Europe Plant-based Protein Market by Type (Soy Protein, Wheat Protein, Pea Protein), Crop Type (Non-GMO, GMO), Source Process (Conventional, Organic), Application (Food and Beverages, Animal Feed, Nutritional Supplements) - Forecast to 2030

The Europe Plant-based Protein Market is expected to reach $7.83 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2030. The growth of this market is attributed to the growing demand for a protein-rich diet, rising consumer awareness regarding nutritional benefits offered by plant-based proteins, growing demand from plant-based food & beverage manufacturers, and advancement in ingredient technologies: microencapsulation. Additionally, increasing inclination towards a vegan diet and product launches by plant-based foods & protein alternative manufacturers offer significant growth opportunities for European plant-based protein vendors. However, a significant preference for animal-based proteins restrains the plant-based protein market growth.

Key Players

The report includes a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the key growth strategies adopted by leading market players in the past four years. The key players profiled in the Europe plant-based protein market are Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.), Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.), Roquette Frères (France), Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.), Kerry Group plc (Ireland), International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (U.S.), Tate & Lyle PLC (U.K.), Axiom Foods Inc. (U.S.), Glanbia, Plc. (Ireland), Cosucra Groupe Warcoing SA (Belgium), Sotexpro (France), Crespel & Deiters GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), The Scoular Company (U.S.), Emsland-Strke GmbH (Germany), and Royal Ingredients Group BV (Netherlands).

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Rising Popularity of Vegan and Vegetarian Diets Boost the Demand for Europe Plant-based Protein

In recent years, vegetarianism and veganism have gained popularity in Europe due to growing health awareness, environmental concerns, and animal compassion. According to the European Vegetarian Union, around 10% (3% in 2007) of Europe’s population was vegetarian, while 3% was vegan in 2022. According to a study by Veganz, a German vegan supermarket (August 2022), the number of vegans in Germany has doubled since 2016 to 2.6 million people in 2022.

Plant-based foods are popular among vegetarian & vegan consumers. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, appropriately planned vegetarian (including vegan) diets are healthy and nutritionally adequate. They reduce the risk of certain health conditions, including ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and certain types of cancer. These diets are suitable for all stages of the human lifecycle (including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and older adulthood) and athletes.

Lactose-intolerant consumers demand dairy alternatives due to their impaired ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. (Source: National Institutes of Health). Lactose tolerance is widespread in Northern European countries such as Sweden and Finland. However, Turkey, Italy, Germany, and Spain have some of the highest numbers of lactose-intolerant consumers. Thus, the target audience for plant-based food & beverage products is not just limited to vegans and includes flexitarians, lactose-intolerant consumers, and even consumers looking for clean-label food & beverage options. According to data from OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2021–2030, per capita meat consumption in Europe is expected to decrease slightly from 67.6 kg in 2020 to 67 kg in 2031. This decline is mainly attributed to consumers’ growing preference for meat alternatives. According to the Good Food Institute, sales of plant-based meat increased by 3% from 2021 to 2022.

Thus, the rising popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets places a land of opportunities for the stakeholders operating in the plant-based proteins industry in Europe.

Key Findings in the Europe Plant-based Protein Market Study:

In 2024, the Soy Proteins Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Europe Plant-based Protein Market

Based on type, the Europe plant-based protein market is segmented into soy protein, wheat protein, pea protein, canola protein, potato protein, rice protein, corn protein, and others. In 2024, the soy protein segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Europe plant-based protein market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to higher consumer acceptance levels, low cost than other types of proteins, increased demand from plant-based food manufacturers, and immense availability and functionality. However, the pea protein segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to its nutritional benefits and allergen-free, gluten-free, and lactose-free properties.

In 2024, the Non-genetically Modified Organism Crops Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Europe Plant-based Protein Market

Based on crop type, the Europe plant-based protein market is segmented into non-genetically modified and genetically modified organism crops. In 2024, the non-genetically modified organism crops segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Europe plant-based protein market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to increased awareness about the harmful effects of genetically modified crops and the increased trend of clean-label products. Moreover, this segment is also expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid growth of this segment is mainly attributed to rising demand for eco-friendly, natural, and organic food products as well as stringent regulations for GM crops in Europe.

In 2024, the Conventional Plant-based Protein Ingredients Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Europe Plant-based Protein Market

Based on source process, the Europe plant-based protein market is segmented into conventional and organic plant-based protein ingredients. In 2024, the conventional plant-based protein ingredients segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Europe plant-based protein market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to lower prices than organic protein ingredients, longer shelf life, and availability of substantial crop varieties. However, the organic plant-based protein ingredients segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid growth of this segment is mainly attributed to growing awareness regarding the health benefits of organic food products.

In 2024, the Solid Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Europe Plant-based Protein Market

Based on form, the Europe plant-based protein market is segmented into solid (dry) and liquid. In 2024, the solid (dry) segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Europe plant-based protein market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the growing demand for powdered plant-based proteins coupled with their rising preference considering ease of handling and transport, comparatively lower costs, low chance of formulation mistakes, and their capacity to maintain ingredient stability. However, the liquid segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to its improved shelf life, natural and fresh appeal, and versatility for various applications.

In 2024, the Food & Beverages Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Europe Plant-based Protein Market

Based on application, the Europe plant-based protein market is segmented into food and beverages, animal feed, nutrition & health supplements, pharmaceuticals, and other applications. In 2024, the food and beverages segment is expected to account for the largest share of the Europe plant-based protein market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to high consumer demand for sustainable food products, growing awareness about the health benefits of plant proteins, increased health concerns over animal products and ingredients, increasing new product launches of plant-based products, increasing vegan population, rising meat prices, and clean label trend. However, the nutrition & health supplements segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid growth of this segment is mainly attributed to changing lifestyles, growing health & wellness trends, increasing demand for sports nutrition, and increasing prevalence of diseases.

Germany: Fastest-growing Market

Based on country, in 2024, Germany is expected to account for the largest share of the Europe plant-based protein market. Germany’s major market share is attributed to an increased preference for plant-based foods as a sustainable alternative, the presence of aging population, the trend of a healthier lifestyle, increasing food innovations, and increasing investment in the plant-based food sector.

Scope of the report:

Europe Plant-based Protein Market, by Type

• Soy Proteins
  • Soy Proteins Concentrates
  • Soy Proteins Isolates
  • Textured Soy Proteins
  • Other Types of Soy Proteins
• Wheat Proteins
  • Vital Wheat Gluten
  • Wheat Proteins Isolates
  • Hydrolyzed Wheat Proteins
  • Textured Wheat Proteins
• Pea Proteins
  • Pea Proteins Isolate
  • Pea Proteins Concentrate
  • Textured Pea Proteins
  • Pea Proteins Hydrolysate
  • Pea Flour
  • Other Types of Pea Proteins
• Canola Proteins
• Potato Proteins
• Rice Proteins
• Corn Proteins
• Other Types

Europe Plant-based Protein Market, by Crop Type                       

• Non- Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) crops
• GMO crops

Europe Plant-based Protein Market, by Source Process                             

• Conventional Plant-Based Protein ingredients
• Organic Plant-Based Protein ingredients

Europe Plant-based Protein Market, by Form               

• Solid (Dry)
• Liquid

Europe Plant-based Protein Market, by Application

• Food and Beverages
  • Processed Meat, Fish, Egg Products, and Alternatives
  • Bakery & Confectionery
  • Dairy & Dairy Alternatives
  • Cereals and Snacks
  • Soups & Sauces and Savory & Prepared Food Products
  • Beverages
  • Other Products
• Animal Feed
• Nutrition & Health Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals
• Other Applications

Europe Plant-based Protein Market, by Country

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Belgium
• Austria
• Rest of Europe 

Key questions answered in the report: