French dairy giant Lactalis has acquired UK-based nutrition brand Protein Works as part of its strategy to expand further into the rapidly growing market for protein-rich foods, sports nutrition, wellness products, and meal replacement products.
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Liverpool, Protein Works sells protein shakes, meal replacements, supplements, and high-protein snacks directly to consumers online across the UK and Europe. The company generates approximately €65 million in annual revenue and has built a strong presence in markets including Germany, France, and Italy.
The acquisition gives Lactalis several strategic advantages:
- Faster Entry Into High-Growth Nutrition Categories – Consumer demand for protein-focused products continues to rise as more people focus on fitness, weight management, and overall wellness. Protein Works provides Lactalis with an established brand and customer base in this fast-growing segment.
- Direct-to-Consumer Capabilities – Protein Works has built a successful online-first business model, allowing Lactalis to strengthen its direct relationship with consumers beyond traditional grocery retail channels.
- Complementary Expertise – Lactalis brings extensive dairy protein expertise, manufacturing scale, supply chain capabilities, and international distribution, while Protein Works contributes product innovation and functional nutrition know-how. Executives from both companies highlighted the potential synergies between these strengths.
- International Growth Opportunities – Lactalis plans to accelerate Protein Works’ expansion in both the UK and global markets while preserving the brand’s identity and team. All Protein Works employees have joined the Lactalis Group.
The transaction follows Lactalis’ broader push into health and nutrition categories, including previous acquisitions such as the skyr yogurt brand Siggi’s and other recent dairy and nutrition investments worldwide.
Financial terms of the Protein Works acquisition were not disclosed.
