Sector Trend Analysis – Plant-based pulse ingredients in the United Kingdom

Key demographic indicators

Plant-based foods remain a transformative trend in retail, driven by consumer interest in health, ethics, and sustainability. This trend is fueled by consumer motivations related to health, ethics, and sustainability, leading to the proliferation of plant-based claims across various food categories. Beyond traditional meat and milk substitutes, plant-based options have grown significantly in products like yogurt, cheese, and other dairy alternatives. Globally, 21.2% of people are reducing meat intake, 13.7% are cutting back on dairy, and 15.3% are following a plant-based diet, with a notable rise in veganism from 3.4% in 2019 to 4.6% in 2022 (Euromonitor International, 2024). Despite some setbacks, the overall interest in plant-based foods remains strong, particularly in markets with higher numbers of flexitarians and those reducing animal-based foods.

Global distribution of active patents for food and drink products disclosing plant-based protein sources shows soy as the most commonly mentioned alternative protein. While soy dominates, recent years have seen growing exploration of other sources such as peas, chickpeas, potatoes, legumes, and cereals. Additionally, 17% of patents feature alternative proteins from sources like hemp, marine plants, algae, fungi, insects, and those produced via precision fermentation (Mintel, 2023).

Pulse ingredients, derived from crops such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans, are gaining popularity as they offer nutritional benefits like protein fortification, dietary fiber enrichment, and low-calorie formulation, making them attractive for both food and beverage applications. The global pulse ingredients market, estimated at US$ 21.74 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2024 to 2030 (Grand View Research,2024). Known for their health benefits and environmental sustainability, pulses see steady global demand despite market fluctuations. Major companies like Ripple Foods, Beyond Meat, and Konscious Foods prominently incorporate pulse ingredients into their products (Vegconomist, 2024).

In the UK, the demand for pulse ingredients is supported by the broader trend towards plant-based diets, as more consumers seek alternatives to animal products. In response to unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, many British consumers, according to Euromonitor's survey, are prioritizing weight management: 20% are actively dieting, and 30% are monitoring their food intake. Despite 44% prioritizing healthy ingredients in their food and drinks–compared to 52% globally–only 28% closely read nutrition labels. Health concerns, rising prices, and sustainability have led 32% to reduce meat consumption, with 10% now eating meat and fish only occasionally (Euromonitor International, 2023).

British meat consumption has hit its lowest level since 1974, declining 14% over the past decade. Red meat, in particular, is less popular. The number of vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians is rising, with 1.1 million more vegans and 3.1 million more vegetarians between 2023 and 2024. In 2023, the UK saw an average per capita daily consumption of 110g of protein and 135g of fat, compared to 92g of protein and 89g of fat globally (Euromonitor International, 2023). Additionally, 6.4 million people plan to go meat-free this year (Claire Hamlett, 2024). A recent study reveals that 49% of plant-based individuals in the UK are male, with London having the highest rate of plant-based eaters at 15%, while Northern Ireland has the lowest at 2%. Health concerns drive nearly half of these individuals, with 30% of Gen Z, 24% of those aged 30-39, and 24% of those aged 40-49 following a plant-based diet (Jordi Casamitjana, 2024).

Trade overview

In 2023, global imports of plant-based pulse ingredients reached US$14.8 billion, growing at a 14.5% CAGR from 2019 to 2023. India led with imports of US$3.1 billion, increasing at 18.8% CAGR, followed by China at US$1.7 billion with a 21.1% CAGR. Turkey and Mexico showed the highest growth, with 32.0% and 33.4% CAGR respectively. Pakistan and Egypt experienced moderate growth, while the US and Spain saw steady increases. Italy and Canada also contributed significantly. The UK, ranking 11th, imported US$286.3 million with a 4.2% CAGR.

In 2023, the UK's top 10 import markets for plant-based pulse ingredients saw an increase to US$286.3 million, up from US$242.7 million in 2019, reflecting a 4.2% CAGR from 2019 to 2023. Canada remained the largest supplier with imports totaling US$101.3 million, but its growth was modest at 0.5% CAGR. In contrast, India experienced significant growth, with imports rising to US$50.8 million and a CAGR of 28.1%. The UAE and Netherlands also showed strong performance with CAGRs of 30.0% and 32.6%, respectively. Conversely, Imports from France fell by 19.0%, and Myanmar experienced a slight decline. Imports from Argentina grew by 24.0% CAGR, while imports from Denmark increased sharply by 49.6% CAGR, reaching US$6.0 million.

In 2023, the UK's top plant-based pulse imports were dried kidney beans (HS Code 071333) at US$94.8 million, dried chickpeas (HS Code 071320) at US$51.4 million, and dried lentils (HS Code 071340) at US$48.4 million. The three fastest-growing products were dried bambara beans (HS Code 071334), with a 144.7% CAGR reaching US$0.2 million, dried pigeon peas (HS Code 071360) at 53.6% CAGR totaling US$5.2 million, and dried broad beans and horse beans (HS Code 071350) with a 46.6% CAGR, amounting to US$9.3 million.

Canada's performance

As one of Canada's five Global Innovation Clusters, The Protein Industries Cluster, led by Protein Industries Canada, is enhancing the value of canadian crops like canola, wheat, and pulses, and meeting the growing demand for plant-based meat alternatives in North America, Asia, and Europe. The Cluster promotes sustainability and traceability in the food supply by integrating partners across the value chain–from seed genetics and farming to ingredient processing and consumer products. With a total funding of up to Can$323 million, it supports the sector-wide goal of reaching Can$25 billion in annual sales by 2035 (Government of Canada, 2024).

Canada's advantage in plant-based pulse protein development is driven by strategic collaborations across the agri-food and biotech sectors, leveraging its strong agricultural base, particularly in pulse crop production. Partnerships, such as those involving Lovingly Made Flour Mills, TMRW Foods, Roquette, Prairie Fava, and BioNeutra, focus on sustainable and scalable plant-based products, supported by advanced processing technologies for protein extraction. Efforts by companies like Wamame, Apex, and AGT emphasize upcycling plant-based waste, aligning with global sustainability trends. With innovative technologies and market expansion through collaborations like Avena, Big Mountain Foods, and Danone Canada, Canada is well-positioned as a leader in the plant-based protein market (Protein Industries Canada,2024).

In 2023, Canada's plant-based pulse ingredients exports to global markets reached US$4.6 billion, with a CAGR of 10.8% from 2019 to 2023. China, India, and the US were the top markets, contributing significantly to this growth, while Morocco showed the highest CAGR at 50.8%. The UK ranked 12th, slightly decreasing by 0.1% CAGR to US$104.9 million in 2023.

Canada's plant-based pulse ingredient exports to the UK remained stable between 2019 and 2023, totaling US$104.9 million in 2023, with a slight decline of −0.1% CAGR. Dried kidney beans (HS 071333) were the largest export, accounting for US$80.7 million, but with a −1.7% CAGR. Dried lentils (HS 071340) grew by 3.1% to US$11.6 million, while dried chickpeas (HS 071320) experienced the highest growth at 14.4%, reaching US$6.9 million. Dried beans (HS 071339) increased 8.7% to US$4.8 million in 2023, and pulse flour and meal (HS 110610) rose 7.7% to US$702.6 thousand. Dried peas (HS 071310) declined sharply, with a −15.0% CAGR.

Ontario was the largest supplier by province, with exports growing steadily at a CAGR of 8.3%, reaching US$73.0 million in 2023. Saskatchewan followed with a 4.7% CAGR, contributing US$18.0 million. Manitoba's exports, however, saw a significant decline, with a −16.9% CAGR, dropping to US$12.7 million. Alberta experienced the sharpest fall, with exports decreasing by −43.0% to US$1.1 million, while British Columbia had minimal exports, contributing only US$15.3 thousand in 2023.

Market size

The UK market for plant-based food and beverage products has experienced dynamic growth from 2019 to 2023, with total retail sales increasing from US$718.6 million to US$1,403.1 million, representing a CAGR of 18.2%. The sector is projected to maintain steady growth, reaching a total market size of US$1,859.1 million by 2028 (CAGR 5.8% from 2023 to 2028).

The plant-based cooking ingredients and meals category saw remarkable growth, surging from US$47.1 million in 2019 to US $159.0 million in 2023, with a robust CAGR of 35.6%. This category is expected to continue expanding, though at a slower rate, with a forecasted CAGR of 7.3% from 2023 to 2028, reaching US$226.0 million by 2028. Within this segment, meals and soups and ready meals showed substantial growth, with CAGRs of 25.9% and 25.4% respectively, and are projected to maintain growth rates of 10.5% and 8.6% from 2023 to 2028.

In the UK, the growing number of flexitarians is driving the popularity of vegetarian claims in cooking ingredients and meals. Vegetarian products dominate this segment, with significant sales of vegetarian sauces, dips, and condiments. Plant-based options are gaining traction as consumers seek healthier and more sustainable choices. Major brands like Unilever and Filippo Berio are expanding their offerings with vegan and vegetarian options. The rise of plant-based ready meals, including those from brands like White Rabbit and Beyond Meat, reflects the demand for convenient, health-focused meals. This trend towards plant-based alternatives is expected to continue, supported by increasing consumer interest in both dietary health and environmental sustainability (Euromonitor International, 2024).

The plant-based dairy products and alternatives category also demonstrated significant growth, increasing from US$508.1 million in 2019 to $832.1 million in 2023 (CAGR of 13.1%). However, growth is expected to slow, with a forecasted CAGR of 4.6% from 2023 to 2028, bringing the category to US$1,042.5 million by 2028. Notably, plant-based milk and plant-based cheese within this category exhibited strong growth rates, with CAGRs of 13.9% and 25.0% from 2019 to 2023. Despite a slowdown, plant-based cheese is still expected to grow at a solid 8.9% CAGR from 2023 to 2028.

In 2023, the plant-based segment of dairy products, particularly plant-based milk, saw notable growth driven by increasing consumer awareness of food intolerances, health trends, and sustainability concerns. Plant-based milk, especially oat-based options, became popular for its creamy texture and neutral taste, complementing coffee and meeting the needs of lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers. Groupe Danone led the no-allergens dairy market with a 71% retail value share, while competition from brands like Mighty, offering pea and oat milk, grew(Euromonitor International, 2024). The market is expected to further expand with fortified and functional claims, driven by innovation and consumer demand for health benefits and environmental sustainability. Despite some resistance due to perceived nutritional shortcomings of plant-based alternatives, advancements in product development aim to address these concerns (Euromonitor International, 2024).

The plant-based snacks category saw its market size increase from US$39.0 million in 2019 to US$112.0 million in 2023, reflecting a CAGR of 30.2%. Despite the slowdown to a 6.2% CAGR expected between 2023 and 2028, certain segments like ice cream and sweet biscuits, snack bars, and fruit snacks continue to exhibit strong demand, with expected growth rates of 8.5% and 5.1%, respectively.

In 2023, plant-based snacks in the UK saw significant growth, outpacing both vegan and vegetarian claims despite starting from a lower base. Categories like sweet biscuits, snack bars, and plant-based ice cream made notable contributions. Vegan chocolate gained traction, driven by consumers' familiarity with milk alternatives and their demand for indulgent, sustainable options. Established brands like Cadbury and Lindt, as well as emerging players like Hip, expanded their plant-based offerings. Similarly, plant-based ice cream, such as Hackney Gelato's new sorbetto, continued to rise in popularity, fueled by consumer desires for indulgence and quality flavors rather than solely health benefits (Euromonitor International, 2024).

The plant-based soft drinks category experienced rapid expansion, with sales growing from US$41.1 million in 2019 to US$118.6 million in 2023, resulting in a CAGR of 30.3%. This momentum is expected to continue, with a forecasted CAGR of 8.7% from 2023 to 2028, driven by the increasing popularity of ready-to-drink coffee, which saw an impressive 46.9% CAGR from 2019 to 2023 and is projected to grow at 15.8% CAGR until 2028.

The plant-based hot drinks category in the UK saw impressive growth, with sales rising from $0.1 million in 2019 to $0.8 million in 2023, marking a remarkable CAGR of 71.6%. This robust growth is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of fresh coffee, which grew at a CAGR of 134.6% over the same period. Looking ahead, the sector is expected to maintain positive momentum, with a forecasted CAGR of 13.5% from 2023 to 2028, reaching US$1.5 million by 2028. However, the other hot drinks segment is anticipated to experience slower growth and a slight decline.

Plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan claims within hot drinks are poised for significant growth, reflecting broader trends in packaged foods. The rising consumer demand for non-dairy options, driven by dietary, environmental, and ethical reasons, is expected to boost the popularity of vegan hot drinks. Innovations such as the January 2023 launch of Galaxy Vegan Hot Chocolate by a major brand are likely to further stimulate the market, encouraging more players to enter the sector and driving dynamic growth in vegan hot drinks over the forecast period (Euromonitor International, 2024).

The plant-based staple foods sector in the UK has shown significant growth, with sales expanding from US$83.1 million in 2019 to US$180.6 million in 2023, achieving a robust CAGR of 21.4%. This growth is primarily driven by the "processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat" and "meat and seafood substitutes" categories, which recorded a CAGR of 21.3% and 22.2%, respectively, over the same period. Looking ahead, the market is projected to continue its upward trajectory with a forecasted CAGR of 7.4% from 2023 to 2028, reaching $258.1 million by 2028. Key segments such as rice, pasta, and noodles are expected to maintain strong growth, driven by increasing consumer preference for plant-based options, although growth rates are anticipated to moderate compared to recent years.

In the UK, the rise in health-conscious and flexitarian diets has propelled vegetarian claims to lead the staple foods sector. This trend is supported by growing consumer demand for plant-based options, including vegetarian and vegan meat and seafood substitutes. Despite a slight dip in sales due to economic pressures, innovations such as Richmond's high-protein plant-based sausages and Beyond Meat's new chicken alternatives sustain consumer interest. The shift towards plant-based diets is expected to continue driving growth, with major brands expanding their product ranges and focusing on affordability to meet evolving consumer preferences amidst ongoing economic challenges (Euromonitor International, 2024).

The market size of plant-based proteins in the UK is projected to grow moderately between 2020 and 2029. By 2024, the total market across retail and foodservice channels is expected to reach 86.9 thousand tons, with a slight growth at a CAGR of 0.7% from 2020 to 2024. Growth is driven mainly by the foodservice sector, which grows at 13.4% CAGR through 2024, reaching 17.3 thousand tons, and a further 3.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, totaling 20.5 thousand tons. Retail demand, however, is shrinking slightly, with a negative CAGR of −1.6% from 2020 to 2024, although it is expected to recover by 2.6% CAGR between 2024 and 2029. Key product categories, such as pea protein and soy protein isolate, will see solid growth, particularly in foodservice. Pea protein is expected to grow by 6.4% CAGR and soy protein isolate by 4.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2029.

The market for plant-based protein ingredients in the UK is expected to grow steadily from 2020 to 2029. By 2024, total usage across packaged food products is projected to reach 86.9 thousand tons, reflecting a 0.7% CAGR from 2020. Key growth areas include staple foods, with plant-based proteins anticipated to increase from 53.2 thousand tons in 2020 to 56.2 thousand tons in 2024, driven by a 1.4% CAGR. Pea protein, particularly in staple foods, is forecasted to grow at a 6.7% CAGR, reaching 2.4 thousand tons by 2024, and continue to expand by 5.6% CAGR to 3.1 thousand tons by 2029

Competitive landscape

Between 2019 and 2023, the UK's plant-based food and beverage market experienced notable growth, with varying degrees of expansion across different categories.

Nestlé SA emerged as the dominant player in the plant-based hot drinks category, capturing a 75% market share by 2023, while the overall category grew significantly, achieving a CAGR of 68.2%.

In the plant-based soft drinks sector, Starbucks Corp led the market with a 30% share, although competition remained strong with companies like Barr (AG) Plc and Britvic Plc also holding substantial shares. The whole category expanded steadily, reaching US$115.9 million in 2023, with notable growth from brands such as Califia Farms LP and Coca-Cola Co., which achieved impressive CAGRs of 71.2% and 82.1%, respectively.

In the pant-based snacks category, Unilever Group and Lotus Bakeries NV dominated, with nearly equal market shares of 25% and 24.6%. This category grew to US$109.4 million in 2023, driven by a CAGR of 29.3%, with smaller players like Candy Kittens Ltd also showing rapid growth.

The plant-based dairy products and alternatives market was led by Danone, Groupe, which held a commanding 42.2% share, followed by Upfield Holdings BV and Cereal Base CEBA AB. The category reached a total value of US$813 million, supported by a CAGR of 12.4%.

In the plant-based cooking ingredients and meals sector, Unilever Group again took the lead with a 22% market share, driven by a CAGR of 46.6% over the period. Despite a slight decline in sales for Kraft Heinz Co from 2022 to 2023, the overall market reached US$155.3 million in 2023.

Lastly, in the plant-based staple foods category, Hain Celestial Group Inc held the largest share at 22.3%, followed by Beyond Meat Inc and JBS SA. Although the category experienced slower growth with a CAGR of 20.6%, it remained a significant segment of the market, valued at US$176.5 million in 2023.

New product launch analysis

The UK's health and wellness industry has gained prominence, particularly post-pandemic, as consumers become more aware of the negative health impacts of processed foods and drinks. Additionally, there is growing concern about the environmental impact of food production, driving consumers towards sustainable choices like plant-based diets (Euromonitor International, 2024).

Between 2019 and 2023, the UK saw a significant rise in plant-based food and drink product launches, with the yearly count increasing from 338 in 2019 to 670 in 2023, reflecting growing consumer interest. Key brands like M&S Food Plant Kitchen and Alpro maintained a steady presence, while newer brands like Plants by Deliciously Ella surged by 2023. Marks & Spencer and Asda/Walmart consistently ranked among the top companies, with the majority of launches priced between US$0.31 and US$17.30. The dominant launch type was new variety/range extensions, which nearly doubled from 2019 to 2023. Ingredient claims such as "natural" and "vegetable-based" saw consistent growth, while categories like meat substitutes and prepared meals remained popular throughout the period.

Examples of new products

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Resources

• Claire Hamlett, July 2024: UK Meat Production Falls For First Time In Years
• Euromonitor International, Data statistics, 2024
• Euromonitor International, August 2024: Health and Wellness in the United Kingdom
• Euromonitor International, August 2024: HW Snacks in the United Kingdom
• Euromonitor International, August 2024: HW Dairy Products and Alternatives in the United Kingdom
• Euromonitor International, August 2024: HW Cooking Ingredients and Meals in the United Kingdom
• Euromonitor International, August 2024: HW Staple Foods in the United Kingdom
• Euromonitor International, August 2024: HW Hot Drinks in the United Kingdom
• Euromonitor International, January 2024: New Frontiers in Healthy Food and Beverages
• Euromonitor International, May 2023: Consumer Lifestyles in the UK
• Government of Canada, 2024: Canada's Protein Industries Cluster
• Global Trade Tracker, 2024
• Grand View Research, March 2024: Pulse Ingredients Market Size, Share & Growth Report, 2024-2030
• Mintel Global New Products Database, 2024
• Mintel, 2023: Patent insights: alternative proteins for the future
• Protein Industries Canada,2024: New partnership will advance development of pea and fava protein ingredients and food products
• Protein Industries Canada,2024: Improving Canadian plant-based ingredients, food and co-products
• Protein Industries Canada,2024: New alternative protein options for health-conscious markets
• Protein Industries Canada,2024: Canadian innovation taking plant-protein nutrition to new heights
• Protein Industries Canada,2024: New partnership will lead to development of Canadian protein ingredients focused on functionality and taste
• Protein Industries Canada,2024: Developing innovative Canadian ingredients for new snack and food options
• Jordi Casamitjana, August 2024: Research Finds 49% of the UK Plant-Based People Identify as Male
• Vegconomist, August 2024: Pulses Continue to Race Around the World, LDC's New Business Unit is Latest Move to Increase Global Supplies

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

Prepared by: Zhi Duo Wang, Market Analyst

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