China Plant Protein Market Size

The China Plant Protein Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a shift in consumer preferences towards plant-based proteins, which is influencing manufacturers to innovate and launch new products. The market's expansion is particularly notable in the animal feed segment, which holds a substantial share and is expected to grow rapidly. The food and beverage sector is also witnessing increased demand, especially for meat alternatives, as veganism gains popularity. This trend has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted many to adopt vegan diets for better nutrition.

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Market Size of china plant protein Industry

China Plant Protein Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 1.42 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 2.08 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by End User Food and Beverages
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 8.00 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by End User Animal Feed

Major Players

China Plant Protein Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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China Plant Protein Market Analysis

The China Plant Protein Market size is estimated at 1.42 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 2.08 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.00% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

1.42 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

2.08 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

7.91 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

8.00 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Product Type

63.83 %

value share, Soy Protein, 2023

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Soy protein dominates over other plant protein types due to its high protein content, low viscosity, solubility, and other functionalities, which ensures its extensive use in all sectors.

Largest Market by End User

53.44 %

value share, Food and Beverages, 2023

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The demand for plant protein in food and beverage is the highest due to the multi-functionality of plant proteins and the surging number of Chinese consumers shifting toward vegan meals.

Fastest Growing Market by Product Type

9.35 %

Projected CAGR, Pea Protein, 2024-2029

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Pea proteins are gaining demand from meat alternative manufacturers due to their quick rehydration, neutral flavor, and texturizing abilities. This has resulted in a series of new products.

Fastest Growing Market by End User

9.58 %

Projected CAGR, Animal Feed, 2024-2029

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The capabilities of vital wheat gluten, which acts as an excellent and highly functional alternative to fish and animal-based meals, are driving the segment's growth.

Leading Market Player

9.98 %

market share, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., 2021

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IFF is constantly developing new plant proteins, and differentiated products are an important factor for its success.

Heath benefits associated with plant protein drove the application especially in animal feed and F&B sector

  • Animal feed was the leading segment, by application, for plant protein in the region, accounting for a major volume share of 52.51%, followed by the food and beverages segment, with a 52.51% volume share, in 2022. Animal feed is also projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the Chinese plant proteins market, with a CAGR of 9.10% by value during the forecast period (2023-2029). Consumer preferences shifting toward these proteins strongly influences manufacturers to innovate products enriched with plant proteins. Product launches have been taking place in the country to cater to the growing demand and meet the increasing needs of customers.
  • The demand for proteins in the food and beverage sector is mainly driven by factors such as increasing demand for protein functions and awareness of high-protein diets. In the food and beverage segment, the meat alternative products sub-segment grew by 48.4%, followed by the dairy and dairy alternatives sub-segment (22.4%) in 2020 due to the rising trend of veganism among consumers in the country. The meat/poultry/seafood and meat alternatives sub-segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 7.07% within the food and beverage segment, by value, during the forecast period.
  • The Chinese plant proteins market witnessed the highest Y-o-Y growth rate of 13.98% by value in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people opted for vegan diets with high nutrition. For instance, more than 200 million people followed a vegan diet in 2020, the highest number from 2016. However, the sales of pea proteins spiked in 2020 due to preferences shifting toward smaller meals and substituting traditional diets with healthier and more convenient options.
China Plant Protein Market

China Plant Protein Industry Segmentation

Hemp Protein, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Rice Protein, Soy Protein, Wheat Protein are covered as segments by Protein Type. Animal Feed, Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Supplements are covered as segments by End User.

  • Animal feed was the leading segment, by application, for plant protein in the region, accounting for a major volume share of 52.51%, followed by the food and beverages segment, with a 52.51% volume share, in 2022. Animal feed is also projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the Chinese plant proteins market, with a CAGR of 9.10% by value during the forecast period (2023-2029). Consumer preferences shifting toward these proteins strongly influences manufacturers to innovate products enriched with plant proteins. Product launches have been taking place in the country to cater to the growing demand and meet the increasing needs of customers.
  • The demand for proteins in the food and beverage sector is mainly driven by factors such as increasing demand for protein functions and awareness of high-protein diets. In the food and beverage segment, the meat alternative products sub-segment grew by 48.4%, followed by the dairy and dairy alternatives sub-segment (22.4%) in 2020 due to the rising trend of veganism among consumers in the country. The meat/poultry/seafood and meat alternatives sub-segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 7.07% within the food and beverage segment, by value, during the forecast period.
  • The Chinese plant proteins market witnessed the highest Y-o-Y growth rate of 13.98% by value in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people opted for vegan diets with high nutrition. For instance, more than 200 million people followed a vegan diet in 2020, the highest number from 2016. However, the sales of pea proteins spiked in 2020 due to preferences shifting toward smaller meals and substituting traditional diets with healthier and more convenient options.
Protein Type
Hemp Protein
Pea Protein
Potato Protein
Rice Protein
Soy Protein
Wheat Protein
Other Plant Protein
End User
Animal Feed
Food and Beverages
By Sub End User
Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements
By Sub End User
Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
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China Plant Protein Market Size Summary

The China plant protein market is experiencing significant growth, driven by shifting consumer preferences and increasing awareness of the benefits of plant-based diets. The market is characterized by a strong demand in the animal feed sector, which holds a substantial share of the market, followed closely by the food and beverage industry. The rising trend of veganism and the growing popularity of high-protein diets are influencing manufacturers to innovate and launch new products enriched with plant proteins. This shift is further supported by the increasing acceptance of plant-based meat products, as consumers become more conscious of the health risks associated with processed meats. The market is also seeing a surge in the use of plant proteins in the meat industry, as they offer cardiovascular benefits compared to traditional animal-based proteins.

China's position as a leading producer of key plant protein sources such as wheat, rice, and peas contributes to the market's expansion. The country is focusing on self-sufficiency in staple grains and has implemented policies to boost rice production through domestic market liberalization and productivity investments. The plant protein market in China is fragmented, with major players like Archer Daniels Midland Company, Fuji Oil Group, and Kerry Group PLC actively participating in the market. These companies are investing in research and development to meet the growing demand for plant-based products, as evidenced by recent innovations such as new rice protein lines and advanced plant-based innovation labs. The market's growth is also supported by the increasing global demand for plant protein, particularly in the healthcare food industry, although applications in food processing are still under development.

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China Plant Protein Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Protein Type

      1. 1.1.1 Hemp Protein

      2. 1.1.2 Pea Protein

      3. 1.1.3 Potato Protein

      4. 1.1.4 Rice Protein

      5. 1.1.5 Soy Protein

      6. 1.1.6 Wheat Protein

      7. 1.1.7 Other Plant Protein

    2. 1.2 End User

      1. 1.2.1 Animal Feed

      2. 1.2.2 Food and Beverages

        1. 1.2.2.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.2.1.1 Bakery

          2. 1.2.2.1.2 Beverages

          3. 1.2.2.1.3 Breakfast Cereals

          4. 1.2.2.1.4 Condiments/Sauces

          5. 1.2.2.1.5 Confectionery

          6. 1.2.2.1.6 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products

          7. 1.2.2.1.7 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products

          8. 1.2.2.1.8 RTE/RTC Food Products

          9. 1.2.2.1.9 Snacks

      3. 1.2.3 Personal Care and Cosmetics

      4. 1.2.4 Supplements

        1. 1.2.4.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.4.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula

          2. 1.2.4.1.2 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition

          3. 1.2.4.1.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition

China Plant Protein Market Size FAQs

The China Plant Protein Market size is expected to reach USD 1.42 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 8.00% to reach USD 2.08 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the China Plant Protein Market size is expected to reach USD 1.42 billion.

China Plant Protein Market Report Snapshots

China Plant Protein Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029