South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market Size

The South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for plant-based proteins, particularly in the food and beverage sector. The market's expansion is fueled by consumer awareness of health benefits and environmental concerns, leading to a rise in the adoption of meat alternatives and protein-fortified products. Soy protein, due to its nutritional consistency and high availability, plays a crucial role in animal feed, while pea and rice proteins are gaining popularity in the F&B segment. Brazil and Argentina are key players in the region, with Brazil showing the fastest growth potential. The market's dynamics are shaped by the growing preference for plant-based diets and the introduction of innovative protein products.

Market Size of south america plant protein ingredients Industry

South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market Summary
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Icons Lable Value
svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 1.02 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 1.38 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by End User Food and Beverages
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 6.13 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Brazil
svg icon Market Concentration Medium

Major Players

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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market Analysis

The South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market size is estimated at 1.02 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 1.38 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.13% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

1.02 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

1.38 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

6.20 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

6.13 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Product Type

71.99 %

value share, Soy Protein, 2023

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Among all plant proteins, soy protein remained the most favored in the South American plant proteins market owing to its low cost and excellent quality. The animal feed and F&B sectors drove the soy protein type in the region.

Largest Market by End User

59.81 %

value share, Food and Beverages, 2023

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The high supply of plant proteins (rice, pea, and wheat) that have the ability to mimic meat texture, together with protein fortification, is boosting the food and beverage segment.

Fastest Growing Market by Product Type

9.96 %

Projected CAGR, Pea Protein, 2024-2029

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Pea proteins are gaining demand from meat alternatives due to their quick rehydration, neutral flavor, and texturizing abilities, leading to a slew of new products.

Fastest Growing Market by End User

6.27 %

Projected CAGR, Animal Feed, 2024-2029

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Soy and wheat proteins are the plant proteins used in the animal feed segment due to their functionality traits, which makes them ideal alternatives to fish and animal-based feeds.

Leading Market Player

17.42 %

market share, International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc., Inc.

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IFF's leading position can be attributed to its high-quality offerings in the region. It is also one of the most active market players in the region.

F&B sector dominates with growing demand of plant protein from dairy and meat alternatives

  • The F&B segment is dominated by the meat and meat alternatives sub-segment, which is expected to record a CAGR of 4.74%, by volume, during the forecast period. Protein ingredients provide properties that mimic meat texture, making them suitable for vegans. The growing knowledge of healthy eating habits and environmental concerns are driving the demand for these items in the region. Pea protein and wheat protein are the major plant protein ingredients used in manufacturing meat substitutes. Wheat protein is growing at the fastest rate, and it is expected to record a CAGR of 3.15%, by volume, during the forecast year. This growth is due to the elasticity and flexibility traits of gluten, which are present in wheat protein, specifically changing the structure of meat products. The presence of high-quality amino acid composition, which is similar to animal protein, is used in structured plant protein products.
  • Animal feed remained the second-largest end-user segment. Argentina dominated the market, and it is expected to record a CAGR of 7.34%, by value, during the forecast year. Soy is a rich nutritional source with a less variable chemical composition than other protein sources. Thus, soy is widely used in feed. Soy concentrates are ideal for chicken's pre-starter meal as they contain easily digestible amino acids and aid with lipid and water retention. The high sales of proteins in this segment are attributed to the nation's massive soy production. In 2022, soybean production in Argentina was 48.95 million ton. It is expected to grow by 52.86 million ton in 2031. As soy production is high in the country, there will be a high supply volume at affordable prices. The rise in supply led the manufacturers to incorporate soy protein instead of others in animal feed.
South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market

Alternative protein based food is gaining prominence across the Brazil and plays a vital role for having share in the region

  • Plant protein consumption in South America is driven primarily by an increase in demand for soy proteins. Over the last five years, soy, whey, and milk protein products accounted for 70% of all regional high-protein launches, but plant-based protein sources are gaining traction. Mainstream food and beverage products incorporate proteins derived from peas, rice, chia seeds, oats, and potatoes. More than 40% of Latin American consumers reported that plant-based protein improves their health. Pea and rice proteins are the most popular plant proteins on the market. Pea protein is expected to register the highest CAGR of 9.82%, by volume, during the forecast period. The application of plant proteins has been supported by application in the F&B segment, supported by the growing protein fortification of baked products. Conventional plant proteins dominate the bakery industry, but emerging sources are also gaining traction because of their specific functional properties and nutritional value.
  • Brazil claimed the largest share in 2022, where the plant protein demand in the F&B segment dominated sales. This high demand can be attributed to the country's aging population, and it is estimated to triple by 2050, covering around 66 million Brazilians. Consumers are increasingly adopting healthy diets. During the review period, the nation witnessed several plant protein-based product launches with the emergence of start-ups, The New Butchers, Future Farm, Behind The Foods, and Superbom. Brazil recorded the fastest growth potential among all South American countries, and it is expected to register a CAGR of 6.46% during the forecast period. The country, bearing about half of the region's population, has a vast consumer base and, thus, receives a major focus from competitors.

South America Plant Protein Ingredients Industry Segmentation

Hemp Protein, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Rice Protein, Soy Protein, Wheat Protein are covered as segments by Protein Type. Animal Feed, Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Supplements are covered as segments by End User. Argentina, Brazil are covered as segments by Country.

  • The F&B segment is dominated by the meat and meat alternatives sub-segment, which is expected to record a CAGR of 4.74%, by volume, during the forecast period. Protein ingredients provide properties that mimic meat texture, making them suitable for vegans. The growing knowledge of healthy eating habits and environmental concerns are driving the demand for these items in the region. Pea protein and wheat protein are the major plant protein ingredients used in manufacturing meat substitutes. Wheat protein is growing at the fastest rate, and it is expected to record a CAGR of 3.15%, by volume, during the forecast year. This growth is due to the elasticity and flexibility traits of gluten, which are present in wheat protein, specifically changing the structure of meat products. The presence of high-quality amino acid composition, which is similar to animal protein, is used in structured plant protein products.
  • Animal feed remained the second-largest end-user segment. Argentina dominated the market, and it is expected to record a CAGR of 7.34%, by value, during the forecast year. Soy is a rich nutritional source with a less variable chemical composition than other protein sources. Thus, soy is widely used in feed. Soy concentrates are ideal for chicken's pre-starter meal as they contain easily digestible amino acids and aid with lipid and water retention. The high sales of proteins in this segment are attributed to the nation's massive soy production. In 2022, soybean production in Argentina was 48.95 million ton. It is expected to grow by 52.86 million ton in 2031. As soy production is high in the country, there will be a high supply volume at affordable prices. The rise in supply led the manufacturers to incorporate soy protein instead of others in animal feed.
Protein Type
Hemp Protein
Pea Protein
Potato Protein
Rice Protein
Soy Protein
Wheat Protein
Other Plant Protein
End User
Animal Feed
Food and Beverages
By Sub End User
Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements
By Sub End User
Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
Country
Argentina
Brazil
Rest of South America
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South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market Size Summary

The South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of health and environmental benefits associated with plant-based diets. The market is characterized by a rising demand for plant protein ingredients, particularly in the food and beverage sector, where meat and meat alternatives are gaining popularity. Pea and wheat proteins are among the most utilized ingredients, with wheat protein's elasticity and flexibility making it a preferred choice for meat substitutes. The animal feed sector also represents a substantial portion of the market, with Argentina leading due to its abundant soy production, which is a key component in animal feed due to its nutritional value and cost-effectiveness. The region's market dynamics are further influenced by the growing adoption of plant-based diets, particularly in urban areas, and the increasing popularity of plant-based dairy alternatives, driven by a high prevalence of lactose intolerance.

Brazil and Argentina are pivotal players in the South American plant protein market, with Brazil showing rapid growth potential due to its large consumer base and increasing demand for plant protein-based products. The market is moderately consolidated, with major companies like Archer Daniels Midland Company and Ingredion Incorporated playing significant roles. Recent strategic moves, such as acquisitions and product launches, indicate a trend towards expanding the range of plant-based protein offerings. The market's growth is also supported by the rising consumption of plant proteins in various food products, including protein bars, breakfast cereals, and processed meats, as consumers seek healthier and more sustainable dietary options. Despite challenges such as fluctuating crop yields and geopolitical issues affecting supply chains, the market is poised for continued expansion, driven by both consumer demand and strategic industry developments.

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South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Protein Type

      1. 1.1.1 Hemp Protein

      2. 1.1.2 Pea Protein

      3. 1.1.3 Potato Protein

      4. 1.1.4 Rice Protein

      5. 1.1.5 Soy Protein

      6. 1.1.6 Wheat Protein

      7. 1.1.7 Other Plant Protein

    2. 1.2 End User

      1. 1.2.1 Animal Feed

      2. 1.2.2 Food and Beverages

        1. 1.2.2.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.2.1.1 Bakery

          2. 1.2.2.1.2 Beverages

          3. 1.2.2.1.3 Breakfast Cereals

          4. 1.2.2.1.4 Condiments/Sauces

          5. 1.2.2.1.5 Confectionery

          6. 1.2.2.1.6 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products

          7. 1.2.2.1.7 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products

          8. 1.2.2.1.8 RTE/RTC Food Products

          9. 1.2.2.1.9 Snacks

      3. 1.2.3 Personal Care and Cosmetics

      4. 1.2.4 Supplements

        1. 1.2.4.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.4.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula

          2. 1.2.4.1.2 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition

          3. 1.2.4.1.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition

    3. 1.3 Country

      1. 1.3.1 Argentina

      2. 1.3.2 Brazil

      3. 1.3.3 Rest of South America

South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market Size FAQs

The South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market size is expected to reach USD 1.02 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.13% to reach USD 1.38 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market size is expected to reach USD 1.02 billion.

South America Plant Protein Ingredients Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029