health and well-being.

Based on grade, the global colostrum market is bifurcated into less than 15% IgG, 15%–40% IgG, and more than 40% IgG.

A colostrum product containing more than 40% IgG grade signifies a potent concentration of these protective antibodies. This concentration indicates superior immune support, as IgG antibodies play a pivotal role in defending against various pathogens and boosting overall immunity. Products with such high IgG content are often sought after for their efficacy in enhancing immune function, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.

Moreover, colostrum quality is crucial, as it directly correlates with its efficacy in providing immune support and other health benefits. Therefore, colostrum supplements exceeding 40% IgG grade are highly valued for their potential to offer robust immune support and overall health benefits.

Based on the product, the global colostrum market is bifurcated into whole colostrum and skimmed colostrum.

Skimmed colostrum separates the fat portion from colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid produced by mammals, including humans, in the first few days after giving birth. Colostrum contains essential antibodies, proteins, and growth factors crucial for the newborn's health and immune system development. Skimming removes the fat layer, resulting in a product with reduced fat content while retaining its vital nutritional components. This process may be done to produce a low-fat version of colostrum for specific dietary or medical purposes. Despite the fat removal, skimmed colostrum remains a valuable source of immune-boosting nutrients, making it beneficial for newborns and individuals with specific health needs.

Based on nature, the global colostrum market is bifurcated into conventional and organic colostrum.

Organic colostrum comes from animals raised on organic farms, where they're fed organic diets and aren't treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics. This ensures that the colostrum produced is free from harmful chemicals and additives. Organic colostrum is valued for its potential health benefits, including boosting immune function, promoting gut health, and aiding overall growth and development. It's often sought after by individuals looking for natural supplements to support their health and wellness. Due to its organic nature, it appeals to those concerned about consuming products free from synthetic additives and produced in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Based on application, the global colostrum market is bifurcated into dietary supplements, animal feed, cosmetics, infant formula, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

Colostrum has gained attention in the cosmetics industry for its potential skincare benefits. Rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and growth factors, colostrum is believed to promote skin rejuvenation and repair. In cosmetics, it's often incorporated into creams, serums, and masks for its moisturizing, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. Colostrum's high levels of immunoglobulins also make it appealing for its potential to strengthen the skin's barrier function and protect against environmental aggressors. Further, its natural antimicrobial properties can aid in combating acne and other skin conditions. As consumers increasingly seek natural and effective skincare ingredients, colostrum's diverse array of benefits positions it as a promising ingredient in the cosmetics industry.

Recent Developments

• February 2024- ARMRA Colostrum added new products to its Liquid Gold superfood supplements range. In March 2023, the company introduced the Vine Watermelon Immune Revival travel packs, rapidly gaining popularity as a best-selling flavor. This success led to a surge in consumer demand for a bulk product. Customers can now purchase the Vine Watermelon Immune Revival Bulk Jar.
• June 2023- VitaDairy Vietnam Joint Stock Company (VitaDairy), one of Vietnam's leading powdered milk manufacturers, reached a huge achievement by becoming the top partner of Pantheryx (USA), the world's largest colostrum-producing business. The certification ceremony took place on June 22, 2023, in Arizona, attended by US Governors and internationally acclaimed nutrition experts.