Chan Ye Xin Xi Wang·2025-06-20 01:37Core Viewpoint - Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein from the transferrin family, is gaining attention for its nutritional benefits and health properties, particularly in the health, pharmaceutical, and food industries, with significant market growth expected in China [1][4][19]. Industry Definition and Classification - Lactoferrin is classified into three types based on iron ion binding: iron-deficient, iron-saturated, and iron-half-saturated. It can also be categorized into natural lactoferrin and recombinant lactoferrin, the latter produced through advanced technology [2]. Current Industry Development Status - The domestic lactoferrin market is heavily reliant on imports, with 2024 production expected to be around 2 tons against a demand of over 185 tons, indicating substantial import substitution potential. By 2025, production is projected to reach approximately 4.5 tons with a demand of about 205.2 tons [4][6]. Market Size and Trends - The domestic lactoferrin market size fluctuated significantly, peaking at 2.015 billion yuan in 2018. It is expected to reach 1.447 billion yuan in 2024 and approximately 1.539 billion yuan in 2025, with the health supplement sector contributing 462 million yuan and 497 million yuan respectively [6][19]. Industry Chain Structure - The lactoferrin industry chain includes upstream raw materials primarily sourced from dairy cattle, midstream production focusing on high-purity lactoferrin formulations, and downstream applications in infant formula, health supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed [8][10]. Competitive Landscape - Major players in the lactoferrin market include international suppliers like Westland, Synlait, and DMV, with domestic leaders such as Feihe and Yili leveraging technological advancements and capacity expansion to dominate the market [12][15]. Key Companies - Feihe has established itself as a leading infant formula producer with significant investments in R&D and production capabilities, reporting a total revenue of 19.532 billion yuan in 2024 [15]. - Yili focuses on dairy product innovation and has received multiple awards for its lactoferrin products, achieving a total revenue of 115.78 billion yuan in 2024 [17]. Future Development Trends - The lactoferrin industry is expected to see increased production capacity and diversification of technological pathways, with expanding application scenarios in areas such as nanomedicine and cancer treatment [19].