(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, May 31, 2021 ) According to MarketsandMarkets, the global plant-based protein market size is projected to grow from USD 10.3 billion in 2020 to USD 15.6 billion by 2026, in terms of value, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period. The rise in population with lactose intolerance is one of the major factors driving the market growth for plant-based protein. North America region accounted for the largest market share in the global plant-based protein market.
Market Dynamics
Drivers: Rise in demand for wellness-focused organic food & beverages
The changing consumer preferences have showcased a growing consumer shift toward adapting to a more nutritional diet centered towards a more sustainable lifestyle and lower dependency on animal proteins. A considerable percentage of the millennial population in Western countries has been observed regarding their changing food habits as consumers move from conventional animal-based products to organic and plant-based food products as an ideal food solution.
Restraints: Allergies associated with plant-based protein sources
Plant-based food & beverages have functional health benefits and consist of essential minerals; however, in several cases, the consumption of select sources, such as soy and wheat, has been identified as allergens resulting in cautious consumer acceptance. Soybeans have s strong nutrient content profile including, vitamins, minerals, and proteins; however, antinutritional components present in soy could cause allergies. According to the Cleveland Clinic, soy is one of the “Big Eight” allergens, along with cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, fish, and shellfish, responsible for 90% of all food allergies. A soy allergy occurs when the human immune system mistakes the harmless proteins found in soy as harmful and produces antibodies to combat them.
Opportunities: Rise in demand for food & beverages with organic Ingredients
The organic plant-based protein market has the potential to change the business landscape in the overall plant protein ingredients market. According to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), “a total of 71.5 million hectares were organically managed at the end of 2018, representing a growth of 2.9 percent or 2 million hectares compared to 2017, the largest growth ever recorded.” In 2018, 2.8 million organic producers were reported globally, and India continues to be dominant with the highest number of producers. Growth of the organic food products market is also expected to boost the growth of the organic plant-based protein ingredients market.
Challenges: Concerns over source quality in food and beverage products due to the use of genetically modified crops
Soy, wheat, and pea are among the prominent sources used in the processing and production of plant-based proteins and are produced primarily in countries such as Brazil, the US, Canada, China, and India. These countries also represent a key portion of the demand for plant-based food & beverages among consumers. However, to meet the growing demand for various plant-based protein sources, farmers often grow genetically modified (GM) crops, which is often seen unfavorably by consumers.
The Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing region in the forecast period
The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the highest CAGR in the plant-based protein market during the forecast period due to the growing application of plant-based protein in the food segment. The Asia Pacific region continues to be a strong prospect for manufacturers based in North America. The young demographic and growing interest in plant-based products have resulted in organizations expanding their scope for improved geographic coverage in the region. Countries such as China and India with a strong agricultural background have emerged as key entry points into the region with a well-established infrastructure suited for the processing of plant-based proteins.
This report includes a study on the marketing and development strategies, along with the product portfolios of leading companies. It consists of profiles of leading companies, such as DSM (Netherlands), Kerry Group (Ireland), ADM (US), Roquette Freres (France), Cargill (US), Glanbia (Ireland), DuPont (US), Ingredion (US), Emsland Group (Germany), Puris (US), Cosucra Group (Belgium), Batory Foods (US), Burcon Nutrascience (Canada), AGT Food & Ingredients (Canada), and Axiom Foods (US).
The pea-based protein market is projected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period.
The plant-based protein market is segmented, based on source, into soy, pea, wheat, and others, that include potato, canola, and rice. The pea-based protein segment is projected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period, owing to its nutritional benefits and easy integration into final products. Furthermore, the demand for pea protein continues to grow from application industries. Moreover, rising consumer preference for pea-based protein due to increasing health consciousness and awareness regarding the benefits of pea-based protein, particularly in the European and the North American regions, is expected to drive their market growth.