Market Trends of Plant-Based Food and Beverages Industry
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Plant-Based Food & Beverages Market according to our research experts:
Growing Popularity of Vegan Culture
The emergence of the plant-based food and beverage market clearly demonstrates a shift in customers' demands from animal-based products to plant-based products. This incremental shift toward a plant-based diet is primarily influenced by ecological concerns, health consciousness, ethical or religious beliefs, and awareness about environmental issues and animal rights.
Furthermore, consumer awareness of allergies, hormones, and unethical animal husbandry practices utilized in the dairy industry has led to an increase in the popularity of veganism. Therefore, the demand for plant-based food and beverages is constantly increasing, mainly due to consumers' perception that these products are healthier and safer than conventional foods. Along with this, dairy alternatives hold wide scope for product development, pulling significant attention from manufacturers to contribute to the market. As a result, food companies are increasingly investing in catering to the appeal that novel flavors and taste profiles provide. For instance, in November 2022, Kraft Heinz launched plant-based cheese slices called NotCheese, which is the first product launched by the joint venture of Kraft Heinz and Chilean food tech firm NotCo and is expected to be rolled out across the United States in 2023.
Asia-Pacific Holds the Largest Share
Plant-based food and beverages are becoming increasingly popular in Asia-Pacific countries such as China, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and Australia. According to a recent study conducted by DuPont, over 75% of APAC consumers are willing to spend a similar price spent on meat for plant-based alternatives. Meanwhile, protein has been rated as an essential element by 83% of respondents behind consuming plant-based food and beverages.
Plant-based burgers, meats, and dairy-alternative beverages have been accepted well by Asians. Furthermore, consumers look forward to plant-based Asian cuisines and beverages with clean labels, as they value health and nutrition with convenience. Moreover, soy is currently the most widely consumed plant-based beverage in Asia, with China, Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand leading the growth of dairy-alternative beverages, which include almond milk, oat milk, hemp milk, pea milk, and rice milk.
