The meat producers "comax" according to the collagen trend of influencers

Taking advantage of the growing demand for the collagen protein, meat companies are now trying to make money from parts of the cow that are not usually sold to grocery stores and restaurants. The cow's skin, bones, cartilage and fat are used in food supplements, drinks, snacks and skin care products – all of which have started to be sold in quantities.

The Financial Times writes that the increased interest in the protein comes from influencers who have recently promoted animal products as healthy and natural alternatives in social media. Collagen can, among other things, be attractive for those who want better digestion or for those who do not want wrinkles. The body produces the protein naturally and gives firmness to the skin and bones.

Sales of bovine-based collagen in the world amounted to around the equivalent of SEK 43 billion in 2025, according to Grand View Research, which the FT refers to.

The new trend has caused the Brazilian company JBS, the world's largest meat producer, and the American Darling Ingredients to expand their operations.

- About half of the animal does not end up on the plate and this creates business opportunities. The growing protein interest in the past year has also brought us new customers, says Suann Guthrie at Darling Ingredients to the FT.

Darling today accounts for around 30 percent of the global production of collagen and gelatin, according to the newspaper. JBS customers in Brazil use their collagen in protein water, cheese spread and non-alcoholic beer.

- I'm in the health business now, said Thomas Odermatt of the California-based company Butcher's, which produces fresh bone broth.