Alternative Protein Market Definition And Segments
Alternative protein refers to protein sources that are not derived from traditional animal agriculture, such as beef, poultry, or fish. These alternatives aim to provide protein-rich food options while addressing concerns related to environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and the increasing demand for protein as the global population grows.
The main sources of alternative proteins are plant-based, insect-based, microbial-based, and others. Plant-based proteins are derived from a variety of plant sources, providing a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to animal-based proteins. These are available in dry and wet forms and are used in several applications, such as food and beverage, cattle, aquaculture, animal feed, pet food, equine, and others.
The alternative protein market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Source: Plant-Based, Insect-Based, Microbial-Based, Other Sources
2) By Form: Dry, Liquid
3) By Application: Food And Beverage, Cattle, Aquaculture, Animal Feed, Pet Food, Equine, Other Applications
The alternative protein market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $71.73 billion in 2023 to $85.65 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to health and wellness trends, environmental concerns, ethical and animal welfare concerns, cultural and religious preferences, innovation and product development.
The alternative protein market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $162.13 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to policy and regulatory support, global population growth, investment and funding inflows, changing consumer preferences, climate change mitigation. Major trends in the forecast period include diversification of protein sources, mainstream adoption in foodservice, premiumization and innovation, global expansion and market accessibility, nutritional enhancement and fortification.
Rising Demand For Plant-Based Protein Fuels Growth In The Alternative Protein Market
The increasing demand for plant-based proteins is expected to propel the growth of the alternative protein market going forward. Plant-based protein refers to proteins derived from plants rather than animal sources. These proteins are present in several plant-based foods and are frequently consumed by people who follow vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based diets. Plant-based proteins are used in alternative protein products as substitutes for traditional animal-based proteins, offering a sustainable and cruelty-free option. Additionally, plant-based proteins offer benefits such as lower saturated fat, high fiber content, reduced environmental impact, and ethical considerations compared to animal-based proteins. For instance, in April 2023, according to the Good Food Institute, a US-based non-profit organization, the global retail sales of plant-based meat and seafood in 2022 amounted to $6.1 billion, indicating an 8% growth in revenue and a 5% increase in weight. Additionally, the collective sales of plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt reached $21.6 billion globally, marking a 7% rise from the previous year. Therefore, the increasing demand for plant-based proteins is driving the growth of the alternative protein market.
Major companies operating in the alternative protein market are Cargill Incorporated, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, CHS Inc., International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Kerry Group plc, Ingredion Incorporated, DIC Corporation, Glanbia Plc, Roquette Freres SA, Tate & Lyle Plc, Corbion NV, Now Health Group Inc., Farbest Farms Inc., Ynsect SAS, BENEO GmbH, Cyanotech Corporation, MycoTechnology Inc., Enterra Feed Corporation, Sotexpro, Axiom Foods Inc., Protix B.V., EnviroFlight LLC, Entomo Farms, Aspire Food Group, Pond Technologies Holdings Inc.
Plant-Based Meat Transforming The Alternative Protein Market
Major companies operating in the alternative protein market are developing new products, such as plant-based meat, to gain a competitive edge in the market. Plant-based meat refers to food products that mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of traditional animal meat but are entirely derived from plant-based sources. For instance, in January 2023, Final Foods Inc., a US-based food and technology company, launched a plant-based meat product line designed for gourmet chefs and the food service industry. This innovative range offers protein-rich vegan alternatives in slices and large cuts, allowing for versatile culinary applications such as grilling, stewing, sautéing, and stir-frying. Crafted with a unique extrusion cooking process using pea protein and natural ingredients, Final Foods' vegan meat distinguishes itself by its commitment to replicating the taste of meat while providing a more natural and creative alternative for chefs. Notably, the company is pioneering a sustainable production model, utilizing small-scale micro factories to support local markets.
ADM Enhances Global Alternative Protein Portfolio With Acquisition Of Sojaprotein
In November 2021, Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) Company, a US-based food processing company, acquired Sojaprotein a.d. za preradu soje Becej for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition of Sojaprotein by ADM strengthened its global alternative protein capabilities, enabling the company to meet the increasing demand for plant-based foods and beverages in Europe by incorporating a leading provider of non-GMO soy ingredients with extensive reach across various segments, including meat alternatives, confectionery, protein bars, pharmaceuticals, pet food, and animal feed. Sojaprotein a.d. za preradu soje Becej is a Serbia-based agribusiness company that specializes in the production and export of non-GMO vegetable protein ingredients, with a primary focus on soy-based alternative protein products.
North America was the largest region in the alternative protein market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the alternative protein market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the alternative protein market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The alternative protein market consists of sales of soy flours, soy concentrates, soy isolates, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and lab-grown meat. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
The alternative protein market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides alternative protein market statistics, including alternative protein industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with alternative protein market share, detailed alternative protein market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the alternative protein industry. This alternative protein market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.