Sports Nutrition in Australia & How Contract Manufacturing Helps

The sports nutrition industry in Australia is booming, driven by a growing focus on health, fitness, and performance-based nutrition. From protein powders to energy bars and electrolyte drinks, consumers are demanding high-quality, scientifically-backed products that support their active lifestyles.

For brands looking to enter or expand in this space, contract manufacturing offers a powerful solution to scale efficiently while maintaining product quality and compliance.

The Growth of Sports Nutrition in Australia

Australia’s sports nutrition market has seen significant growth over the past decade, fuelled by:

  • Increased Health Awareness – More consumers are prioritising nutrition for energy, muscle recovery, and overall well-being.
  • Rise in Active Lifestyles – With more Australians participating in fitness, endurance sports, and strength training, demand for high-performance supplements continues to climb.
  • Innovation in Functional Ingredients – From plant-based proteins to nootropic-enhanced pre-workouts, brands are evolving to meet consumer demand for science-backed, clean-label formulations.
  • E-commerce Boom – The ease of online shopping has enabled direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands to thrive, increasing the need for flexible and scalable manufacturing solutions.

How Contract Manufacturing Supports Sports Nutrition Brands

Whether you’re a start-up looking to launch a new product or an established brand wanting to expand your range, working with a contract manufacturer offers multiple benefits:

1. Faster Time to Market

Contract manufacturers have ready-to-use production facilities, eliminating the need to invest in expensive equipment or setup costs. This allows brands to launch products faster and stay ahead of competitors.

2. Access to Cutting-Edge Formulations

With extensive R&D expertise, contract manufacturers can assist with:

  • Custom formulations for pre-workouts, protein powders, BCAAs, and recovery blends.
  • Optimising ingredient sourcing to meet clean-label and APCO-compliant packaging requirements.
  • Regulatory compliance with Australian food safety and sports supplement standards.

3. Cost-Effective Scaling

Scaling production in-house can be expensive and time-consuming. Contract manufacturers help brands manage:

  • Bulk ingredient purchasing to reduce costs.
  • Production flexibility, allowing brands to scale up or down based on demand.
  • Elimination of capital investment in facilities, staff, and machinery.

4. Quality Control & Compliance

Sports nutrition products require strict quality assurance to maintain product safety and consistency. A trusted contract manufacturer ensures:

  • Batch testing for ingredient purity and compliance.
  • Advanced packaging solutions to maintain product freshness and shelf stability.
  • Stringent regulatory checks to meet Australian food standards and export requirements.

5. Sustainable & Innovative Packaging

With growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging, contract manufacturers provide:

  • Eco-friendly sachets, tubs, and pouches that align with APCO-compliant guidelines.
  • Custom branding options to help products stand out on shelves and in online marketplaces.

Why Partner with Mansfields for Your Sports Nutrition Manufacturing?

At Mansfields, we specialise in dry food contract manufacturing, offering industry-leading blending, filling, and packaging solutions for sports nutrition brands. Unlike many manufacturers, we don’t have our own brand—our priority is your brand’s success.

Expertise in high-protein powders, functional blends & performance supplements
Advanced blending & filling capabilities to support product innovation
APCO-compliant packaging solutions for a sustainable future
Fast, scalable manufacturing to help you meet consumer demand

Final Thoughts

The sports nutrition market in Australia is evolving rapidly, with consumers demanding high-quality, functional, and sustainable products. Contract manufacturing provides brands with the agility, expertise, and efficiency needed to compete and scale successfully.

If you’re looking for a trusted manufacturing partner to bring your sports nutrition product to market, Mansfields is here to help. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your brand’s growth.

Get in touch to explore manufacturing solutions tailored to your needs.

For more information visit us here www.mansfields.com.au
or
Call (03) 9701 8711