China Plant-Based Meat Market - Industry Analysis, Trends, Demand, Growth, & Forecast To 2027

Plant-based meat is a form of vegan or vegetarian meat, generally made from ingredients like vegetable protein, soy, wheat or peas. The meats contain high fibre and less saturated fat, these meats are considered to be healthier alternatives to animal meats. The soy and peas come under legumes which have remarkable nutritional values in them. They are rich in healthy fibres and proteins and with this, they affect positively on cholesterol levels, decrease diabetes, and heart diseases and can also help in preventing cancer. For making pea meats, the pea protein is extracted from the ground yellow peas. The peas are grounded into fine flour and then mixed with water to move the fibre and starch from it. The paste is just left with protein and some vitamins. After this paste is dried and again grounded into fine powder. Lastly with this protein meats are prepared and sold in the market.

According to the research report published by Actual Market Research titled “China Plant-based Meat Market Research Report, 2027”, reports the market is expected to grow with more than 15% CAGR by the forecasted period. The plant-based meats products like burger patties, sausages, nuggets, strips of meatballs and many other varieties of products are there in this segment. These products are sourced from peas, wheat and soy. The most popularly used source for plant-based meats is peas, which are anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR by the end of the forecasted year 2027. There are also other types of meats prepared from plant-based like fish, pork, beef and chicken, this can be helpful for the non-vegetarians who have started shifting their diets to plant-based meats.

Today consumers choose to eat more plant-based products, due to various reasons to improve their overall health like weight management, a desire for clean eating and to eat more sustainable products. The main reason behind consuming these products can be for reducing the consumption of animal meats. As per some researchers, it is said that more consumption of meat can be directly linked to the rise of obesity and also to an increase in cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases in the body.

Soy as a source for plant-based meat has remained the most controversial ingredient on the market. Soy is a nutrient-rich source of protein that can be consumed several times a week. Some studies have found that it reduces hot flashes, lowers the risk of osteoporosis, and protects against hormonal cancers. While some studies have labelled soy as a highly processed food and warned of its health outcomes, Soy proteins are made either from soy protein isolate or soy protein concentrate. Soy was the first source from which plant-based meat was created. Its wide-scale use can be attributed to its appealing texture, taste, flavour, and protein sources. Furthermore, its ability to lower blood cholesterol propels its inclusion in an increasing number of meat products. The only restraining factor is its allergy potential for some consumers. In recent times, research and development to find alternatives to soy protein has increased market competitiveness.

Plant-based burger patties are the most savoured alternative by consumers across the world as burgers are a quick and satiating food to indulge in. Plant-based burger patties have replaced chicken burgers. It is a burger pattie that looks, tastes, and appears like beef. It is juicy, meaty, and delicious in taste. Burgers are the most loved fast food option among today’s Millennials, irrespective of age. Since soy is mainly used as a basic ingredient, it is gluten free, GMO free, and has no animal protein. It is assumed the first plant-based burger originated in 1980 in the Gardenhouse restaurant in Oregon. It started to pick up trend from 2012 in the United States.

Chicken is the most consumed meat form as it is easy to find and cheaper than other types. It tastes good and goes well with a variety of flavours, cooking methods, and recipes. It is also rich in iron, zinc, protein, and vitamin B and low in fat. Hence, chicken is the most consumed plant-based meat form by consumers. It can be made from pea, wheat, or soy protein with oils and other flavours. It is high in fibre, iron and low in cholesterol and saturated fats. However, it is suggested that you consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Vegan chicken can be formed as burger patties, nuggets, sausages, or other snacking items.

Considered in this report
Geography: China
Base year:  2021
Estimated year: 2022
Forecast year: 2027

Aspects covered in this report
China Plant-Based meat products market with its value and forecast along with its segments
Various drivers and challenges
On-going trends and developments
Five force models
Top profiled companies
Strategic recommendation

By Source in the report
Soy
Pea
Wheat
Others (quinoa, oats, hemp, others)

By Product in the report
Burger Pattie
Sausages
Strips & Nuggets
Meatballs
Others

By Type of meat in the report
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Fish
Others (lamb & turkey)

By End-user
Retail
HoReCa

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Plant-Based meat industry, food and other related industries and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.

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