The European plant protein market has recorded rapid growth in the past few years owing to increasing consumer interest in alternative proteins, and non-animal-based food products. The UK is the largest market for plant-based proteins in Europe. The demand for plant-based foods and supplements is increasing particularly, among millennials and the Gen Z population. This is primarily due to plant-based proteins emerging as the best alternative to animal protein that can offer all necessary amino acids.
Also, vegan population is rising in the region which is further supporting market growth. Germany has emerged as the leading force in Europe in the vegan-revolution. The country has one of the highest rates of vegans as compared to any other European country. As per a survey conducted by Veganz, vegan food producer, Germany vegan population doubled from 1.3 million in 2016 to 2.6 million in 2020, accounting for 3.2% of the population .
Among the other factors that are promoting the growth of the plant protein market - is the rising health and environmental concerns. Russia is the world’s fourth-largest polluter, contributing as much as 1.8 gigatons of carbon dioxide annually. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), livestock accounts for 14.5% of annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by human activity across the world. During livestock grazing, a large amount of carbon dioxide is released in the atmosphere which prompts global warming. Notably, beef and lamb produce a large amount of greenhouse gases. This has prompted many consumers and manufacturers to move away from animal-based protein products to protect the environment.
Alternative plant-based meats are gaining market space. In the UK, in particular, consumers have reduced their meat consumption to support plant-based alternatives. The demand for plant-based meat and meat products in the country is increasing at a high rate. The rising trend is helping plant-based food processors to focus on mimicking the texture by using ingredients such as methylcellulose, carrageenan, and xanthan gum. Similarly, these companies are also trying to find new ingredients that can provide authentic meaty taste such as jackfruit, pea, and leghemoglobin (heme protein extracted from soybeans).
In Italy, legume-based meat alternatives are gaining popularity. Soy based meat substitutes are slowly being replaced by legumes such as lentils, peas and chickpeas which are typically consumed as part of Italian national cuisine. In addition to being nutritionally abundant, legumes are also a much more sustainable source of protein as compared with animal protein.
Another popular trend in the region is the growing traction towards plant-based dairy alternatives. Dairy products such as cheese, butter, yoghurt, cream, and milk are an essential part of the daily French diet. Plant-based dairy alternative is gaining traction in France, giving direct competition to fresh dairy products, cream, and milk. Various French dairy producers including Danone, Bel Group, Sodiaal, and Lactalis have ventured into the plant-based dairy alternatives to cash on the trending market by either bringing in change in existing products or acquiring plant-based alternative companies.
Innovation in the alternate protein sector is likely to accelerate the disruption in the plant protein ingredients space. Food manufacturers are developing new and reformulated products to drive more consumer interest in the rapidly expanding industry. However, with traditional meat producers and retailers joining vegetarian focused companies in producing plant-based products, the pace of innovation in the ingredients sector is set to further accelerate in the region.
Pea protein is one of the key ingredients in the plant protein market in Europe. As one of the best alternatives, pea protein is gaining market share due to its sustainability, nutrition, and functionalities. Moreover, pea protein is gaining popularity as a replacement for other plant-based proteins such as soy protein, due to its higher levels of amino acid content.
Furthermore, pea protein is easier to digest as compared to soy and other animal-derived proteins. Therefore, protein ingredient producers are focusing more on introducing pea-based protein products in the region. For instance, the Moscow burger chain Rocket (White Rabbit Group of Boris Zarkov) in collaboration with Delivery Club launched Russia's first hot dogs with Beyond Meat artificial meat sausages. Beyond Sausage contains pea protein, water, rapeseed oil, and other vegetable products. This product is kosher and vegan.
This report is a bundled offering, combining 15 detailed country databooks: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
This business intelligence report aims to analyze market opportunities and risks in plant protein industry in Europe. This report offers a detailed view of market opportunity by end user segments, product categories, ingredients, applications, key cities, competing protein segments, price point, and shift in consumption by consumer demographics.
- Plant Protein Consumption by Ingredients: Provides a detailed view of opportunities across key plant protein ingredients (Soy, Pea, Beans & Lentils, Hemp, Flaxseed, Pumpkin & Other Seeds, Brown Rice, Quinoa, Spirulina & Seaweed, and Nuts).
- Plant Protein Consumption by Functional Product Type: Plant protein consumption breakdown by 4 segments – Ready to Eat, Ready to Drink, Ready to Mix, and Ready to Cook.
- Plant Protein Consumption by Product Categories: Detailed market size and forecast by eight product categories – Nutrition Supplements, Protein Bars, Sports Nutrition, Meal Alternative, Dairy Alternatives, Meat Alternatives, Bakery Products, and Infant Formulas.
- Plant Protein Sales by Channel: Sales breakdown by online vs. offline channels.
- Plant Protein Sales by Retail Outlet: Sales breakdown by retail outlets grouped by four categories – Diversified Stores, Pharmaceutical & Wellness Stores, Healthcare and Fitness Centers, and Specialist Sports Stores.
- Changing Consumer Preferences: Quantified details on changing consumer preferences along with forecast.
- Plant Protein Consumption by Price Points: Plant protein demand analysis by price points – Premium, Mid-Tier, and Low End.
- Plant Protein Consumption by Cities: Plant protein demand analysis by key cities grouped under three segments – Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.
- Plant Protein Consumption by Consumer Demographics: Plant protein demand/consumption analysis by age, gender, and income levels.
Scope
This bundled offering provides the following detailed plant protein market opportunity at country level. This research report provides in-depth analysis of plant protein industry opportunity, providing market size across 50+ segments. Below is the taxonomy, providing detailed scope of coverage.
Plant Protein Market Size by Ingredients
- Soy
- Pea
- Beans & Lentils
- Hemp
- Flaxseed, Pumpkin & Other
- Brown Rice
- Quinoa
- Spirulina & Seaweed
- Nuts
- Other
Plant Protein Market Size by Product Categories
- Nutrition Supplements
- Protein Bars
- Sports Nutrition
- Meal Alternative
- Dairy Alternatives
- Meat Alternatives
- Bakery Products
- Infant Formulas
- Other
Plant Protein Market Size by Functional Segments
- Ready to Mix
- Ready to Eat
- Ready to Drink
- Ready to Cook
Plant Protein Market Share Analysis by Sales Channels
- Online
- In-Store
Plant Protein Market Share Analysis by Type of Retail Outlet
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Store
- Grocery Retailers
- Health and Wellness Stores
- Specialist Sports Store
Plant Protein Market Size by Retail Sales Pricing
- Premium
- Mid-Tier
- Low End
Plant Protein Market Size by Cities
- Tier 1 Cities
- Tier 2 Cities
- Tier 3 Cities
Plant Protein Consumption by Demographics
- Age
- Gender
- Income
Reasons to Buy
- Market Opportunity: Get detailed understanding of plant protein market opportunity across 50+ segments by product categories, ingredients, distribution channels, functional type, price point, and consumer demographics.
- Product Category Analysis: Establish which product categories are expected to outperform and are more attractive from investment point of view.
- Ingredients Analysis: Understand which emerging ingredients are taking away market share.
- Consumer Preference & Buying Behaviour: Gain insights into changing consumer consumption & buying preferences across plant protein product categories.
- Distribution Channel: Fine tune sales and distribution strategy by focusing on right channels.
Table of Contents
Methodology
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