Global dairy and food companies are heavily investing in protein-rich whey, driven by soaring demand linked to the rise of weight-loss drugs and healthier eating trends. Traditionally a cheese-making by-product used as pig feed, whey is now a vital component in food products aimed at consumers seeking to prevent muscle loss. According to StoneX consultancy, the price of 80 per cent protein whey concentrate (WPC 80) has surged by almost 90 per cent in the past year, reaching 20,000 euros (\$23,410) per metric ton. This far surpasses increases in other dairy segments, including powdered milk and cheese. While improved health awareness and ageing populations have also boosted whey prices, the GLP-1 trend is the key factor behind demand, interviews with a dozen companies and people working in the dairy and food sector showed.…