Market Trends of united kingdom plant protein Industry
Plant protein consumption growth fuels opportunities for key players in the ingredients sector
- The recommended intake of proteins for adults in good health is 0.83 g/kg/d. The average intake of protein consumption ranges from 0.83 to 2.2 g/kg/d for an adult under 60 years of age. The average daily intake of proteins for adult women is 74 g and for adult men is 100 g. Millennials and Gen Z are particularly driving the growing demand for plant-based diets and supplements. This is primarily because plant-based proteins are rapidly becoming the only source of all the essential amino acids that can replace animal protein. The protein sector's emergence can potentially reduce the environmental impact associated with the country's reliance on animal protein.
- Young and urban customers who think consuming less meat is better for their health and the environment tend to be the top users of plant-based foods. In the forthcoming year, an increasing number of people in the UK are likely to give up meat or adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet. The UK government promotes a healthy lifestyle and diet among its consumers. This offers an opportunity for the soy protein ingredient, which is positioned as being organic, pure, and healthful. The per capita consumption of soy protein favorably increased by 4.6% in 2022 from 2016.
- In the United Kingdom, the average amount of rice consumed per person per week in 2019-2020 was 111 grams. Rice contains essential nutrients such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin E, zinc, potassium, iron, and fiber. The average British citizen consumes about 5.6 kg of rice annually, with white rice accounting for 80% of purchases. Due to the country's expanding ethnic population and increased dietary variety, rice consumption in the UK is anticipated to increase significantly.
United Kingdom is focusing to increase wheat and pea production capabilities
- The graph given depicts the production data for raw materials such as dry peas, rice, wheat, and soya beans produced in United Kingdom. The country is the key producer of wheat and peas. In 2021, the volume of wheat produced reached approximately 14 million metric ton, aided by regular rainfall and the temperate climate. Similarly, the fall planting conditions of the previous year were considerably better, resulting in a better wheat yield in 2020, thereby encouraging further winter wheat planting over spring crops like barley. In terms of pea production, the country is 90% self-sufficient.
- However, the country's unfavorable environment and concomitant harvesting issues restrict soy production. However, the rising demand from the food and animal feed sectors has piqued the interest of farmers, significantly increasing the crop's potential in the United Kingdom. In 2021, the total croppable area increased by 0.5% to 6.1 million hectares, thereby boosting soy production.
- Consumers are purchasing plant-based foods, especially protein alternatives in the meat and dairy aisles, in increasing numbers. Sales of meat alternatives, in particular, have jumped by 60% over the past two years, driven by better tastes and the wider availability of products. Currently, 14% of adults in the United Kingdom (7.2 million) follow a meat-free diet. A further 8.8 million people planned to go meat-free in 2022 (the highest figure in four years). As a result, the production of soy species is increasing in line with the adequate climate conditions in the United Kingdom. In the 12 months ending June 2022, soybean imports amounted to about 688 thousand metric ton, which was higher than the previous year's data.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Market maturation and declining birth rates are accountable for the slow growth rate
- Functional beverages to play key role in future market growth
- Cooking sauces to witness the highest demand in the UK market
- Dairy alternative to boost market growth
- Meat alternatives to witness significant growth rate
- Spiked demand for savory snacks in the UK
- Increasing demand for animal sourced products
- Artisanal and gluten-free supporting the bakery industry
- Stronger retail growth as more consumers have breakfast at home
- Sugar reduction programs to hinder segmental growth in the forecast period
- Changing demography to incline toward health supplements
- Plant-based ready-to-eat packaged food market is projected to grow during the forecast period
- Millennials' inclination toward fitness emerged as the major market driver
- Skinimalism trend to be in high demand in the UK