GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Plant Based Food Industry Statistics

The plant-based food industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with increasing consumer demand driving global sales to reach billions of dollars.

Highlights: Plant Based Food Industry Statistics

  • The global plant-based food market was valued at $23.9 billion in 2019.
  • The plant-based food industry is expected to reach over $74 billion by 2027.
  • Plant-based meat sales increased by 148% in the peak of panic buying in March 2020 compared to the previous year.
  • Nearly 70% of the world population is either reducing meat consumption or leaving meat off the table altogether.
  • The sales of plant-based foods that directly replace animal products have grown 29% in the past 2 years.
  • Plant-based yogurt grew 31% in 2019 while conventional dairy yogurt declined 3.7%.
  • Plant-based butter sales increased by 36% in 2020.
  • The UK vegan food market is expected to exceed £1.1 billion by 2024.
  • The Asia Pacfic region is projected to witness the fastest growth rate in the plant-based food market from 2020 to 2027.
  • 23% of consumers engaged with plant-based foods during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • More than 872 million units of plant-based foods were sold in 2020.
  • Plant-based milk makes up 13% of the entire milk category in the U.S.
  • Sales of plant-based cheese have exploded 95% over the past two years.
  • Spain has seen a 31% increase in consumer demand for plant-based proteins in the last two years.
  • Plant-based ice cream and frozen novelty sales soared 26% to $336 million in 2020.
  • Sales of tofu and tempeh surged by 88% in the peak of panic buying in March 2020.
  • Nearly 40% of Americans are trying to eat more plant-based foods.

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The Latest Plant Based Food Industry Statistics Explained

The global plant-based food market was valued at $23.9 billion in 2019.

The statistic provided indicates that the global plant-based food market reached a total value of $23.9 billion in the year 2019. This figure represents the overall financial worth of the market, encompassing the sales of various plant-based food products worldwide during that time period. The value highlights the significant growth and popularity of plant-based food options among consumers seeking alternatives to animal-based products for reasons such as health, environmental sustainability, and ethical concerns. This strong market valuation suggests a growing trend towards plant-based eating and a shift in consumer preferences towards more sustainable and healthier food choices.

The plant-based food industry is expected to reach over $74 billion by 2027.

The statistic indicates that the plant-based food industry is projected to experience significant growth in the near future, with a forecasted market size exceeding $74 billion by the year 2027. This suggests a growing consumer interest and demand for plant-based food products, driven by factors such as increasing health consciousness, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations related to animal welfare. The projected growth in the plant-based food industry also signifies a shift in dietary preferences and consumption patterns towards more sustainable and plant-focused food choices. This statistic highlights the potential opportunities for businesses operating in the plant-based food sector to capitalize on this growing market trend and cater to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.

Plant-based meat sales increased by 148% in the peak of panic buying in March 2020 compared to the previous year.

The statistic indicates that sales of plant-based meat products surged by 148% during the peak of panic buying in March 2020 compared to the same period in the previous year. This sharp increase suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior towards plant-based alternatives amid the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic. The surge in sales could be attributed to several factors, including concerns about food supply chain disruptions, health considerations, and a growing interest in sustainable and ethical food choices. The notable rise in plant-based meat sales during this critical period reflects a broader trend towards plant-based diets and signals potential long-term changes in consumer preferences towards more sustainable and plant-centric food options.

Nearly 70% of the world population is either reducing meat consumption or leaving meat off the table altogether.

The statistic that nearly 70% of the world population is either reducing meat consumption or eliminating meat from their diets altogether signifies a significant global shift towards more plant-based diets. This trend is likely driven by various factors including concerns over animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal health. As awareness grows about the impacts of meat production on climate change, resource usage, and health outcomes, more individuals are choosing to adopt vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, or simply reduce their meat intake. This statistic highlights a growing movement towards more sustainable and conscious eating habits worldwide, with implications for the food industry, agriculture, and public health initiatives.

The sales of plant-based foods that directly replace animal products have grown 29% in the past 2 years.

The statistic indicates that there has been a notable 29% increase in the sales of plant-based foods that are direct substitutes for animal products over the last 2 years. This growth suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards plant-based alternatives, potentially driven by factors such as health consciousness, environmental concerns, and animal welfare considerations. The significant increase in sales signals a rising demand for plant-based options among consumers seeking to reduce their consumption of animal products. This trend may also reflect a broader movement towards sustainable and ethical food choices, impacting both the food industry and consumer behaviors.

Plant-based yogurt grew 31% in 2019 while conventional dairy yogurt declined 3.7%.

The statistic indicates a significant shift in consumer preferences within the yogurt market in 2019. Plant-based yogurt experienced a remarkable growth rate of 31%, reflecting an increasing demand for dairy alternatives among consumers for various reasons such as health, environmental concerns, and ethical considerations. On the other hand, conventional dairy yogurt saw a decline of 3.7%, suggesting a potential decrease in popularity and consumption of traditional dairy products. This trend highlights a notable shift towards plant-based options and signifies a changing landscape in the yogurt industry, potentially leading to further innovation and competition among dairy and non-dairy yogurt products in the future.

Plant-based butter sales increased by 36% in 2020.

The statistic indicates that sales of plant-based butter experienced a significant increase of 36% in 2020 compared to the previous year. This growth in sales suggests a rising consumer interest in plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy butter, indicating potential shifts in dietary preferences and health-conscious consumer behaviors. The 36% increase highlights a strong market demand for plant-based butter products, likely influenced by factors such as increased awareness of environmental sustainability, animal welfare concerns, and health considerations driving consumers towards plant-based food choices. This statistic may signal a growing trend towards plant-based alternatives in the food industry, and companies in the plant-based butter market may need to adapt to meet the evolving preferences of consumers.

The UK vegan food market is expected to exceed £1.1 billion by 2024.

This statistic indicates that the UK vegan food market is forecasted to grow significantly over the next few years, surpassing a market value of £1.1 billion by the year 2024. This projection suggests a rising consumer interest and demand for vegan products in the UK. Factors driving this growth may include increasing awareness of environmental and health benefits associated with plant-based diets, as well as a growing number of vegan options available in the market. The expected expansion of the vegan food market indicates potential opportunities for businesses to capitalize on this trend by offering a wider range of plant-based products to meet the evolving preferences of consumers in the UK.

The Asia Pacfic region is projected to witness the fastest growth rate in the plant-based food market from 2020 to 2027.

The statistic that the Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth rate in the plant-based food market from 2020 to 2027 implies that there will be a substantial increase in the consumption and production of plant-based food products in countries across Asia Pacific compared to other regions. This growth rate indicates a growing trend towards plant-based diets and a shift towards healthier and more sustainable food choices among consumers in the region. Factors such as increasing awareness about health and environmental sustainability, along with changing dietary preferences and rising disposable incomes, are likely contributing to this projected growth in the plant-based food market in the Asia Pacific region.

23% of consumers engaged with plant-based foods during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a notable proportion of consumers, specifically 23%, were reported to have engaged with plant-based foods. This statistic suggests that a significant segment of the population turned to plant-based options for their dietary choices during the pandemic. The increase in consumer interest and participation in plant-based foods could be attributed to various factors such as heightened health awareness, concerns about food security, or a desire for environmentally sustainable choices. This statistic highlights a potential shift in consumer behavior towards plant-based alternatives and indicates a growing market for plant-based products, which could have implications for the food industry and public health policies moving forward.

More than 872 million units of plant-based foods were sold in 2020.

The statistic “More than 872 million units of plant-based foods were sold in 2020” indicates a significant market presence and growing consumer interest in plant-based food products. The figure suggests a substantial volume of sales in this category, pointing towards a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly food choices. This data underscores the increasing popularity and acceptance of plant-based alternatives in the global food market, reflecting a changing landscape in the way people are choosing to nourish themselves and the potential for continued growth in the plant-based food industry in the future.

Plant-based milk makes up 13% of the entire milk category in the U.S.

The statistic that plant-based milk makes up 13% of the entire milk category in the U.S. suggests a notable and growing presence of non-dairy alternatives in the market. This data indicates that nearly one seventh of all milk consumed in the country is now derived from plant sources such as almonds, soy, oats, or coconut, reflecting changing preferences and dietary trends among consumers. The significant market share held by plant-based milk products highlights a shift towards healthier, more sustainable, and ethically-conscious choices in the food and beverage industry, with implications for both producers and consumers in terms of product innovation, competition, and nutritional awareness.

Sales of plant-based cheese have exploded 95% over the past two years.

The statistic indicates that sales of plant-based cheese products have experienced a substantial growth rate of 95% over the last two years. This suggests a significant increase in consumer demand for plant-based cheese alternatives, likely driven by a variety of factors such as changing dietary preferences, environmental concerns, health consciousness, and increased availability of these products. The significant growth figure highlights a shift in consumer behavior towards plant-based options, indicating a growing market for alternative dairy products. This trend signifies potential opportunities for businesses within the plant-based food industry and reflects a broader shift towards more sustainable and health-conscious food choices among consumers.

Spain has seen a 31% increase in consumer demand for plant-based proteins in the last two years.

The statistic “Spain has seen a 31% increase in consumer demand for plant-based proteins in the last two years” indicates a significant shift in dietary preferences among consumers in Spain towards plant-based protein sources. The percentage increase suggests a growing interest in plant-based alternatives over traditional animal proteins, likely driven by factors such as health and environmental consciousness. This trend reflects a broader change in consumer behavior towards more sustainable and plant-centric diets. The statistic highlights a substantial and rapid shift in the Spanish market towards plant-based proteins, indicating a potential long-term shift in the food industry towards more sustainable and plant-based options.

Plant-based ice cream and frozen novelty sales soared 26% to $336 million in 2020.

The statistic reveals that there was a significant increase in sales of plant-based ice cream and frozen novelties in 2020, with a remarkable 26% growth compared to the previous year, reaching a total of $336 million. This surge in sales indicates a growing consumer interest in plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products, likely driven by factors such as increasing awareness of health and environmental benefits associated with plant-based diets. The strong performance of plant-based ice cream and frozen novelties suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards more sustainable and health-conscious food choices, reflecting wider trends in the food industry towards plant-based and vegan options.

Sales of tofu and tempeh surged by 88% in the peak of panic buying in March 2020.

The statistic that sales of tofu and tempeh surged by 88% in the peak of panic buying in March 2020 indicates a significant increase in consumer demand for these plant-based protein products during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in sales suggests that individuals were stocking up on these food items as they sought out healthy and shelf-stable options amid the uncertainty of lockdowns and food supply chain disruptions. This rapid increase in sales could be attributed to factors such as concerns over meat shortages, increasing preference for plant-based diets, and a desire for nutrient-dense foods during a time of heightened health consciousness. The statistic underscores how consumer behaviors can be influenced by external events and trends, leading to notable shifts in purchasing patterns within the food industry.

Nearly 40% of Americans are trying to eat more plant-based foods.

The statistic that nearly 40% of Americans are trying to eat more plant-based foods signifies a significant shift in dietary habits towards a more plant-centric approach. This trend is likely driven by a growing awareness of the health benefits of plant-based diets, concerns about environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations related to animal welfare. The statistic suggests a cultural movement towards a more plant-focused nutrition pattern, which may have implications for food industry practices, public health initiatives, and agricultural production in the United States. It also highlights a shift towards a more diverse and balanced diet that includes a higher proportion of plant-derived foods.

References

0. – https://www.plantbasedfoods.org

1. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

2. – https://www.www.fooddive.com

3. – https://www.www.nielsen.com

4. – https://www.www.meticulousresearch.com

5. – https://www.www.foodbusinessnews.net

6. – https://www.www.bloomberg.com

7. – https://www.fortune.com

8. – https://www.www.vegansociety.com

9. – https://www.www.alternet.org

10. – https://www.www.greenqueen.com.hk

11. – https://www.www.alliedmarketresearch.com

12. – https://www.www.forbes.com

13. – https://www.www.plantbasedfoods.org

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.

See our Editorial Process.

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