Plant-based Food Processing Equipment - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Plant-based Food Processing Equipment was estimated at US$5.6 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$7.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Plant-based Food Processing Equipment market.

Global Plant-Based Food Processing Equipment Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Specialized Equipment Crucial for Plant-Based Food Production?

Plant-based food processing equipment refers to machinery used for manufacturing meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and plant-derived ready meals. These systems are designed to handle plant proteins, starches, oils, and fibers in ways that replicate the texture, structure, and functionality of animal-based products. As demand for plant-based food rises across retail and foodservice channels, manufacturers are investing in dedicated lines to maintain consistency, hygiene, and scalability.

Unlike traditional food processing lines, plant-based systems require different thermal, mechanical, and mixing properties to work with legumes, grains, nuts, and seed-based inputs. High-moisture extrusion, shearing technology, and emulsion handling are commonly used to create fibrous textures in meat analogs or smooth consistencies in non-dairy creams and cheeses. Equipment must also support allergen separation and meet clean-label processing requirements.

How Are Processing Technologies Evolving Across Product Categories?

Extrusion cooking remains central to meat analog production, offering flexible texture and shaping capabilities. Twin-screw extruders, steam cookers, and cooling formers are widely used in structured protein formats. For plant-based dairy alternatives, high-pressure homogenizers, fermentation tanks, and precision pasteurizers ensure stability, shelf life, and flavor retention. Spray dryers and freeze-drying systems are used for producing plant protein concentrates and flavor powders.

Smart automation, programmable control systems, and modular line design are becoming standard in plant-based food facilities. These allow for ingredient traceability, recipe adjustments, and faster switchover between formulations. Equipment suppliers are offering integrated solutions that combine mixing, heating, cooling, and portioning within compact footprints. Sustainable water use and energy efficiency are also growing priorities in system design.

Where Is Equipment Demand Growing and Which Segments Are Investing Heavily?

Large-scale food processors are upgrading facilities to accommodate separate lines for plant-based products. Startups and contract manufacturers are also purchasing modular systems to produce niche or small-batch plant-based items. Equipment tailored for vegan sausage, dairy-free spreads, and soy-free meat substitutes is seeing strong demand in North America and Europe, where regulatory and consumer pressures favor clean manufacturing.

Asia-Pacific is experiencing growing investment as regional demand for plant-forward diets increases, particularly in urban areas. Equipment demand is highest in segments like burger patties, non-dairy beverages, vegan bakery, and ready-to-eat plant-based meals. Foodservice chains are also encouraging co-packers to adopt plant-based processing capacity to meet evolving menu needs.

Growth in the Plant-Based Food Processing Equipment market is driven by several factors

Growth in the plant-based food processing equipment market is driven by the rising global production of vegan and vegetarian foods, growing complexity in meat and dairy alternative formulations, and expansion of dedicated processing lines by food manufacturers. Increased use of high-moisture extrusion, cold pressing, and precision fermentation is shaping equipment design.

Adoption of digital controls, clean-in-place (CIP) systems, and allergen management solutions is supporting regulatory compliance and production efficiency. Demand for multi-functional, small-footprint equipment by plant-based startups, combined with high-capacity systems for industrial players, is contributing to growth. As consumers seek diversity and authenticity in plant-based options, manufacturers are scaling output with purpose-built, flexible machinery.

Scope Of Study:

The report analyzes the Plant-based Food Processing Equipment market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments: Equipment (Dryers, Mixers & Grinders, Pasteurizers, Homogenizers, Ovens, Other Equipment Types); Operation Mode (Semi-Automatic Mode, Automatic Mode); Production Facility (Small & Medium Scale Production Facilities, Large Scale Production Facilities)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Dryers segment, which is expected to reach US$2.0 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 5.2%. The Mixers & Grinders segment is also set to grow at 4.6% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $1.5 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 7.7% CAGR to reach $1.5 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Plant-based Food Processing Equipment Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Plant-based Food Processing Equipment Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Plant-based Food Processing Equipment Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Alfa Laval, Andritz Group, Anko Food Machine Co., Ltd., Bühler Group, Clextral and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 42 companies featured in this Plant-based Food Processing Equipment market report include:

• Alfa Laval
• Andritz Group
• Anko Food Machine Co., Ltd.
• Bühler Group
• Clextral
• FENCO Food Machinery
• FENIX Process Technologies
• Flavourtech Pty Ltd
• FrymaKoruma GmbH
• GEA Group AG
• Goudsmit Magnetics
• Heat and Control, Inc.
• Hosokawa Micron Group
• JBT Corporation
• Marel hf
• ProForm Fabrication LLC
• SPX FLOW, Inc.
• Tetra Pak
• VEMAG Maschinenbau GmbH
• Wenger Manufacturing, LLC

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
• Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.