Top 5 Bovine Lactoferrin Companies Transforming the Future of Nutrition and Infant Formula

Surging advancements in biotechnology and research and the heightened significance of health and wellness has created a pool of new avenues for industry players in the bovine lactoferrin space. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness economy has taken an upward trajectory following the COVID-19 pandemic, hitting a value of USD 6.3 trillion in 2023. This accounts for around 6.03% of the global GDP and also indicates a surging demand for nutrition and wellness products. This has resulted in an elevation in research endeavors aimed at the development of quality ingredients to be used in health supplements. 

In May 2025, Daisy Lab, New Zealand-based precision fermentation company announced a major milestone in its work for the production of bovine lactoferrin. Following a year of research, the company announced capability to produce multiple grams per liter of the protein in a yeast host. This initiative has opened doors to bioidentical lactoferrin’s production at a commercial scale for use in applications such as supplements, functional foods, infant formula, and nutraceuticals. A rise in similar research initiatives is anticipated to offer an abundant supply of the ingredient to suffice its surging demand. By 2032, the global market for bovine lactoferrin is set to reach USD 922.2 million from USD 676.2 million in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.0% over 2024 to 2032, says Fortune Business Insights. In 2023, the market value stood at USD 667.3 million. 

What is Bovine Lactoferrin: Overview and an Insight into the Competitive Analysis 

Bovine lactoferrin is a milk protein which is gaining popularity for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant physiological functions. Owing to its iron-binding ability and the regulation of sequestration and release of iron in the human body, the protein is used in numerous products such as tablets, supplements, and infant formula. The globally mounting awareness regarding the benefits of lactoferrin is driving its adoption in numerous applications such as dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals. Compared to chemical molecules, naturally derived ingredients are embracing popularity, which is augmenting lactoferrin demand in both developing and developed countries. 

To cater to the escalating demand and harness the available growth opportunities, industry players are keen to join forces with other players and are initiating research initiatives focused on finding cost-effective production methods. The bovine lactoferrin industry depicts a significant presence of mid-tier and established companies. Mergers, the takeover of companies that align with business goals, and investments in product development are among other initiatives industry participants are undertaking to expand their global footprints. The establishment of new manufacturing units and enhancement of production capacities are additional steps deployed by pivotal companies. 

The top bovine lactoferrin companies and the key steps adopted to strengthen their industry positions are as follows: 

1. MILEI GmbH: 

MILEI GmbH is one of the leading industry players with a revenue of USD 4.98 billion in 2023. During the same year, the company held a 17.0-18.0% revenue share in the global market. MILEI conducts its business under five segments that comprise B2B, core dairy foods, nutritional and healthcare foods, global business, and other/eliminated. The company is keen to undertake expansion initiatives and partnerships to make the most of available opportunities. An instance is its December 2022 initiative aimed at selling the BF-1 and BF-2 lactoferrin-fortified toddler and infant milk formulas in Bangladesh. 

2. FrieslandCampina Ingredients: 

FrieslandCampina Ingredients accounted for the second-largest market share and has a significant presence in over 30 countries comprising the Netherlands, Germany, and others. The bovine lactoferrin player conducts its business via four segments, comprising specialized nutrition, food & beverage, trading, and ingredients its revenues hit USD 15.56 billion in 2023. Furthermore, in March 2023, FrieslandCampina Ingredients made it to the headlines for the expansion of its Veghel-based lactoferrin manufacturing unit in the Netherlands. The move led its annual capacity to reach 80 metric tonnes. 

3. Bega Bionutrients (Bega Cheese Limited): 

Bega Bionutrients (Bega Cheese Limited), which conducts its business in two divisions: bulk and branded, held a moderate market share and accounted for a revenue of USD 2.54 billion in 2023. The company has an extensive sales network of manufacturers, retailers, agents, and distributors that spans over 40 countries and owns around 199 production sites in Australia. To strengthen its market standing, Bega is keen to acquire other players that align with its business goals. An instance is the January 2021 acquisition of Lion Dairy & Drinks. The move aimed at enhancing brand presence through portfolio expansion.

4. Synlait Ltd: 

Synlait Ltd, one of the top bovine lactoferrin companies, is operational in numerous international markets comprising New Zealand, Australia, China, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia and conducts business via two groups, including Dairyworks and Synlait. In 2023, the company hit a revenue of USD 1.60 billion. In June 2023, Synlait secured approval from China’s SAMR (State Administration for Market Regulation) for the production and export of infant formula to China from its Dunsandel facility. 

5. Noumi Limited: 

Noumi Limited accounted for a significant market share and held a revenue of USD 0.41 billion in 2023. The bovine lactoferrin company provides more than 150 products across numerous countries, including China, New Zealand, and North America, and owns 6 advanced factories. The company’s nutritional ingredient and dairy operations are situated in Singapore and China. In August 2023, Noumi Limited struck a partnership with HMRI (Hunter Medical Research Institute) for conducting studies aimed at investigating PUREnFERRIN Lactoferrin as a potential preventive treatment for common respiratory viruses.  

In the Years to Come: Rise in Infant Formula Demand to Propel Lactoferrin Demand

The product demand is likely to expand with the surging clinical benefits of bovine lactoferrin-based products such as enhanced digestion and immunity in infants. An increase in the population of working women in various regions is further set to push the ingredient demand in infant formulas for breastfeeding. In addition, the soaring health consciousness among people is likely to propel the demand for health supplements, creating new growth opportunities for industry players in the forthcoming years.