Lactalis strengthens its presence in the sports nutrition and wellness market with the acquisition of Protein Works, a British company specializing in high-protein products. The transaction, financial details of which were not disclosed, confirms the French dairy giant's strategy of expanding its portfolio in the fastest-growing segments related to health and nutrition.
Founded in Liverpool in 2012, Protein Works develops, manufactures, and markets a wide range of protein products for health-conscious consumers, including protein shakes, meal replacements, supplements, and functional snacks. The company operates a direct-to-consumer model and has an integrated manufacturing site in Liverpool, serving the UK and numerous European markets, including Germany, France, and Italy.
According to Lactalis, Protein Works generates annual revenues of approximately €65 million (£55 million) and has sold over 500 million shakes since its founding. The company had been backed by YFM Equity Partners since 2019, which with this transaction marks its exit from the investment.
For Lactalis, this represents a further step in its diversification into the high-value nutrition sector. In recent years, the group has invested heavily in the protein and functional nutrition segments, capturing a constantly growing demand driven by consumers interested in fitness, weight management, and overall well-being. Among the most significant transactions was the 2018 acquisition of the US skyr brand Siggi's.
"The addition of this innovative company and its talented teams strengthens our position in the rapidly growing active nutrition market," said Lactalis President Emmanuel Besnier. "By combining our expertise in milk proteins and health nutrition with the strength of the Protein Works brand, we will continue to develop products that meet new consumer expectations."
Protein Works CEO Laura Keir also expressed satisfaction, calling the company's entry into the Lactalis Group "an exciting new chapter." According to Keir, the industrial and commercial synergies between the two companies will accelerate the brand's international growth and reach new consumers.
The acquisition is part of a period of significant consolidation in the nutrition and wellness sector. In recent months, several companies have strengthened their presence through strategic acquisitions, such as Applied Nutrition in the United States and Danone in the complete nutrition segment. This trend, according to industry players, is expected to continue throughout 2026, fueled by growing interest in functional, protein-based, and health-focused products.
