{
  "id": 636756,
  "title": "Kiwi dairy industry rides the Wegovy wave as whey protein booms",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/kiwi-dairy-industry-rides-the-wegovy-wave-as-whey-protein-booms",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-12T05:43:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RNZ Business",
    "slug": "rnz-business",
    "url": "https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/976162/kiwi-dairy-industry-rides-the-wegovy-wave-as-whey-protein-booms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Zealand dairy companies are reaping the benefits of a global surge in demand for bioactive proteins found in cow's milk, such as whey. This increase in demand is attributed to its potential in boosting immune health or aiding muscle development for elderly or appetite-suppressant patients. Whey, which is a protein-rich by-product, is extracted from fresh cow's milk after fat and casein protein are removed. Prices for whey powder in the United States have risen by 76% in June, compared to the same period last year, with spot prices up 60% since the start of 2026. With the rise of weight loss drugs known as GLP-1, which are appetite suppressants, there is a growing need for nutritiously dense foods, including whey proteins. Companies like Westland Milk are expanding their lactoferrin production to meet this demand. Meanwhile, a Waikato-based company, Quantec, is focusing on the health benefits of whey protein complex, such as reducing the frequency of colds in children, and selling it as a branded ingredient in dietary supplements.",
  "summary": "They are cashing in on a surge in global demand for bioactive proteins found in cow's milk, like whey, off the back of the surge in weightloss drugs.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}