Market Trends of europe soy protein 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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Decline in soy production expected to impact prices in Europe
- Europe consumed about 12% of the global soybean production in 2017. In 2021, nearly 10 MMT of soybean was produced in the region, of which 80% accounted for animal feed usage. It mainly imports soy meal and cake to be used as animal feed. Many European countries are essential trans-shipment hubs, implying that a portion of their imports is re-exported as beans or processed and then exported as soy meal and oil. In July 2018, China imposed a 25% tariff on imports from the United States, including soybeans. The resulting US surplus was then exported to other countries in Latin America and Europe.
- The consumption of soy that complies with the FEFAC Sourcing Guidelines increased from 42.2% in 2019 to 43.8% in 2020. In the same time frame, the proportion of certified conversion-free soy climbed marginally from 25.3% to 25.9%. The region also has a recognizable demand for non-GM soybeans. Despite the growing demand for non-GM soybeans from European countries, there is a growing demand for VSS-compliant soybeans in China, given the country’s role as the world’s largest soybean consumer, accounting for 66.1% of the global total in 2016.
- There is a shift in the consumers’ preferences in Europe, as they are adding plant-based protein products to their diets that act as meat substitutes, owing to the increasing concerns by governments about the environmental and health impacts of producing and consuming animal meat. This factor substantially benefits the consumption of soybean-based products in the region, including tofu, soybean-based dairy substitutes, and processed plant-based meat products. There is an increase in the sales of plant-based food and drink products from EUR 2.4 billion in 2018 to EUR 3.6 billion in 2020, i.e., an increase of 49%.
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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
