Market Trends of europe plant protein ingredients Industry
Plant protein consumption growth fuels opportunities for key players in the ingredients sector
- The graph given depicts the per capita consumption of plant protein in all the countries of Europe. The market is majorly driven by consumers shifting toward vegan diets. The functional efficiency and cost competitiveness offered by reliable plant protein products which is leading to their increasing utilization in a wide variety of processed foods. Plant protein from soy is considered healthy for all age groups and helps keep the body fit. Plant-based protein alternatives are being widely used in the food and beverage industry in food supplements.
- The region has untapped potential among consumers willing to switch their diets to plant-based protein sources. For instance, within four years, the number of vegans doubled from 1.3 million in 2016 to 2.6 million in 2020. However, the market faces challenges, such as a lack of innovation and restrictions on public policy. There are still a few aspects holding back Italian consumers from making the shift, such as the possible presence of GMOs, doubts over the origin of raw materials used in the product's composition, and the possible use of herbicides on crops.
- Plant protein enhances food items' nutritional and functional values and provides good taste. The market has observed an increase of around 45-50% in the consumption of plant-based food across the region. For instance, Bolthouse Farms expanded its beverage range with the "1915 Organic" brand line, which includes cold-pressed juices and vegan protein shakes. Also, protein manufacturers are trying to initiate strategic programs, impacting to improvement of consumption of plant protein sources such as soy protein in the region. For instance, Donau Soja developed a Protein Strategy for Europe in 2023, which impacts the availability of soybeans in the region.
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Europe is focusing to increase production capabilities of soy, wheat, and pea
- The graph given depicts the production of dry peas, rice, soybeans, and wheat, raw materials considered for the market. Total grain production in countries like Germany reached 45.7 million ton in 2019-2020, up from 37.9 million ton in 2018-2019. Wheat production for 2019-2020 reached 24.2 million ton, up from 20.3 million ton. However, the United Kingdom is the key producer of wheat and dry pea. In 2019, the country’s wheat production accounted for 16.2 million tons, rising by 19.70%, i.e., 2.7 million tons by volume over the previous year, aided by regular rainfall and a temperate climate.
- Italy is a key producer of distinct plant protein commodities, mainly wheat, followed by rice, soybean, and pea. Italy is the EU’s biggest producer of soy and the biggest producer of rice. The country mainly produces Japonica rice. In 2019, Japonica production reached nearly 1.1 million ton, while less than 400,000 ton of Indica varieties were produced. This figure translates into a total milled rice volume of approximately 900,000 ton. Carnaroli, Arborio, Roma, S.Andrea, Baldo, Vialone Nano, and Balilla are among the main varieties.
- Wheat exports were at 5.2 million ton, with imports at 3.7 million ton. Plant protein commodities grown in France include wheat, peas, rice, and soybeans. France produced 40,604,960 ton of wheat in 2019. The volume fluctuations in wheat production are caused by bad weather and pest infestation. In contrast, in 2020, France's wheat crop was hampered by heavy rains in the fall of 2019, which delayed planting, a mild winter that resulted in an aphid infestation, and a dry spring that caused moisture stress.
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OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Market maturation and declining birth rates are accountable for the slow growth rate
- Healthy trends in beverages impacting market growth
- Consumers' preferences shift to premium condiments and sauces, away from packaged soups
- Dairy alternatives to witness significant growth rate
- Innovation in product formulations has greater scope in the market
- Healthier snacking is likely to impel the market
- Increased meat production to push the market growth
- Strong hold of the retail sector is supporting market growth
- Sustainable and innovative packaging trends to influence breakfast cereals market
- Innovation in chocolates driving the sales
- The growing demand for nutrition-specific diets may drive the market demand
- Single-head households to drive the RTE/RTC market
- The expanding consumer base may benefit the sports supplements market
- Natural and organic products are taking over the market
