Sector Trend Analysis – Plant-based pulse ingredients in the Philippines

Note: This report includes forecasting data that is based on baseline historical data.

Executive summary

Top global importers of flour, meal and powder made from peas, beans, lentils & other dried leguminous vegetables, importing a total of Can$197.0 million in 2022, were the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands. In 2022, the Philippines imported a total of 0.5% (Can$9,440) of these plant-based pulse ingredients that were supplied by India and the United States.

The market sizes in terms of volume sales for pulses (dry beans, peas, other pulses harvested only for grains) in the Philippines totaled 97.2 thousand tonnes; while plant-based (non-animal) derived proteins (including vegetable proteins) totaled 4.9 thousand tonnes, hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP) at 921.7 tonnes, and other flours (including pea flour) at 94.9 thousand tonnes in 2022. In general, HVP ingredients used mostly as a flavour enhancer were found mostly within packaged foods such as instant noodle pouches and cups (94.3%), cooking bouillon liquid stocks and fonds (5.3%), and chocolate confectionery countlines (0.4%). The majority of products that contained vegetable proteins were found in beauty and personal care (69.7%) and shelf stable packaged ready meal (29.3%) products.

Plant-based eating and alternative proteins has been steadily rising across the world. Health benefits are the main reason for consuming plant-based diets and are mostly found in the plant-based meat substitutes and dairy milk alternatives food categories. Products with 'added/high in protein', along with claims derived from pulses and legumes are positively being considered as a healthy or nutritional alternative within a broad range of food and drink categories. According to Mintel, top growing categories for pulse ingredient products in the Philippines were snacks, bakery, and sauces & seasonings between Q3-2022 and Q3-2023; while declining categories during this period were dairy, side dishes, and soup.

Between January 2018 and July 6th 2023, top ingredients listed on packaging for new product launches derived from pulses mostly included soybean protein (including hydrolyzed soy protein isolates & concentrates, textured, soybean flour) and textured or vegetable protein hydrolysates. Other popular new products that were derived using pulses or related powder ingredients were those containing peas, Mung beans, peanut flour, black bean, chickpea, kidney beans, chickpea flour, pea protein, and potato protein.

Key demographic indicators

Plant-based eating and alternative proteins has been steadily rising (accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic) amongst most countries. Globally, new plant-based, vegan and vegetarian product developments or launches have been growing not only in the food and beverage sector with 66.7% of claims in 2022 and a growth of 3.1% (2015 to 2021), while such plant-based claims are also becoming popular in the consumer health (50%), and the beauty and personal care segments (74.6%) by a growth of 8.3%.^{Footnote 1}

Health benefits are the main reason for consuming plant-based diets and are mostly found in the plant-based meat substitutes and dairy milk alternatives food categories. Consumers in the Asia Pacific region, find that positive nutritional quality claims such as 'added/high protein' content is the most important feature when purchasing plant-based drinks - as cited by nearly half of responders (48%) at a sample size of 2,936 users.^{Footnote 2}

Protein in particular, has been moving to the forefront of nutrition as consumers continue to seek out snack products that deliver a slow energy release, as opposed to traditional quick delivery energy products. Pea protein chips (Wellness Foods) is one of a new wave of protein products that emerged into the snacking categories as early as 2013, beyond cereal/energy bars or dairy products.^{Footnote 3} Snacks made from green peas or containing pea protein ingredients or vegetable powders that come in chips, rice or corn puffs or nut mixes (bean based) formats are becoming more and more popular.

Pulses and legumes are also, gaining traction outside meals, and are moving into a wide range of food and drink categories associated to health ingredient claims. Yofi brand has introduced into the France market (March 2023) two plant-based milk alternative (M.lk) variants made from either "Oat & Chickpea or Rice & Chickpea", which boasts as having a high nutritional value, while delivering on superior texture and taste, and being a sustainable plant food source to the environment. Les Petites Pousses plant-based brand from France (not imported), alongside its almond and coconut milk variants, has also recently came out with its new Wonder Pea dessert (May 2023), whose main base ingredient is pea juice made from French-sourced green peas.^{Footnote 4}

Trade overview

In 2022, global imports of pea flour and other dried leguminous flour, meal and powder (HS:110610) totalled Can$197.0 million (116.7 thousand tonnes), increasing at a value CAGR of 10.9% between 2018 and 2022. The top global importers for these pulse ingredients from the world were the United States (32.8%), Germany (10.4%), the United Kingdom (8.4%), Canada (5.9%), and the Netherlands (4.8%) in 2022. The Philippines was the 74th largest importer from the world for these pulse ingredients at a total of Can$9,440 (6 metric tonnes) over the year, which has been declining by a value CAGR of 26.9% (2018 to 2022).

Global - Top 10 importers of pea or other dried leguminous flour, meal and powder[1] (Can$ million), historic

Country	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	CAGR* % 2018-2022
Total - global importers	130.1	131.5	145.4	192.4	197.0	10.9
1. United States	34.0	38.7	36.5	50.5	64.7	17.4
2. Germany	7.3	6.4	14.1	38.7	20.4	29.3
3. United Kingdom	12.7	13.2	14.6	12.4	16.5	6.7
4. Canada	14.6	7.0	13.3	11.1	11.5	−5.7
5. Netherlands	5.0	6.3	4.0	8.1	9.5	17.4
6. Australia	1.9	3.0	7.0	9.0	7.2	39.4
7. Austria	4.6	4.4	5.9	5.7	6.4	8.7
8. Italy	6.4	6.2	5.7	6.4	6.1	−1.2
9. Poland	0.7	0.4	0.4	2.1	5.1	63.6
10. France	2.7	4.6	3.8	3.9	4.7	15.4
Subtotal - top 10 suppliers	89.9	90.3	105.3	147.9	152.0	14.1
Philippines (74th)	0.033	0.061	0.029	0.054	0.009	−26.9
Source: Global trade tracker, 2023 1: HS 110610 - Flour, meal and powder of peas, beans, lentils and other dried leguminous vegetables of heading 0713 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Global - Top 10 importers of pea or other dried leguminous flour, meal and powder[1] (metric tonnes), historic

Country	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	CAGR* % 2018-2022
Total - global importers	124,588	100,018	100,537	120,300	116,656	−1.6
1. United States	21,862	24,116	23,025	32,403	37,482	14.4
2. United Kingdom	6,512	7,161	7,441	6,606	9,375	9.5
3. Germany	3,513	3,100	4,698	10,561	8,704	25.5
4. Austria	2,490	4,349	6,629	6,782	7,042	29.7
5. Netherlands	3,861	2,605	3,133	6,679	6,595	14.3
6. Canada	25,121	6,269	7,386	5,565	5,081	−32.9
7. Italy	5,496	5,637	5,388	5,774	4,649	−4.1
9. Australia	791	1,080	7,826	10,243	3,792	48.0
10. France	1,656	3,962	2,520	2,505	3,405	19.7
15. Poland	598	274	317	822	1792	31.6
Subtotal - top 10 suppliers	71,900	58,553	68,363	87,940	87,917	5.2
Philippines (65)	18	26	14	16	6	−24.0
Source: Global trade tracker, 2023 1: HS 110610 - Flour, meal and powder of peas, beans, lentils and other dried leguminous vegetables of heading 0713 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

In 2022, the Philippines imported its supply of pea flour and other dried leguminous flour, meal and powder (HS:110610) globally from India and the United States - with Peru, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong being other markets it imported from over the last five-year period (2018 to 2022). Compared to other flour, meal and powder ingredients made from either fruit, nuts or peels of citrus or melons (Chapter 8) at imports of Can$1.9 million (88.7%) and sago, roots or tubers with a high content of starch or inulin (Heading 0714) at Can$228,534 (10.8%), only 0.5% (Can$9,440) of the Philippines' flour imports from the world consisted of pea flour and other dried leguminous flour, meal and powder in 2022.

Philippines - Import markets for pea or other dried leguminous flour, meal and powder[1] (Can$ dollars), historic

Country	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	CAGR* % 2018-2022
Total - global suppliers	33,049	60,482	29,326	54,224	9,440	−26.9
1. India	27,792	25,372	20,653	22,159	7,937	−26.9
2. United States	5,257	17,848	5,936	6,453	1,503	−26.9
3. Peru	0	984	0	0	0	n/a
4. Netherlands	0	16,278	2,737	0	0	−83.2
5. Hong Kong	0	0	0	25,612	0	n/a
Source: Global trade tracker, 2023 1: HS 110610 - Flour, meal and powder of peas, beans, lentils and other dried leguminous vegetables of heading 0713 CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate n/a*: not applicable

Philippines - Value imports of flour, meal and powder from the world by product (Can$ million), historic

HS Code	Description	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	CAGR* % 2018-2022
Total - imports by commodity type		2.8	2.1	1.2	1.2	2.1	−6.6
110630	Flour, meal and powder made from edible fruit, nuts, peel of citrus fruits or melons (chapter 8)	1.7	1.9	0.716	1.1	1.9	2.5
110620	Flour, meal and powder made from sago, roots or tubers (including manioc, arrowroot, salep, sweet potatoes etc.) with a high content of starch or inulin (heading 0714)	1.0	0.149	0.426	0.115	0.229	−31.5
110610	Flour, meal and powder made from peas, beans, lentils and the other dried leguminous vegetables (heading 0713)	0.033	0.061	0.029	0.054	0.009	−26.9
Source: Global trade tracker, 2023 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Philippines - Volume imports of flour, meal and powder from the world by product (metric tonnes), historic

HS Code	Description	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	CAGR* % 2018-2022
Total - imports by commodity type		730.8	236.9	491.4	301.1	385.2	−14.8
110630	Flour, meal and powder made from edible fruit, nuts, peel of citrus fruits or melons (chapter 8)	119.4	160.8	103.2	133.7	298.1	25.7
110620	Flour, meal and powder made from sago, roots or tubers (including manioc, arrowroot, salep, sweet potatoes etc.) with a high content of starch or inulin (heading 0714)	593.3	50.4	373.8	151.1	81.5	−39.1
110610	Flour, meal and powder made from peas, beans, lentils and the other dried leguminous vegetables (heading 0713)	18.1	25.7	14.4	16.3	5.6	−25.4
Source: Global trade tracker, 2023 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Market sizes

The APAC region leads in the production of vegetable oils, grain mill products and commodities such as sugar, coffee, tea and spices.^{Footnote 5} In 2022, the Philippines was the 11th largest pulse market (aggregate of dry beans, peas, other pulses harvested only for dry grains) within the APAC region in terms of retail volume sales at a total of 97.2 thousand tonnes (0.2%); while the top APAC markets were India (76.1%), Pakistan (9.5%), Bangladesh (6.7%), China (1.9%), and Sri Lanka (1.2%).

Philippines - Retail volume sizes of pulses within the Asia Pacific region ('000 tonnes), historic

Category	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Total - Asia Pacific pulses[1]	39,327.9	40,305.3	38,206.6	37,941.3	38,809.3	40,145.2
Philippines - pulses	81.7	83.4	83.7	82.4	91.9	97.2
Total - Asia Pacific other pulses[2]	30,277.5	29,208.7	27,421.4	26,899.5	27,337.6	27,906.3
Philippines - other pulses	27.5	28.1	28.3	28.6	31.9	33.8
Source: Euromonitor International, 2023 1: Pulses - This category is limited to leguminous crops harvested only for dry grains (dry beans, peas and other pulses). Excludes crops harvested green for food (green peas, green bean, string beans, etc), which are considered to be vegetables and are included in other vegetables category. Also, excludes those used mainly for the extraction of oil (for example, soybeans) and those leguminous crops such as clover and alfalfa, which are seeds that are almost used exclusively for sowing purpose. 2: Other pulses - Includes all other unprocessed pulses, whether packaged or unpackaged such as chick peas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, bambara beans, lupins etc. Excludes packaged or processed pulses that are canned, frozen or chilled.

Philippines - Retail volume growth (%) of pulses within the Asia Pacific region, historic

Category	CAGR* % 2017-2022	Annual growth (%) 2022/2021	Total growth (%) 2017-2022
Total - Asia Pacific pulses[1]	0.4	3.4	2.1
Philippines - pulses	3.5	5.8	19.0
Total - Asia Pacific other pulses[2]	−1.6	2.1	−7.8
Philippines - other pulses	4.2	6.0	22.9
Source: Euromonitor International, 2023 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate 1: Pulses - This category is limited to leguminous crops harvested only for dry grains (dry beans, peas and other pulses). Excludes crops harvested green for food (green peas, green bean, string beans, etc), which are considered to be vegetables and are included in other vegetables category. Also, excludes those used mainly for the extraction of oil (for example, soybeans) and those leguminous crops such as clover and alfalfa, which are seeds that are almost used exclusively for sowing purpose. 2: Other pulses - Includes all other unprocessed pulses, whether packaged or unpackaged such as chick peas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, bambara beans, lupins etc. Excludes packaged or processed pulses that are canned, frozen or chilled.

Philippines - Retail volume sizes of of pulses within the Asia Pacific region ('000 tonnes), forecast

Category	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027
Total - Asia Pacific pulses[1]	40,145.2	41,308.2	42,425.2	43,469.4	44,475.1	45,491.5
Philippines - pulses	97.2	98.9	100.5	102.0	103.5	105.0
Total - Asia Pacific other pulses[2]	27,906.3	28,395.8	28,933.6	29,514.2	30,123.5	30,751.1
Philippines - other pulses	33.8	34.4	35.1	35.6	36.1	36.6
Source: Euromonitor International, 2023 1: Pulses - This category is limited to leguminous crops harvested only for dry grains (dry beans, peas and other pulses). Excludes crops harvested green for food (green peas, green bean, string beans, etc), which are considered to be vegetables and are included in other vegetables category. Also, excludes those used mainly for the extraction of oil (for example, soybeans) and those leguminous crops such as clover and alfalfa, which are seeds that are almost used exclusively for sowing purpose. 2: Other pulses - Includes all other unprocessed pulses, whether packaged or unpackaged such as chick peas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, bambara beans, lupins etc. Excludes packaged or processed pulses that are canned, frozen or chilled.

Philippines - Retail volume growth (%) of pulses within the Asia Pacific region, forecast

Category	CAGR* % 2022-2027	Annual growth (%) 2023/2022	Total growth (%) 2022-2027
Total - Asia Pacific pulses[1]	2.5	2.9	13.3
Philippines - pulses	1.6	1.7	8.0
Total - Asia Pacific other pulses[2]	2.0	1.8	10.2
Philippines - other pulses	1.6	1.8	8.3
Source: Euromonitor International, 2023 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate 1: Pulses - This category is limited to leguminous crops harvested only for dry grains (dry beans, peas and other pulses). Excludes crops harvested green for food (green peas, green bean, string beans, etc), which are considered to be vegetables and are included in other vegetables category. Also, excludes those used mainly for the extraction of oil (for example, soybeans) and those leguminous crops such as clover and alfalfa, which are seeds that are almost used exclusively for sowing purpose. 2: Other pulses - Includes all other unprocessed pulses, whether packaged or unpackaged such as chick peas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, bambara beans, lupins etc. Excludes packaged or processed pulses that are canned, frozen or chilled.

In 2022, the market size of plant-based protein ingredients (non-animal derived) in the Philippines registered a volume of 4.9 thousand tonnes, equivalent to an historical volume sales CAGR of 4.7% (2017 to 2022) and a forecast CAGR of 3.0% (2022 to 2027) set to reach 5.7 thousand tonnes by 2027. In 2022, 70.6% of non-animal derived protein ingredients consisted of soy protein isolate (3.5 thousand tonnes), followed by 25.5% of soy protein concentrate (1.3 thousand tonnes), 3.7% of gluten (179.5 tonnes), 0.2% of vegetable proteins (8.9 tonnes), and 0% pea protein. Hydrolysed vegetable protein or HVP (often used as a flavour enhancer in noodles and other packaged food products) totalled volume sales of 921.7 tonnes in 2022, which historically registered the largest CAGR of 7.4% (2017 to 2022).

Note: Protein hydrolysates (825.3 tonnes) and other proteins (1.3 thousand tonnes) were not included in the protein ingredients total since these categories may not necessarily be all inclusively non-animal derived. However, typically these proteins do come from plant, pulse or cereal sources. Also, if a product listing declared the inclusion of 'pea flour', its volume sales was included in the 'other flours' category - totalling 94.9 thousand tonnes in 2022.

Philippines - Retail volume sizes of plant-based (protein) ingredients by category in tonnes, historic

Category	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Total - non-animal derived proteins[1]	3,892.5	4,102.7	4,305.8	4,494.6	4,742.5	4,900.3
Gluten	168.6	176.3	185.4	159.8	168.8	179.5
Soy protein concentrate	1,040.4	1,090.1	1,137.5	1,121.7	1,187.2	1,250.8
Soy protein isolate	2,676.0	2,828.7	2,975.1	3,204.3	3,377.7	3,461.2
Vegetable proteins	7.4	7.5	7.7	8.8	8.8	8.9
Hydrolysed vegetable protein[2]	644.1	670.2	699.2	842.7	890.8	921.7
Protein hydrolysates[3]	652.1	682.2	716.7	763.7	793.2	825.3
Other proteins[3]	895.4	927.0	964.0	1,158.1	1,222.3	1,263.1
Other flours (including pea flour)[4]	71,208.5	73,450.8	76,783.5	83,145.9	89,078.2	94,854.8
Source: Euromonitor International, 2023 1: Non-animal derived proteins - Note that this category is not all inclusive since non-animal derived proteins may be used in the more ambiguous categories 'Hydrolysed Keratins,' 'Protein Hydrolysates' and 'Other Proteins' (not including in total volume). Typically, however, these proteins come from plant, pulse or cereal sources. 2: Hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP) - Produced by boiling vegetable matter in hydrochloric acid and then neutralising with sodium hydroxide. HVP contains glutamic acid and can, therefore, be used as a flavour enhancer mainly used in noodles and other packaged food products. 3: Protein hydrolysates - are a solution of amino acids that are prepared from meat, fish, milk, soy and wheat gluten proteins using acid or enzymatic hydrolysis. They are used as an enhancer in beauty and personal care products, as well as, in foods including baby milk formula, noodles and savoury snacks 4: Other flours - This is a general category that includes any flours (other than wheat, wholemeal, rye, soya flour) that have not been specifically named within the flours category. Please note that if a product listing declares inclusion of 'Pea Flour,' this will be tracked in this category.

Philippines - Retail volume growth (%) of plant-based (protein) ingredients by category, historic

Category	CAGR* % 2017-2022	Annual growth (%) 2022/2021	Total growth (%) 2017-2022
Total - non-animal derived proteins	4.7	3.3	25.9
Gluten	1.3	6.3	6.5
Soy protein concentrate	3.8	5.4	20.2
Soy protein isolate	5.3	2.5	29.3
Vegetable proteins	3.8	1.1	20.3
Hydrolysed vegetable protein	7.4	3.5	43.1
Protein hydrolysates	4.8	4.0	26.6
Other proteins	7.1	3.3	41.1
Other flours (including pea flour)	5.9	6.5	33.2
Source: Euromonitor International, 2023 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

Philippines - Retail volume sizes of plant-based (protein) ingredients by category in tonnes, forecast

Category	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027
Total - non-animal derived proteins	4,900.3	5,059.5	5,224.5	5,376.6	5,529.3	5,691.2
Gluten	179.5	191.4	204.1	215.7	227.1	239.5
Soy protein concentrate	1,250.8	1,314.4	1,379.0	1,439.2	1,499.2	1,563.0
Soy protein isolate	3,461.2	3,544.7	3,632.4	3,712.7	3,793.9	3,879.6
Vegetable proteins	8.9	9.0	9.0	9.1	9.1	9.2
Hydrolysed vegetable protein	921.7	942.6	958.9	972.8	986.1	999.4
Protein hydrolysates	825.3	858.0	893.3	930.1	969.0	1,009.8
Other proteins	1,263.1	1,290.0	1,310.9	1,328.7	1,345.6	1,362.6
Other flours (including pea flour)	94,854.8	100,065.4	104,955.7	109,296.9	113,360.0	117,651.9
Source: Euromonitor International, 2023

Philippines - Retail volume growth (%) of plant-based (protein) ingredients by category, forecast

Category	CAGR* % 2022-2027	Annual growth (%) 2023/2022	Total growth (%) 2022-2027
Total - non-animal derived proteins	3.0	3.2	16.1
Gluten	5.9	6.6	33.4
Soy protein concentrate	4.6	5.1	25.0
Soy protein isolate	2.3	2.4	12.1
Vegetable proteins	0.7	1.1	3.4
Hydrolysed vegetable protein	1.6	2.3	8.4
Protein hydrolysates	4.1	4.0	22.4
Other proteins	1.5	2.1	7.9
Other flours (including pea flour)	4.4	5.5	24.0
Source: Euromonitor International, 2023 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

In 2022, demand in the Philippines for HVP ingredients in terms of volume sales pecentages were most popular within packaged foods such as instant noodle pouches and cups by 94.3%, followed by cooking bouillon liquid stocks & fonds (5.3%), and chocolate confectionery countlines (0.4%). The majority of products that contained vegetable proteins were found in beauty and personal hair care products by a total of 69.7% such as standard shampoos (53.9%) and conditioners & treatments (15.8%) in 2022. While the remainder of 29.3% of products with vegetable protein ingredients were reported within the shelf stable packaged ready meals category over the year.

Philippines - Volume demand of plant-based (protein) ingredients by product category, % breakdown historic and forecast

Category	2017	2022	CAGR* % 2017-2022	2023	2027	CAGR* % 2022-2027
Total - hydrolysed vegetable protein	100.0	100.0		100.0	100.0
Cooking bouillon - liquid stocks & fonds	6.1	5.3	−2.8	5.3	5.5	0.7
Instant noodle cups	17.0	19.3	2.6	19.5	20.0	0.7
Instant noodle pouches	76.5	75.0	−0.4	74.8	74.0	−0.3
Snacks - chocolate confectionery countlines	0.4	0.4	0.0	0.4	0.5	4.6
Total - vegetable proteins	100.0	100.0		100.0	100.0
Beauty and personal hair care	77.0	69.7	−2.0	68.5	64.6	−1.5
Packaged food - shelf stable ready meals	23.0	30.3	5.7	31.5	35.4	3.2
Source: Euromonitor, 2023 *CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate

New product launches

Mintel indicated that there were 1,124 new food products containing pulse ingredients launched in grocery retailer outlets in the Philippines (including new variety/range extension, packaging, formulation or relaunched) between the period of January 2018 and July 6, 2023: which consisted of a search using keywords such as black eyed peas (white Lobia), legume & pulse flour (chickpea, green & black gram pulse- Mascalai, mat or moth bean), kidney bean (red bean extract, juice, paste, powder), Indian spiced peas (Khesari), pea protein (peptides, concentrate, flour, hydrolysate, isolate, rehydrated, textured), vegetable protein, pigeon peas (red gram, yellow split Dal Arhar), and pigeon pea extract.

Description of this image follows. — **Number of product launches containing pulse ingredients in the Philippines total food product item count (1,124) (January 2018 to July 6, 2023)**

	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023 (up to July 6th)	Total
Pulse ingredients launched	191	221	182	198	210	122	1,124

Leading parent companies launching these pulse ingredient products (228) in the Philippines between Q3-2022 and Q3-2023 were Virginia Food (18), San Miguel Corporation (11), CDO Foodsphere (9), Pampanga's Best (7), Century Pacific Food (6), and Nissin Foods (6). New brands appearing for the first time launched in the Filipino market within the last 6 months, included Jack 'n Jill Dewberry (blueberries 'n yogurt flavoured cake), Metro Select Essentials (premium soy sauce), Royal Smokehouse (chicken luncheon meat) and Sweet 'n Juicy (Jumbo hotdog).

Top growing categories for pulse ingredient products in the Philippines were snacks (+300%), bakery (+150%), sauces & seasonings (+75%), fruit and vegetables (+50%), and meals and meal centers (+43%) between Q3-2022 and Q3-2023. During this same period, declining categories were dairy, side dishes, and soup (−100%). New ingredients found within these products appearing within the last 12 months included brewed vinegar, natural ginger flavour, Pandan (vanilla with hint of coconut tasting flavoring), red rice, white vinegar powder, zinc gluconate, grape seed extract, peanut protein, brominated vegetable oils, and natural alcohol flavour. The fastest growing or most common flavours used were smoke (+100%), pork, salt/salted, chili/sweet chilli pepper, seafood, and vanilla (bourbon/Madagascar) between Q3-2021 and Q3-2023.

Between January 2018 and July 6th 2023, top ingredient claims listed on packaging for these product launches derived from pulses mostly included soybean protein (including hydrolyzed soy protein isolates and concentrates, textured, soybean flour), followed by textured and vegetable protein hydrolysates. Other popular new products that were derived using pulses or related ingredients were those containing peas (66), Mung beans (20), peanut flour (18), black bean (17), chickpea (16), kidney beans (13), chickpea flour (7), pea protein (7), and potato protein (6).

New product launches containing pulse ingredients in the Philippines, January 2018 to July 6, 2023

Product attributes	Yearly launch - item count
Product attributes	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	Total
Yearly product launches	191	221	182	198	210	122	1,124
Top launch types
New variety / range extension	92	89	86	79	89	45	480
New packaging	49	85	60	71	47	41	353
New product	25	27	22	37	53	29	193
Relaunch	23	18	12	11	18	7	89
New formulation	2	2	2	0	3	0	9
Top sub-categories
Meat products	67	62	30	48	53	19	279
Poultry products	18	21	17	14	30	17	117
Instant noodles	14	40	20	12	14	8	108
Fish products	9	10	19	15	5	6	64
Prepared meals	11	3	4	11	20	6	55
Top five companies / parent
San Miguel Corporation	21	21	11	10	29	2	94
Purefoods-Hormel	20	19	11	9	28	1	88
CDO Foodsphere	20	16	7	25	7	6	81
The Pacific Meat Co.	9	12	5	11	11	4	52
Virginia Food	5	7	7	11	13	7	50
Top five brands
CDO	6	2	4	18	4	5	39
Lucky Me!	2	12	2	4	5	0	25
Virginia	1	0	3	4	9	7	24
Purefoods Hormel Tender Juicy	3	11	4	1	1	0	20
Nongshim	5	5	4	2	0	0	16
Location of manufacture
Philippines	108	127	92	101	107	62	597
South Korea	5	7	6	4	10	1	33
China	2	8	2	1	2	7	22
Thailand	5	1	2	3	3	3	17
Italy	7	1	0	3	2	0	13
Top five flavours (including blend)
Unflavoured/plain	67	73	46	59	61	44	350
Cheese	13	19	10	7	13	5	67
Pork	4	0	2	5	14	2	27
Barbecue/BBQ/Barbacoa	6	4	4	3	6	2	25
Chicken	4	2	4	4	5	2	21
Top ingredient preparation
Powdered	70	85	73	65	76	41	410
Hydrolysed	46	84	57	64	59	50	360
Skimmed	32	27	25	21	26	17	148
Dehydrated	14	36	14	17	18	14	113
Paste	13	24	20	20	21	7	105
Top or related ingredient claims
Vegetable based (#1)	103	109	72	69	98	59	510
Natural (#2)	38	57	39	65	81	40	320
Artificial (#3)	42	66	47	45	62	43	305
Green (#4)	17	43	24	27	28	6	145
Plant based (#12)	3	1	5	4	4	1	18
Source: Mintel; Global New Product Database, 2023

Examples of new products

Supreme Thin Crust Gluten-Free Pizza

Source: Mintel, 2023

Company / manufacturer	Daiya Foods
Brand	Daiya
Sub-category	Meals and meals centers, pizzas
Market	Philippines, imported from Canada
Related claims	High/added fibre, premium, gluten free, low / no / reduced allergen, vegan / no animal ingredients, GMO and dairy free, plant-based
Related ingredients	Gluten-free crust (tapioca / potato / rice starch, rice flour, chickpea flour, milled flaxseed, chicory root extract, locust bean gum), chickpea protein
Store name	Marketplace by Rustan's, Taguig 1634
Store type	Supermarket
Date published	December 2022
Launch type	New formulation
Price in US dollars	13.90

This thin crust gluten-free pizza has been reformulated with a new improved recipe, and retails in a 550 gram pack. Now featuring premium cutting board cheeze shreds, which melt ans stretch just like dairy. With meatless Italian sausage style crumbles, mushroom and bell peppers. Free from dairy, soy and gluten. Good source of fiber, plant based, vegan, recyclable pack. Certified gluten-free, non GMO project.

Rice Snack

Source: Mintel, 2023

Company / manufacturer	Orion Food Vina
Distributor	Federated Distributors
Brand	Orion O'Rice
Market	Philippines, imported from Vietnam
Related claims	No additives / preservatives, low / no / reduced cholesterol
Related ingredients	Japonica rice (59.7%), vegetable based palm oil, hydrolysed pea protein, antioxidants
Store name	SM, Quezon City 1105
Store type	Department store
Date published	July 2023
Launch type	New product
Price in US dollars	1.97

This product retails in a 129 gram pack containing twelve 10.8 gram individual packets, each packet containing two pieces. 100% baked, not fried. Anytime snack, to help get over those hunger pangs. No preservatives or cholesterol.

Cheese Balls

Source: Mintel, 2023

Company / manufacturer	Aretei Foods Corporation
Brand	Healthy & Yummy! Stookies
Category	Snacks, rice snacks
Market	Philippines
Related claims	Low / no / reduced sodium, reduced transfat and allergen, gluten free, high / added protein, no added sugar
Related ingredients	Rice, mung beans, cheese powder
Store name	SM, Quezon City 1118
Store type	Department store
Date published	August 2022
Launch type	New product
Price in US dollars	3.14

This product is described as a cheese flavoured rice mung bean snack. It retails in a 365 gram pack and provides 0 grams trans fat, is low in salt, is high in protein and energy and contains no gluten or added sugar.

Unsweetened M.lk

Source: Mintel, 2023

Company / manufacturer	The Mighty Society
Distributor	Yummy Organics Food Products
Brand	Mighty M.lk
Category	Dairy alternatives, plant based drinks
Market	Philippines, imported by United Kingdom
Related claims	Added calcium, vitamin / mineral fortified low / no / reduced allergen, vegan / no animal ingredients, dairy / sugar free, plant based
Related ingredients	Pea protein isolate (3%), sunflower oil
Store name	Landmark PH, Taguig 1634
Store type	Shopper, supermarket
Date published	February 2023
Launch type	New product
Price in US dollars	5.57

This product retails in a 1 litre pack. 100% vegan. Free from dairy, nuts and soy. Provides 24 gram of protein in every carton. Fortified with calcium, iodine, vitamin D and B12. Plant-based UHT plant protein based drink. Free from sugar. Contains 50% more calcium than cow's milk. A dairy-free alternative to milk made from yellow split peas. Also, available in a new variety drink format made from semi or whole pea protein isolate.

Special Pinoy Bawang Flavour Chip-Charon

Source: Mintel, 2023

Company / manufacturer	Prifood Corporation
Brand	Prifood Super Crunch
Sub-category	Snacks, bean-based
Market	Philippines, not imported
Related ingredients	Green peas, vegetable oil, tapioca starch, dehydrated potato, BHA antioxidant
Store name	Rustan's, Mandaluyong 1552
Store type	Supermarket
Date published	May 2023
Launch type	New packaging
Price in US dollars	0.19

This product has been repackaged, and retails in a 32 gram pack. Made from green peas. An alternative to the favourite chicharon. Uses a special recipe made with green peas as its main ingredient, along with flavourings, spices and natural ingredients that make it flavourful and crunchy.

Hot & Spicy Flavour Crispy Green Pea Snack

Source: Mintel, 2023

Company / manufacturer	YanYan International (Phils.) Inc.
Brand	GG Bean OK Snapea
Category	Snacks, bean-based snacks
Market	Philippines
Related claims	Low / no / reduced fat and sodium
Related ingredients	Green peas, rice, vegetable oil
Store name	Landers Superstore, EDSA Balintawak QC,1106
Store type	Club store
Date published	April 2021
Launch type	New product
Price in US dollars	1.02

This product is said to be baked not fried, and contains natural sea salt, less sodium and less fat. The product retails in a 108 gram pack.

For more information

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Resources

Euromonitor International. 17 January, 2018. Briefing: Food, Beverages and Tobacco Industry in Asia Pacific
Euromonitor International. March 2022. Plant-Based Eating and Alternative Proteins in Middle East and Africa
Mintel Global New Products Database, 2023
Pilington, Alice. Mintel. March 8, 2023. Plant Based World Expo Europe: November 2022
Strutton, Michelle. Mintel. July 14, 2014. Launched by Wellness Foods, Canada: Pea Protein now seen in snacks
Walji, Amrin. Mintel. A year of innovation in plant-based drinks, yogurt & ice cream, 2023

Sector Trend Analysis – Plant-based pulse ingredients in the Philippines
Global Analysis Report

Prepared by: Erin-Ann Chauvin, Senior Market Analyst

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