GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Alternative Meat Industry Statistics

The alternative meat industry is experiencing rapid growth, with global sales reaching $19.5 billion in 2019 and expected to increase further in the coming years.

Highlights: Alternative Meat Industry Statistics

  • The global alternative meat market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2020.
  • Plant-based meat retail sales in the United States could reach $12 billion by 2025.
  • Plant-based meat substitutes represent 1.4% of total retail meat sales.
  • The alternative meat market is projected to reach $450 billion by 2040.
  • 6.5 million Canadian adults deliberately reduce their meat consumption.
  • In 2022, meat alternatives made up 12% of the overall meat market in China.
  • The Asia Pacific region held the highest share of the alternative meat market in 2019.
  • 61% of Germans have tried a plant-based meat product.
  • 51% of consumers are open to buying plant-based meat alternatives.
  • The texture of plant-based meat substitutes is reported as a buying factor by 45% of consumers.
  • Alternative meat has a 10% penetration rate in the United States.
  • By 2030, 60% of the meat consumed will be nontraditional, according to a projection.
  • The UK market for meat-free foods was reportedly worth £740 million in 2018.
  • 38% of Brazilian and 31% of Indian consumers would try 'lab-grown' meat.
  • Sales of plant-based meat substitutes increased by 264% during March and April 2020.
  • The global market for plant-based meat is projected to reach $35 billion by 2027.
  • Growth in the alternative meat industry is expected to create 200,000 jobs in Europe by 2035.
  • Industry analysts predict that the meat substitute market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15% from 2019 to 2024.
  • More than one in four millennials has tried plant-based meat.
  • 28% of Gen Z and millennial consumers plan to eat more vegan food in the future.

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The Latest Alternative Meat Industry Statistics Explained

The global alternative meat market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2020.

The statistic ‘The global alternative meat market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2020’ indicates the total financial worth of the alternative meat industry worldwide in the specified year. This figure represents the sum of all sales and transactions related to plant-based and cell-based meat products that serve as alternatives to traditional animal meat. The valuation of $4.3 billion reflects the growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethical food options, as well as the increasing recognition of the environmental and health benefits associated with alternative meat products. This statistic underscores the significant market size of the alternative meat industry and suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards more environmentally friendly and humane food choices.

Plant-based meat retail sales in the United States could reach $12 billion by 2025.

The statistic that plant-based meat retail sales in the United States could reach $12 billion by 2025 signifies a significant projected growth in the market for plant-based meat products over the next few years. This forecast suggests a notable shift towards plant-based alternatives in the food industry as more consumers are opting for meat substitutes for various reasons such as health, environmental concerns, and animal welfare. The expected substantial increase in sales reflects the growing popularity and acceptance of plant-based diets among the general population, leading to a potential transformation of the food industry landscape and signaling a changing consumer preference towards more sustainable and ethical food choices.

Plant-based meat substitutes represent 1.4% of total retail meat sales.

This statistic indicates that plant-based meat substitutes make up 1.4% of the overall sales in the retail meat market. This suggests that while plant-based meat alternatives are gaining some traction and popularity among consumers, they still represent a relatively small portion of the total meat sales. The figure of 1.4% highlights the niche market position of plant-based meats within the broader context of traditional animal-based meat products. This information can be valuable for businesses in the food industry to understand the current market landscape and make decisions regarding product development, marketing strategies, and investment opportunities in the growing plant-based meat sector.

The alternative meat market is projected to reach $450 billion by 2040.

The statistic indicating that the alternative meat market is projected to reach $450 billion by 2040 suggests significant growth and market potential in the sector. This projection implies a substantial increase in consumer demand for plant-based and cultured meat products as viable alternatives to traditional animal-based proteins. The growth estimates may be driven by various factors, including increasing concerns about sustainability, animal welfare, and health consciousness among consumers, as well as advancements in technology and innovation in the alternative meat industry. The projected market size underscores the transformative potential of plant-based and lab-grown meats in reshaping the global food industry landscape over the coming years.

6.5 million Canadian adults deliberately reduce their meat consumption.

The statistic indicating that 6.5 million Canadian adults deliberately reduce their meat consumption highlights a significant trend towards plant-based or flexitarian diets in Canada. This suggests a growing awareness and adoption of dietary choices that promote health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. The sheer number of adults making a conscious effort to reduce their meat intake underscores a shift in consumer behavior towards more mindful and ethical food choices. The statistic reflects a changing landscape in the food industry, with implications for agriculture, food production, and public health initiatives targeting nutrition and dietary habits.

In 2022, meat alternatives made up 12% of the overall meat market in China.

The statistic that in 2022, meat alternatives accounted for 12% of the overall meat market in China indicates the increasing popularity and consumption of plant-based protein sources in the country. This figure suggests a significant shift in dietary preferences and consumer behavior towards more sustainable and ethical food choices. The growing awareness of environmental concerns, health benefits, and animal welfare issues are likely driving this trend, leading to a diversification of options in the market to cater to the changing demands of consumers. This statistic serves as a reflection of the evolving food landscape in China and the global movement towards more eco-friendly and plant-based diets.

The Asia Pacific region held the highest share of the alternative meat market in 2019.

The statement indicates that in 2019, the Asia Pacific region had the largest portion of the alternative meat market compared to other regions globally. This means that a significant percentage of alternative meat products, such as plant-based burgers or lab-grown meats, were consumed or produced in countries within the Asia Pacific region. Factors contributing to this market share could include changing consumer preferences towards plant-based diets, the presence of large vegetarian populations in countries like India and China, and a growing awareness of the environmental impacts of traditional meat production. This statistic highlights the region’s leading role in the alternative meat industry and suggests potential growth opportunities for businesses and investors in this market sector.

61% of Germans have tried a plant-based meat product.

The statistic ‘61% of Germans have tried a plant-based meat product’ indicates the proportion of the German population who have experimented with plant-based alternatives to traditional meat products. This implies a relatively high level of exposure and openness to plant-based meat products within the German market. The statistic suggests that plant-based eating is gaining popularity and acceptance among Germans, possibly driven by factors such as health consciousness, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations. These findings highlight a notable shift in dietary preferences and consumption habits towards more sustainable and plant-based food options within the German population.

51% of consumers are open to buying plant-based meat alternatives.

The statistic ‘51% of consumers are open to buying plant-based meat alternatives’ indicates that slightly more than half of consumers are willing to consider purchasing products that substitute traditional meat with plant-based alternatives. This suggests a growing interest and acceptance of plant-based meat products among the general population. Factors driving this trend may include concerns about health, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and evolving dietary preferences. As the market for plant-based meat alternatives continues to expand, food companies have an opportunity to capitalize on this consumer openness by offering innovative and appealing plant-based products that cater to a diverse range of tastes and preferences.

The texture of plant-based meat substitutes is reported as a buying factor by 45% of consumers.

This statistic indicates that 45% of consumers consider the texture of plant-based meat substitutes as an important factor when making purchasing decisions. Texture plays a significant role in consumer preferences for these products, highlighting the importance of mimicking the texture of traditional meat products for plant-based alternatives to be successful in the market. Manufacturers and marketers of plant-based meat substitutes should focus on developing products with appealing textures to meet the needs and expectations of a significant portion of consumers who prioritize this aspect in their buying decisions. Understanding and catering to consumer preferences regarding texture can lead to increased acceptance and adoption of plant-based meat substitutes in the market.

Alternative meat has a 10% penetration rate in the United States.

The statistic that alternative meat has a 10% penetration rate in the United States means that 10% of total meat purchases or consumption in the country are now from alternative meat products rather than traditional animal-based meat products. This implies that there is a notable and growing market for alternative meat products among consumers in the United States. The 10% penetration rate suggests that alternative meat is gaining acceptance and popularity as a dietary choice, potentially driven by factors such as health concerns, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations. This statistic provides insight into consumer behavior and market trends within the meat industry, indicating a shift towards more plant-based and alternative protein sources.

By 2030, 60% of the meat consumed will be nontraditional, according to a projection.

The statistic “By 2030, 60% of the meat consumed will be nontraditional, according to a projection,” suggests that a significant shift is expected in the consumption patterns of meat products by the year 2030. Nontraditional meats refer to alternative protein sources such as plant-based meat substitutes, cultured meat, and insect-based protein products. This projection indicates a growing trend towards sustainable and environmentally friendly food choices, as nontraditional meats generally have a lower carbon footprint and require fewer resources to produce compared to conventional meats like beef, pork, and poultry. The statistic highlights the changing landscape of the food industry and the increasing acceptance and adoption of alternative protein sources among consumers.

The UK market for meat-free foods was reportedly worth £740 million in 2018.

The statistic that the UK market for meat-free foods was reportedly worth £740 million in 2018 indicates the total value of sales within the meat-free food sector in the UK for that particular year. This figure represents the significant demand and consumption of meat alternatives such as plant-based proteins, vegetarian products, and vegan food options in the UK market. The statistic suggests a growing trend towards meat-free diets and lifestyles, possibly driven by concerns about health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. This information is crucial for businesses, policymakers, and consumers interested in understanding the market dynamics and opportunities within the meat-free food industry in the UK.

38% of Brazilian and 31% of Indian consumers would try ‘lab-grown’ meat.

The statistic indicates that 38% of Brazilian consumers and 31% of Indian consumers are willing to try “lab-grown” meat, suggesting a noteworthy level of acceptance for this innovative food technology in these two distinct markets. This data implies a notable openness towards alternative sources of protein among consumers in these countries. Factors such as changing dietary preferences, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations may be driving this trend towards acceptance of lab-grown meat. The difference in the percentages between Brazilian and Indian consumers also suggests variations in cultural attitudes and readiness to adopt new food technologies in these regions. Overall, the statistic underscores the potential growth and acceptance of lab-grown meat in the global food market.

Sales of plant-based meat substitutes increased by 264% during March and April 2020.

The statistic indicates a substantial increase of 264% in sales of plant-based meat substitutes during the months of March and April 2020. This surge in sales suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior towards plant-based alternatives, possibly influenced by factors such as health concerns, environmental awareness, or supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sharp rise in sales could also be attributed to an increased interest in plant-based diets and healthier eating habits among the population. Overall, the statistic highlights a notable trend towards the adoption of plant-based meat substitutes during the given time period.

The global market for plant-based meat is projected to reach $35 billion by 2027.

This statistic indicates a significant growth forecast in the global market for plant-based meat, with a projected value of $35 billion by the year 2027. The trajectory of the market suggests a growing consumer preference for plant-based alternatives to traditional meat products, driven by factors such as health concerns, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations. This projection reflects a substantial increase in demand for plant-based meat products over the coming years, which presents opportunities for businesses operating in this industry to capitalize on the shifting dietary preferences and values of consumers worldwide.

Growth in the alternative meat industry is expected to create 200,000 jobs in Europe by 2035.

The statistic suggests that the alternative meat industry in Europe is projected to experience significant growth by the year 2035, leading to the creation of 200,000 new jobs. This growth indicates a shift towards alternative meat products, such as plant-based and lab-grown meats, to meet consumer demand for more sustainable and environmentally friendly food options. The creation of such a substantial number of jobs is likely to have positive economic impacts, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the growth of the alternative meat sector in Europe. It further emphasizes the potential for this industry to play a significant role in addressing global food sustainability challenges and shaping the future of the food industry.

Industry analysts predict that the meat substitute market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15% from 2019 to 2024.

This statistic indicates that industry analysts expect the meat substitute market to expand steadily over the five-year period from 2019 to 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15%. This means that, on average, the market is projected to increase by 15% each year during this timeframe. The forecast suggests a strong and consistent growth trend in consumer demand for meat substitutes, driven by factors such as increasing health awareness, concerns about sustainability, and changing dietary preferences. This prediction can be valuable for businesses operating in the meat substitute industry, as it provides insight into potential market opportunities and the growth trajectory of the sector for strategic planning and decision-making purposes.

More than one in four millennials has tried plant-based meat.

The statistic ‘more than one in four millennials has tried plant-based meat’ means that a significant proportion of individuals within the millennial age group have sampled plant-based meat products. Specifically, it suggests that roughly 25% or more of millennials have experimented with substitutes for traditional meat that are derived from plant sources. This statistic reflects a growing trend of interest and acceptance of plant-based diets among younger generations, potentially driven by concerns about health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. The increasing availability and variety of plant-based meat options in the market are likely contributing to this high rate of experimentation among millennials.

28% of Gen Z and millennial consumers plan to eat more vegan food in the future.

The statistic states that 28% of Gen Z and millennial consumers intend to increase their consumption of vegan food in the future. This suggests a growing trend towards plant-based diets among younger generations. Factors driving this shift may include concerns for personal health, ethical treatment of animals, and environmental sustainability. The statistic indicates a significant portion of Gen Z and millennial consumers are consciously choosing to adopt a more plant-based lifestyle, which can have implications for the food industry, agriculture practices, and overall dietary habits in the future.

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How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

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