United Kingdom Soy Protein - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The United Kingdom Soy Protein Market size is estimated at USD 203.41 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 243.63 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 3.67% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

F&B and animal feed together accounted for major share in 2022 due to increasing demand for plant based protein products coupled with rising pet population across the country

• The applications of soy protein in the UK market are majorly dominated by the food and beverage segment. In 2022, soy protein was mainly driven by applications in the meat and meat alternative products sub-segment, followed by dairy and dairy alternative products, accounting for 23.83% and 21.04% by volume, respectively.
• UK consumers are shifting from animal protein products to plant-based protein products due to rising health consciousness. Soy protein continues to be customers' preferred option among all other plant-based proteins. In 2021, around 60% of UK consumers shifted toward plant-based products as they are considered healthier. More people are turning to vegan protein-based meat replacements due to the rising allergic reactions to animal proteins. In the United Kingdom, the consumption of soy-based foods is also encouraged by the government and various associations, which is further boosting the demand for soy protein-fortified foods in the country.
• Animal feed held the second major share in the market. It is projected to register a CAGR of 2.14%, by value, during the forecast period. Soybean meal, which is the by-product of oil extraction, has a high crude protein content of 44-50% and a balanced amino acid composition, making it complementary to maize meal for feed formulations. In pet food, soy protein concentrates are typically used as a partial substitute for meat and meat meal ingredients and as a meat extender in dry and canned pet foods. The UK pet population increased from 9.6 million in 2020 to 10.2 million in 2021, thus boosting the demand for soy protein in pet food formulations.

United Kingdom Soy Protein Market Trends

Plant protein consumption growth fuels opportunities for key players in the ingredients sector

• The recommended intake of proteins for adults in good health is 0.83 g/kg/d. The average intake of protein consumption ranges from 0.83 to 2.2 g/kg/d for an adult under 60 years of age. The average daily intake of proteins for adult women is 74 g and for adult men is 100 g. Millennials and Gen Z are particularly driving the growing demand for plant-based diets and supplements. This is primarily because plant-based proteins are rapidly becoming the only source of all the essential amino acids that can replace animal protein. The protein sector's emergence can potentially reduce the environmental impact associated with the country's reliance on animal protein.
• Young and urban customers who think consuming less meat is better for their health and the environment tend to be the top users of plant-based foods. In the forthcoming year, an increasing number of people in the UK are likely to give up meat or adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet. The UK government promotes a healthy lifestyle and diet among its consumers. This offers an opportunity for the soy protein ingredient, which is positioned as being organic, pure, and healthful. The per capita consumption of soy protein favorably increased by 4.6% in 2022 from 2016.
• In the United Kingdom, the average amount of rice consumed per person per week in 2019-2020 was 111 grams. Rice contains essential nutrients such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin E, zinc, potassium, iron, and fiber. The average British citizen consumes about 5.6 kg of rice annually, with white rice accounting for 80% of purchases. Due to the country's expanding ethnic population and increased dietary variety, rice consumption in the UK is anticipated to increase significantly.

United Kingdom Soy Protein Industry Overview

The United Kingdom Soy Protein Market is fragmented, with the top five companies occupying 32.60%. The major players in this market are Archer Daniels Midland Company, Brenntag SE, International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc., Kerry Group PLC and Wilmar International Ltd (sorted alphabetically).

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