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 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).
This report from ConsumerIntel360 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.
