Nutrition supplement maker Glanbia has raised its full-year profit forecast after strong demand for its protein products boosted first-half earnings. The Irish company now expects adjusted earnings per share to grow between 17% and 20% at constant currencies in 2026, significantly higher than its previous guidance of 7% to 11%. First-half earnings per share jumped 30%, while the company’s shares climbed more than 6% following the announcement.
The growth was driven by robust sales across Glanbia’s nutrition divisions, particularly its flagship Optimum Nutrition brand, whose sales increased by 25% in the first half of the year. Protein powders and shakes, once primarily associated with fitness enthusiasts, have gained wider popularity among consumers, including users of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs who are often advised to increase their protein intake.
According to Glanbia finance chief Mark Garvey, the growing use of weight-loss medications has contributed to higher demand for protein products. The surge in consumption has also pushed up the cost of whey, a key ingredient in protein supplements, with the company expecting double-digit increases in whey prices through 2026 and into 2027. Glanbia plans to implement another price increase for its Optimum Nutrition products later this quarter, which it expects could slightly moderate demand growth in the second half of the year.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
