DUBLIN — Surging demand for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs has boosted sales of protein supplements and driven a sharp rally in shares of Irish nutrition company Glanbia Plc, market participants said on Tuesday.
Glanbia, whose brands include Optimum Nutrition protein powders popular among athletes and gym users, has seen its stock rise significantly this year amid broader consumer interest in high-protein products to help manage muscle retention and nutrition needs while using the medications. Shares in the company have more than doubled over the past year and were among the top performers in their sector in 2026, trading near record highs, according to market data.
The company has positioned itself to benefit from shifting consumer diets. In March, Glanbia CEO Hugh McGuire described the trend as supportive for the business. “Protein as a macro is in strong demand for consumers who are taking GLP-1,” McGuire said. “They need energy, and they need vitamin and mineral supplementation. That plays across all parts of the Glanbia business. So, from our perspective, we see GLP-1 as a tailwind for our entire organisation.”
GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide-based treatments, suppress appetite and can lead to rapid weight loss, prompting many users to seek nutrient-dense options, particularly protein sources, to help preserve muscle mass. Industry reports and company statements indicate increased interest in protein powders, bars and ready-to-drink products among this consumer group.
Glanbia reported strong first-quarter 2026 performance in April, with like-for-like revenue growth of 7.2% and raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share outlook to the upper end of its medium-term guidance range of 7% to 11% on a constant currency basis. The company has also returned capital to shareholders through buybacks.
The broader whey protein market has faced supply constraints even as demand rises, partly because GLP-1 users tend to consume less cheese, a key source of whey byproduct, according to industry observers. Glanbia and other producers are investing in additional capacity to address the imbalance.
Analysts and competitors have noted similar trends across the nutrition sector, with several food and ingredient companies highlighting opportunities in high-protein, nutrient-dense formulations tailored to weight-management consumers. Glanbia has conducted research showing protein as a preferred choice for meal replacements among GLP-1 users.
As of Tuesday, Glanbia shares continued to reflect positive investor sentiment tied to these dynamics, though the company has cautioned it continues to monitor the wider geopolitical and economic environment. Details on the precise contribution of GLP-1-related demand to recent results were not specified in the latest public updates.
Glanbia operates in performance nutrition, nutritional solutions and other segments, serving both consumer and business-to-business markets globally.
