Europe Meat Alternatives Market - 2023-2030

Market Overview

The Europe meat alternatives market size was worth US$ XX million in 2021 and is estimated to reach US$ XX million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 23.98% during the forecast period (2022-2029).

Muscle fibers are bundled into larger structures to form the traditional meat composed of these larger structures. As a result, the texture is distinctive, tough and challenging to replicate. Often referred to as faux meat, mock meat or imitation meat, meat replacements aim to be "something that looks, tastes and feels like meat."

Most meat substitutes fall into cell-based, fermentation-based (mycoprotein) or plant-based (cultured meat). Plant-based foods are by far the most popular meat substitute on the market. Soy protein, pea protein, wheat gluten or a combination of protein sources are the most widely used plant-based meat substitutes.

Market Dynamics

The European meat alternatives market is anticipated to grow due to the expanding number of vegans and the growing desire for plant-based proteins. But the hefty prices and allergy worries can limit the market growth.

The growing number of vegans in Europe

The market is expanding because of the increased number of vegans in Europe and the nutritional & health advantages of meat substitutes. The excellent nutritional content of meat substitutes significantly impacts how consumers buy finished goods. Sales of high-protein goods are anticipated to remain constant over the projection period. Tofu and tempeh, soy-based meat substitutes, are abundant in protein, vitamins, minerals and cholesterol.

Consumers with heart and diabetes disorders are advised to start drinking meat-free goods because regular consumption has several positive health effects. Before making a purchase, consumers carefully examine the product's contents and weigh the nutritional content of meat substitutes against that of traditional meat products. As per a survey conducted on behalf of the Good Food Institute Europe (GFI), more than half of European consumers have cut back on traditional meat intake and a significant portion have switched to plant-based alternatives.

Increasing preference for plant-based proteins

Since most people in Europe rely on meat products to meet their daily protein needs, the demand for meat alternatives has increased over the past ten years. While meat proteins give the body the essential amino acids, they also include high levels of cholesterol, which has been associated with many serious health issues.

It became the primary factor in the rise in demand for meals with plant-based proteins, especially in developed nations like UK, Germany and France. In several places, including UK, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of vegans.

High costs and allergy-concerns

The market's growth is anticipated to be limited in some ways by the considerably higher price range for plant-based foods. For hundreds of years, food intolerances and allergies have been recorded. But in recent years, the prevalence of food allergies has increased, alarming consumers and food producers.

For instance, soybeans are rich in vitamins, minerals, isoflavones and proteins, but they also include antinutritional elements that can lead to health issues like soy allergies. Itching and hives are common in people with soy allergies. The additional signs include bloating, gas and mild intestinal tissue irritation.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which closed cafes and restaurants in 2020, people started experimenting more with the food they could make at home. Consumers in Europe chose a plant-based diet as the COVID-19 pandemic made clear the link between public health and animal meat consumption and the growing importance of a healthy diet.

From a manufacturing and distribution perspective, this sector observed a hitherto unheard-of demand for several plant-based goods, including meat alternatives and plant-based milk. Many businesses in the market for plant-based foods started adapting their strategy to accommodate the rapid increase in demand during the epidemic. For instance, Nestle (Switzerland) introduced vegan KitKat V in UK, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in June 2021.

Segment Analysis

By distribution channel, the Europe meat alternatives market is segmented into supermarkets, convenience stores and online sales.

The availability of various options drives the supermarket segment's growth

Customers may access various products in one location through supermarkets, allowing them to choose the quality and quantity that best matches their needs. These channels will be able to sell products for less because of their lower operational and sales costs. It is projected that the large number of supermarkets that guarantee the quality of their goods would greatly aid in the segment's expansion.

Since the public's perception of meat products has evolved, retailers must now include alternatives to remain profitable and have an advantage over competitors. Sainsbury, a UK-based company, reports that as consumers choose meat-free meals more frequently, sales of plant-based items have climbed by 65%.

Geographical Analysis

The rapid drop in meat consumption in Germany

Germany is anticipated to be the second-largest European country in the meat alternatives market. The production of animal meat decreased by 7.8% year over year in 2021, according to recently disclosed data from Destatis, the German Federal Statistics Office. According to the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food, per capita meat consumption in Germany has steadily decreased, from 62.8 kilos in 2011 to 55 kilos in 2021.

With tofu sausages, veggie burgers and seitan schnitzels being particularly well-liked, the market for vegetarian or vegan meat replacements is flourishing in Germany. German economy generated approximately 17% more meat replacements in 2021 than the year before and output increased by 62.2% over 2019, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).

Compared to around 83,700 Tons the year before and 60,400 Tons two years prior, German companies produced 97,900 tons of meat alternatives in 2021. In 2021, the domestic output of these goods was worth US$458.6 million, up 22.2% from the year before. The coronavirus pandemic raised public awareness of the safety and vulnerability of the animal food supply chain, which led to a rise in demand for plant-based meat.

Europe Meat Alternatives Market Competitive Landscape

The European meat substitutes market is fragmented, with many businesses selling meat-free foods with only modest product differentiation and competitive prices. The broad range of products offered by top companies and the commercial accessibility of the finished goods made from various food ingredients have significantly impacted the market's level of competition.

Major Europe meat alternatives market companies include Amys Kitchen, Inc., Vbites Foods Ltd., Taifun-Tofu GmbH, Quorn Foods Ltd., Schouten, Hilton Food, Van Loon Group, Bobeldijk Food Group B.V, Cauldron Foods, Tyson Foods Italia s.p.a, FelsineoVeg S.r.l. , VFC, Vivera, Beyond Meat, Tofurky, Conagra Brands, Inc. and The Hain Celestial Group, Inc, among others.

Amys Kitchen, Inc.

Overview: Amy's Kitchen is a privately held family company that manufactures organic and non-GMO frozen and convenience foods. The business produces and markets more than 260 meals and other food items using only organic and natural ingredients, making it one of the country's top makers of organic frozen and prepared foods. It provides selections devoid of maize, dairy, gluten and other ingredients. In addition to soups, beans, chili, pasta, pasta sauces and salsa, there are entrees (such as pizzas, pot pies, snacks and veggie burgers) available. Amy's Kitchen offers meals and courses based on categories, specific diets and dinners.

Product Portfolio: The company offers various products based on plant-based meat, such as organic Sonoma veggie burgers, organic black bean veggie burgers, quarter-pound burgers, and organic california veggie burgers.

Key Development: Amy's Kitchen introduced vegan-friendly frozen pizza rolls in 2017. They are vegan, kosher, dairy-free, soy-free, lactose-free and soy-free.

Why Purchase the Report?

• Visualize the composition of the Europe meat alternatives market segmentation by distribution channel and country, highlighting the critical commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities in the Europe meat alternatives market by analyzing trends and co-development deals.
• Excel data sheet with thousands of Europe meat alternatives market-level 4/5 segmentation points.
• Pdf report with the most relevant analysis cogently put together after exhaustive qualitative interviews and in-depth market study.
• Product mapping in excel for the key product of all major market players

The Europe meat alternatives market report would provide access to an approx. 36 market data table, 34 figures and 205 pages.

Target Audience 2022

• Meat Alternatives Service Providers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Education & Research Institutes
• Emerging Companies
• Meat Alternatives Manufacturers