Lactalis acquires UK active nutrition brand Protein Works
Key takeaways
- Lactalis has acquired Protein Works to strengthen its position in the fast-growing active nutrition market and expand the brand’s reach internationally.
- The deal combines Protein Works’ direct-to-consumer expertise and digital capabilities with Lactalis’ dairy protein and large-scale manufacturing strengths.
- The acquisition reflects a broader wave of consolidation in the nutrition sector as companies seek growth through strategic investments and portfolio expansion.
The Lactalis Group has acquired UK-based active nutrition brand Protein Works, which offers a range of protein-based products across Europe.
The dairy giant says it will accelerate Protein Works in the UK and global markets by combining the brand’s know-how, digital capabilities, and brand equity with Lactalis’ expertise in dairy proteins, nutrition, and large-scale operations.
Protein Works’ products include shakes, meal replacements, wellness supplements, and snacks. According to Lactalis, the company has built a strong direct-to-consumer model with locally manufactured products.
“We are very pleased to welcome Protein Works to Lactalis,” says Emmanuel Besnier, chairman of Lactalis.
“The integration of this innovative company and its talented teams strengthens our position in the fast-growing active nutrition market, and we are confident we can continue to create products that respond to changing consumer expectations.”
Financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed at the time of publishing.
Industry concentrations
Lactalis’ latest acquisition highlights ongoing industry consolidations in food and nutrition.
For example, yesterday, UK nutrition and wellness brand Applied Nutrition acquired US sports nutrition manufacturer Nutrablend Group for US$16 million to expand its presence in North America. Applied Nutrition’s CEO, Thomas Ryder, says the move helps establish the company’s manufacturing and innovation platform in the region to better grow its business.
“The US remains a major long-term growth market for the Group, and this investment gives us the infrastructure and flexibility to support that opportunity. We are looking forward to building on the opportunities this creates for Applied Nutrition and our partners across North America.”
Similarly, Danone expanded its functional nutrition portfolio by acquiring Huel, which offers complete, nutritionally balanced meal solutions. Danone said the purchase would extend its portfolio into Complete Nutrition with Huel’s portfolio of ready-to-drink beverages and powders.
Nutrition Insight recently explored the surge in acquisitions in the nutrition space with H&H Group, which owns multiple brands in health, human, and pet nutrition. The company’s CFO & COO, Jason Wang, told us that there is a strong appetite for acquisitions and investments into the health and wellness market, specifically in nutrition.
He also said that he expected fewer but higher-quality deals throughout 2026. “Further consolidation is inevitable.”
