Plant-Based Food Market By Type (Dairy Substitute, Meat Substitute, Egg Substitute, Seafood Substitute) By Source (Soybean, Nuts, Wheat, Pea) By Sales Channel (Offline Sales Channel, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Departmental Stores, Convenience Store, Other Sales Channel) - Growth, Future Prospects & Competitive Analysis, 2016 - 2028

About this report

The report on the global market for plant-based foods provides a critical analysis of the plant-based food industry using key parameters. The report includes investment strategies, the importance of investing in the plant-based food industry, and the numerous benefits for investors. Importantly, this report sets out major changes in the global technical regulations for the plant-based food industry and how economic and non-economic barriers are helping the market grow. Furthermore, the report examines historical and forecasted market sizes at the global, regional, and country levels. The report also includes a thorough examination of key investment propositions, the demand and supply gap, competitor positioning, STAR analysis, SRC analysis, and Tornado analysis. Other analyses and key technological developments include Porter's five forces analysis, PESTEL analysis, value chain analysis, and so on.

Key Highlights of the Report

How are the major segments performing in the plant-based food market?

• The dairy substitute type segment led the global market in 2021. The huge market share held by this segment is attributed to several factors, including the growing population of lactose-intolerant consumers, rising consumer concern over animal abuse in current dairy farming methods, and the health advantages of plant-based dairy alternatives.
• In 2021, the soybean source segment accounted for the largest global market share. Foods derived from soybeans can provide essential nutrition to plant-based diets, such as flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets, as well as significant health benefits. They can be high in protein, fiber, essential fats, and minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. Soybean foods offer dietary components, like flavones, that are present in soy in significant amounts compared to other plant foods, in addition to their rich nutrient characteristics.
• The supermarkets and hypermarkets sales channel segment dominated the global plant-based food market in 2021 due to the wide range of products that supermarkets and hypermarkets can make available to customers and places, making the buying process convenient for consumers. Customers prefer to shop at supermarkets for several reasons, including the ease of access, the availability of products, and the availability of coupons and discounts.

Which region dominated the plant-based food market?

North America dominated the global plant-based food market in 2021. The market for plant-based foods in North America has been expanding recently due to growing consumer awareness of environmental protection, healthy eating, weight loss, and health and nutrition. Rising demand for plant-based proteins and vegan trends will propel the region's plant-based food market forward. Plant protein derived from soy is in high demand due to its high nutritional substance and economic efficiency.

How is the US market performing in the plant-based food market?

The United States dominated the North American plant-based food market in 2021. Growing awareness about the risks associated with contaminated meat goods among the young population and increased consumption of meatless meat products are driving market growth in the United States. Consumer perceptions of food safety are presumed to shift further in response to increased consumption of plant-based foods, including plant-based meat. Starbucks added a sandwich to its breakfast menu in most U.S. locations in 2020. The sandwich includes plant-based sausage to meet consumer demand in the country.

What is the competitive environment of the plant-based food market?

The market for plant-based foods is fragmented, with many small and medium-sized businesses and recent entrants. In recent years, these players have used various strategies to expand their product offerings, global footprints, and market shares. New product launches, agreements, collaborations, partnerships, expansions, and acquisitions are the primary business strategies used by most companies in the market for plant-based foods. For instance, in 2019, Grill'd, an Australian food chain focusing on innovation in burgers, launched a plant-based burger called Beyond Burger due to increased demand for plant-based burgers. Similarly, Treeline Cheese released a line of plant-based cream cheese made with cultured cashew nuts and other plant-based ingredients in March 2020. Three flavors are offered, including plain, chive and onion, and strawberry.

Executive Summary

What technical developments are being developed in the global plant-based food market?

Plant-based food is typically produced using fermentation, plant protein extraction, and purification technology. Plant-based food production is more expensive than animal-based food production due to the high cost of plant-based ingredients. This aspect is anticipated to limit the uptake of edible vegan products in low- and middle-income nations. However, several important players are implementing cutting-edge technology to significantly improve the flavors and textures of plant-based meals, which is anticipated to present significant growth opportunities. For instance, the food technology firm Motif FoodWorks Inc. is developing plant-based meat and cheese using fat and prolamin technology.

Which are the key investments by the plant-based food market players?

The growing vegan population and an increase in venture capital investments in plant-based food companies are driving the growth of this market. Additional research and development investments, as well as the introduction of new products by producers of plant-based protein alternatives and emerging economies worldwide, are expected to open lucrative opportunities for market participants. Product demand is expected to increase as companies increase their investment in introducing new and innovative flavors to their plant-based sausages, such as sweet Italian, hot Italian, and spinach pesto. Plant-based sausage market leaders include Impossible Foods Inc., Marlow Foods Ltd., and Moving Mountains. For instance, In May 2021, In CHICAGO Lightlife, owned by Greenleaf Foods, SPC (as its First-Ever Plant-Based Partner) reformed its product portfolio to meet high consumer demand for plant-based food prepared with simple, recognizable ingredients. The company heavily invested in revamping 19 of its plant-based products in less than a year, removing ingredients like maltodextrin, carrageenan, and eggs and setting a high standard for the other brands in the group to follow.

Some major plant-based food market players are Amy’s Kitchen, Danone S.A., Atlantic Natural Foods LLC, Beyond Meat Inc., Garden Protein International Inc., Impossible Foods Inc., Lightlife Foods Inc. (Maple Leaf Foods Inc.), Tyson Foods Inc., Nestle S.A., and Vbite Food Ltd.

What are the major driving factors for the plant-based food market?

The number of people who are lactose intolerant is increasing, and veganism is becoming more popular. This is one of the primary factors favorably affecting the market, along with the rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes. In addition, growing public awareness of animal welfare is spurring demand for meat substitutes and boosting sales of plant-based meat in general. The simple accessibility of various products across offline and online distribution channels and the low-calorie and high-protein content provide a positive outlook for the market. Sales of plant-based food products are also positively impacted by the growing investments made in promotional activities by top market players, such as celebrity endorsements and social media advertising. Moreover, introducing novel products such as plant-based milk, meat, and eggs that taste similar to animal-sourced foods is expected to drive market growth.

What are the major risks for the plant-based food market?

The relatively higher price range of meat substitutes, the consumer preference for soy and gluten-free products, and the significant preference for animal-based products are all anticipated to impede the growth of this market significantly. Although plant-based meat alternatives are nutritious and contain necessary minerals, eating them has negative side effects that limit the market's growth. Soy's antinutritional components may contribute to conditions like soy allergies and other health problems. Gluten-intolerant people are predisposed to celiac disease, caused by an immune response to gluten proteins found in wheat, rye, barley, and, in some cases, oats. A dietary allergy to gluten results in celiac disease, characterized by inflammation and damage to the small intestine's inner lining.

Which is the key source in the plant-based food market?

The soybean source segment is projected to witness dominance in the coming years. Due to their widespread availability and cost-effectiveness, soybeans are used more frequently in producing plant-based foods, including meat, dairy alternatives, and baked goods. Consumers also accept plant-based foods made from soy more readily than other sources, which contributes to this segment's large market share. In addition to offering vital nutrition to plant-based diets like flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets, foods made from soybeans also have significant health advantages. Soybeans and soy-based foods may improve bone health and lower the risk of several illnesses, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and coronary heart disease (CHD). Our LDL (bad) cholesterol can be decreased by about 3-4% by consuming four servings of soy products daily and a low-saturated fat and cholesterol diet.

How is the plant-based food market performing in different regions?

North America had the largest global plant-based food market share in 2021. Increased consumer health consciousness, a thriving food industry, quick adoption of technological advancements in the food and beverage sector, and sizeable regional investments in the plant-based sector are all factors that have contributed to North America's leading position in the global market for plant-based foods. The enhanced prevalence of lactose intolerance in the region also contributes to the region's demand for substitute dairy products. According to a 2019 article by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, 48% of Americans are lactose intolerant.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest revenue growth in the global plant-based food market in the coming years. The rapidly increasing market growth in the Asia Pacific region is attributed to several factors, including the expanding use of emerging technologies for product innovation, partnerships between domestic and international food companies, rising government R&D expenditures in the food sector, the presence of many major market players, and the rise in vegan dining options. Rapid urbanization, an increase in middle-class people and their income levels, and growing knowledge of the advantages of diets high in protein are additional factors supporting the high regional market growth. Key market players have been focusing on expanding their operations in Asia-Pacific owing to high growth opportunities. For instance, Nestlé introduced Harvest Gourmet, a line of plant-based foods, to China in December 2020. The brand will offer a wide variety of plant-based products, such as mince, sausages, burgers, and nuggets.

What is the regulatory landscape for the plant-based food market?

The rising awareness of the benefits of eating plant-based foods is fueling market growth. With the help of various government initiatives in the form of public awareness campaigns, consumers worldwide are more aware of the adverse effects of excessive meat consumption. However, there has been an increase in the demand for plant-based foods to avoid various diseases. According to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, there will be over 356,000 outpatient cardiac arrests (OHCAs) in the United States in 2022, with approximately 90% being fatal. Because of this apprehension, consumers are turning to vegetarian products that are significantly healthier and just as nutritious.

What is the Market Size of Plant Based Food regarding value?

The global plant-based food market is anticipated to grow at a substantial CAGR of 9.8% in the upcoming years. The global plant-based food industry is estimated to be worth USD XX million in 2021 and is expected to be worth USD XX million by 2028.

What are the major players planning for the future of the plant-based food market?

Players in the market are concentrating on R&D initiatives and diversifying their product lines to introduce novel alternative meat products that resemble the flavor and texture of exotic meats, such as lobster and veal. Strategic initiatives like product innovation, capacity expansion, and mergers and acquisitions are being used by major manufacturers to boost their sales in the international market. In June 2020, Beyond Meat announced the opening of its European manufacturing capacity by purchasing a new production facility in Enschede, the Netherlands, and opening a new co-manufacturing facility with Zandbergen World's Finest plant-based food in the Netherlands.

Segmentation of Global Plant-Based Food Market -

Global Plant-Based Food Market – By Type

• Dairy Substitute
• Meat Substitute
• Egg Substitute
• Seafood Substitute
• Others

Global Plant-Based Food Market – By Source

• Soybean
• Nuts
• Wheat
• Pea
• Others

Global Plant-Based Food Market – By Sales Channel

• Offline Sales Channel
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Departmental Stores
• Convenience Store
• Other Sales Channel
• Online Sales Channel
• Company Website
• E-Commerce Platform

Global Plant-Based Food Market – By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • UK.
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • South-east Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC Countries
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East and Africa

Frequently asked questions about the global plant-based food market