A range of different legumes

© Equinom

Plant-Based Protein Products Market to See Rapid Growth, With Particular Success for Pea Protein

A new report by USD Analytics has estimated that the plant-based protein products market will register a CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period 2024-2030. The report considers the growth of meat alternatives as well as tofu, tempeh, legumes, pulses, nuts, seeds, and protein-rich grains. The key market drivers are health and wellness trends, the growth of vegetarianism and veganism, and environmental concerns. Creative marketing strategies by plant-based companies, promoting their products as healthier, more ethical, and more sustainable than animal foods, will also boost growth. As demand increases, companies are increasingly innovating and diversifying their plant-based product lines to meet consumer preferences. Meanwhile, manufacturers are investing in R&D to improve the properties of meat and dairy alternatives, working to close the sensory gap. For …

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Vegan Foie Gras Market to Grow With 5.8% CAGR as Consumers Demand Ethical Alternatives

A report by FACT.MR has found that the vegan foie gras market will grow with a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period 2024-2034. The production of conventional foie gras has a high environmental impact and involves force-feeding ducks and geese, a process often considered unethical. This has led some areas, such as California, to ban animal-derived foie gras. Consequently, the market for vegan alternatives is growing, and companies are increasingly working to cater to this demand. One example is California-based The Better Meat Co, which has developed mycelium-based foie gras that has proven popular at upscale restaurants. Another Californian company, Prime Roots, has taken a similar approach with its foie gras made from koji fungus. In Europe, Nestlé’s plant-based Garden Gourmet brand relaunched its …

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Fazenda Futuro 4.0

© Fazenda Futuro

Key Factors Transforming Brazil’s Alternative Protein Market in 2024

Experts at The Good Food Institute Brasil (GFI Brasil) argue that the country’s alternative protein market will experience a significant transformation in 2024 driven by technological innovations, changes in consumption patterns, and a growing awareness of health and the environment.  After analyzing the sector’s current trends, they forecast the driving forces that could make alternative options more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Product variety and strategic partnerships The experts say one of the most notable predictions for the future of the alternative protein market is the increase in product variety. Consumers can expect a broader range of plant-based options that cater to various meal times and preferences, from healthier choices to more indulgent alternatives. This diversification aims to make plant-based foods more accessible and appealing …

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Juicy Marbles launches at Tesco

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Tesco Reports “Phase Two of Plant-Based Revolution” With Rising Demand for Meat-Free Ingredients

The UK’s largest supermarket chain Tesco reports that the plant-based revolution appears to be entering a second phase, driven by consumers cooking from scratch. The retailer noted that while plant-based is “the biggest food trend this century”, there was a slight dip in sales last year, attributed to the novelty wearing off for customers who were buying the products out of curiosity. However, sales of meat-free ingredients and whole cuts are now on the rise again. Over the last three months, sales of fish alternatives have risen by a huge 100% compared to the same period last year, while tofu and tempeh sales are up by about 20%. Plant-based steaks and chicken breasts have also seen a 20% sales boost, while meat-free burgers are up …

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BVeg Foods expands internationally

Image credit: BVeg Foods

Indian Consumers Increasingly Embrace Plant-Based Foods in 2024

Indian consumers are increasingly demanding plant-based dishes, according to Corporate Executive Chef Rakesh Sethi of Radisson Hotel Group. Sethi told Hotelier India that plant-based foods would be one of the most significant trends in fine dining this year, predicting a “noteworthy surge” in the number of dishes containing plant-based meat or other plant proteins. He said that protein alternatives were increasingly being used within Indian cuisine, noting that this was part of a global trend towards meatless diets. This shift is highlighted by the fact that international food and hospitality fair Aahar — which takes place in New Delhi — is set to include plant-based meat and other plant proteins this year, seemingly for the first time. Additionally, Veganuary India reported in December that it …

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70/30 Food Tech pack shots

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Chinese Alt Protein Sector Could See “Pivotal Chapter” in 2024

This article was compiled with insights from Rouyu Wu, Director of Innovation and Investment at Dao Foods. 2024 looks set to be a pivotal year for the Chinese alt protein sector, with companies facing a combination of challenges and opportunities. Here, we take a look at some of the most significant trends predicted for the months ahead. Regulatory approval There are indications that China’s National Health Commission may be speeding up its regulatory approval process; last year, it accepted applications for 22 novel food ingredients and issued solicitation drafts for 17 new ingredients. Two of the submitted applications were accepted the same year, suggesting an accelerated review speed. Approved ingredients included nutmeg protein, yeast protein, and fermentation-derived Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) for use in infant …

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Woman shopper in Spanish supermarket

Image courtesy of ProVeg International

How Are Consumer Dietary Preferences Changing Throughout Europe?

If you work in the food and beverage industry, tracking consumer preferences is an important part of your work. What do consumers want from their diet? How are their food preferences and motivations evolving? Do you need to adapt your business and/or products, and if so, how? The answers to these questions are vital in order to optimise sales, and need to be monitored as consumer preferences shift. In its latest New Food Hub article, ProVeg International shares key insights from its recent Smart Protein Consumer Survey, Evolving Appetites. The pan-European survey explores how consumer behaviour has changed over the last three years, building on their 2021 survey report, What Consumers Want. The primary objective of this follow-up study was to track and analyse whether …

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Supermarket shelves with alt milk courtesy ProVeg

Image courtesy ProVeg

Plant-Based Milk Market to Be Worth $51.87Bn by 2032, Dominated by North America

According to a report by The Brainy Insights, the global plant-based milk market will be worth $51.87 billion by 2032, up from $20 billion in 2022. Key drivers will include the growing popularity of vegan diets, high rates of lactose intolerance, and sustainability concerns associated with dairy production. North America currently dominates the market, with a 38% share; it is expected to retain the largest market share over the forecast period. The promotion of plant-based diets on social media, along with health concerns and high rates of dairy allergies, will help to boost sales in the region. Furthermore, there is a huge range of milk alternatives available in North America, catering to a variety of tastes. The products are widely available in grocery stores, making …

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HOWND Pumpkin, Quinoa and Moringa Superfood

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HOWND Launches Allergy-Friendly Pumpkin, Quinoa and Moringa Superfood for Dogs

UK-based vegan dog food brand HOWND has expanded its Plant Powered Superfood range with a new dry food in the flavour Pumpkin, Quinoa and Moringa. The food also contains ingredients such as sweet potato, cranberry, and Phytodroitin; the latter is an innovative algae-based alternative to chondroitin, a supplement that supports joint health. The recipe is high in protein and low in fat and purines. The nutritionally-complete food is said to provide a “digestive reset” for dogs who have upset stomachs or are recovering from illness. It is also designed to be suitable for dogs with allergies and intolerances, and is free of soy, gluten, dairy, and GMOs. The product is vet-approved and sold in fully recyclable 2kg and 10kg packages. It is available to UK …

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Plant-based milk shelf at Albert Heijn

Image: ProVeg Netherlands

European Dairy Sales “Sluggish” While Plant-Based Alternatives Continue to See Growth

According to research by Rabobank, European dairy sales were “sluggish” in 2023, with many Western European companies seeing weaker-than-expected sales. Forecasts for 2024 are similarly weak. Companies in regions such as Australia, Brazil, and China also saw decreased demand last year. Rabobank predominantly blames high food price inflation and slowing economic activity for the decline, but acknowledges that changing consumer purchases also play a role in some regions. One of these changes could be a shift towards plant-based alternatives. Plant-based on the rise Figures published last year revealed that European plant-based milk sales had risen by 49% in the space of two years, with Germany having the highest turnover and market potential. In Switzerland, sales of milk alternatives increased by almost 80% between 2017 and …

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KLIMON Cherry Bomb Ice Cream

©KLIMON

Vegan Ice Cream Market to Grow With 12.8% CAGR as Consumers Adopt More Ethical Values

A new report by USD Analytics has predicted that the vegan ice cream market will grow with a CAGR of 12.8% through to 2032. The market will be driven by the increased adoption of plant-based lifestyles, along with a shift in consumer values towards more ethical and sustainable products. Furthermore, many consumers now perceive vegan ice cream as healthier than dairy options, and growing awareness of lactose intolerance is also boosting sales. Markets across the Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Americas are all expected to see significant growth. To capitalize on this market growth, the report suggests that manufacturers should offer a diverse range of flavors and textures, using ingredients such as nut butters, coconut milk, and fruit purees. This will help vegan ice creams …

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woman reading food label

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Study Shows ‘Healthy’ and ‘Sustainable’ Labels Outperform ‘Vegan’ in Consumer Choice

A new study involving 7,341 randomized US participants, conducted as part of the Understanding America Study (UAS), has revealed that food products without meat and dairy are more likely to be chosen when labeled as “healthy” and “sustainable” rather than “vegan” or “plant-based.” The study participants were asked to choose between a gourmet food gift basket without meat or dairy products and another containing meat and dairy products, with the former being labeled in one of five ways: “vegan,” “plant-based,” “healthy,” “sustainable,” or “healthy and sustainable.” The results were telling: only 20% and 27% of participants opted for the basket labeled “vegan” or “plant-based.” In contrast, labels emphasizing benefits — “healthy” (42%), “sustainable” (43%), and “healthy and sustainable” (44%) — significantly increased the likelihood of …

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On The Green Side clean label chicken alternatives

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ProVeg South Africa Report Shows Significant Rise in Plant-Based Options in Fast Food Industry

ProVeg South Africa has released a report on the prevalence of plant-based options in South Africa’s fast-food and restaurant industry, offering in-depth analysis and ranking of major chains based on their plant-based offerings, advertising strategies, product naming, and more. According to the report, fast-food consumption in South Africa has surged by 33.1% since 2019, spurred by challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and load-shedding crises in the country, which caused many people to turn to fast food due to power outages in their homes. In response to growing health, ethical, and environmental concerns, plant-based main dishes have seen a 16.67% increase in menus, though they still constitute less than 5% of the total offerings. The rise in vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian consumers, who now, according to …

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Planteneers fried sausage on fork

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Plant-Based Sausage Market to Record Huge 26.5% CAGR as Products Become “Indistinguishable” From Meat

According to a report by Future Market Insights, the plant-based sausage market is set to increase in value from $1,228.1 million in 2023 to $12,936.9 million by 2033. This represents a huge CAGR of 26.5%. A key driver will be the improved taste and texture of plant-based sausages, which the report says makes them increasingly indistinguishable from meat. Furthermore, many consumers view meat-free sausages as a healthier option, as they are cholesterol-free and typically lower in saturated fat than conventional sausages. Increased concern about animal welfare and the environment is another market driver. Finally, plant-based sausages are seen as a convenient option, as they can be cooked quickly and easily. All these drivers are expected to continue over the forecast period. Restraining factors However, several …

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Why it’s Imperative for Meat-Free Products in Canada to Target Meat-Eaters

A recent survey conducted by food services management company Sodexo Canada finds that while a huge proportion (74%) of Canadians are unwilling to completely give up meat — significantly higher than the global average of 42% — followed by 67% for fish and 54% for dairy, almost half (46%) are interested in reducing animal proteins for plant proteins and 46% are willing to reduce their intake of dairy products. Ultimately, this data as well as the further data below evidences that Canadian consumers refuse to quit animal products but do have a desire to replace some meat and dairy with animal-free alternatives. Producers and marketers should therefore strive to make this easy for the consumer and target the flexitarian group with inclusive language and marketing. …

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UK Vegan Population Estimated to Have Risen by 1.1 Million in a Year

According to research by personal finance comparison site Finder, the UK’s vegan population is now 2.5 million, meaning that 4.7% of adults follow a plant-based diet. This figure has risen by a huge 1.1 million between 2023 and 2024. There are also 3.1 million vegetarians in the UK, making up 5.8% of the population. This figure has slightly decreased since last year, but this may be because some vegetarians have become vegan. 3 million people are pescetarians, consuming fish but no other meat. Furthermore, a huge 6.4 million Brits say they plan to adopt some form of meat-free diet in 2024, with 2 million hoping to become vegan. The research points out that it is unlikely that all will follow through with their intentions, but …

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Plant-Based Chicken/ Meat Alternative

Hot and Spicy Crispy Chik'n ©MorningStar Farms

US Plant-Based Meat Market: Established Food Giants Projected to Dominate Amid Continued Shakeout

Larger market players such as Kellogg Co. (owner of MorningStar Farms), Maple Leaf Foods, (owner of Field Roast and Lightlife), Kraft Heinz, and Conagra (owner of Gardein) benefit from robust sales channels, extensive distribution networks, and brand recognition. As the market continues to grow, companies that are able to leverage their scale to produce high volumes of plant-based meat products at lower prices will likely make up the bulk of future revenue, according to a study by Grand View Research. The report claims that the US plant-based meat market, recently valued at $1.15 billion, is poised for significant growth, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.9% from 2023 to 2030. However, this expanding market is witnessing a notable shift in its competitive landscape, …

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Smoocht

©Smoocht

Global Vegan Dessert Market to Be Worth $6.2Bn by 2030

According to a report by USD Analytics, the global vegan dessert market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 10.5% through to 2030, increasing in value from $3.4 billion to $6.2 billion. Plant-based diets are increasingly seen as a healthy and sustainable option, and this is leading to rising demand for vegan desserts. Growth will be further increased by advancements in food technology, which are improving the quality of plant-based products. Vegan desserts are also becoming more accessible, with supermarkets and restaurants offering more options. Additionally, the use of specialty ingredients is helping to set plant-based desserts apart from conventional ones; for example, producers may include functional ingredients and superfoods such as matcha, turmeric, and hemp, or healthier sweeteners like date syrup, maple syrup, …

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New Culture_lifestyle

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Survey by New Culture Reveals Growing Interest in Animal-Free Mozzarella Among Omnivores

A recent survey conducted by AMC Global and alt-dairy startup New Culture has uncovered a significant interest in animal-free mozzarella cheese among a diverse group of consumers, including omnivores, flexitarians, and vegans. The study highlights a growing openness to animal-free dairy products, even among those who consume animal-based products. New Culture creates dairy-free cheese that has the same stretch and melt qualities as traditional cheese but without using any animal byproducts. This is achieved by replacing casein, the key dairy protein in cheese, with a non-animal alternative produced through precision fermentation. The company has recently scaled up its precision fermentation platform, achieving an 80% reduction in product cost, after debuting its animal-free mozzarella in Los Angeles last June. Shira Horn, Executive Vice President at AMC …

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Sodexo sees increase in plant-based sales

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Companies Report Increase in Plant-Based Sales, Contradicting Claims of Declining Consumer Interest

While many articles in the mainstream media continue to report the decline of veganism, the experiences of some companies contradict this. While 2023 did see a drop in sales of plant-based products for myriad reasons including the cost of living crisis, what the click-bait articles in the mainstream press fail to report is that many businesses in the UK and Europe are enjoying consistent and exponential success. As Marco Bertacca, CEO of Quorn Foods said to vegconomist today, “The category, like many others, has seen a slow-down, but we must not forget that this comes against the backdrop of many consecutive years of incredible growth. The reasons people buy meat-free are still there and as prevalent as ever. Consumers are still passionate about their health, …

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