Europe Soy Protein Market - 2025-2032

Europe Soy Protein Market reached US$ 2.12 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 3.11 billion by 2032, growing with a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

The European soy protein market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the rising demand for plant-based food products. Between 2020 and 2023, plant-based food consumption, including soy-based products, surged by 49% in key European markets such as Germany, the Netherlands and France. Soy protein concentrates are integral to this trend, particularly as substitutes for meat and dairy in plant-based diets.

The European Commission has highlighted that the EU's annual demand for plant proteins stands at 27 million tons, yet the vast majority (93%) is used for animal feed rather than human consumption. This indicates that while plant-based food adoption is growing, it still represents a niche market within the broader protein consumption landscape in Europe. As a result, the soy protein market faces both opportunities and challenges as it continues to expand in response to changing dietary preferences.

Dynamics

Expanding Vegan And Vegetarian Population

As plant-based diets gain popularity across Europe, there has been a notable rise in the adoption of soy protein, particularly in the production of meat alternatives and dairy substitutes. According to the European Commission, approximately 10% of the European population identified as vegan or vegetarian in 2023, reflecting a steady increase in the demand for plant-based food products.

The growing trend is significantly contributing to the rise in consumption of plant proteins like soy, which are seen as key ingredients in providing the texture and nutritional profile needed for alternative food products. As more consumers turn to vegan and vegetarian options, manufacturers are increasingly incorporating soy protein into their offerings, further fueling the growth of the market.

Improved Product Innovation and Applications of Soy Protein

Innovations in soy protein processing technologies have enhanced the texture, taste and nutritional qualities of these products, making them more appealing to consumers, especially those transitioning to plant-based diets. Companies are now able to offer soy protein-based products that deliver better sensory experiences, addressing previous challenges related to flavor and texture.

For instance, ICL Food Specialties and DAIZ Engineering have partnered to introduce ROVITARIS SprouTx at Food Ingredients Europe 2024, a new textured soy protein designed to overcome the beany or bitter taste often associated with soy-based products. This innovation allows for the creation of plant-based meat and seafood alternatives with improved sensory profiles, which helps to cater to the growing demand for better-tasting, more nutritious plant-based options.

Prevalence Of Soybean Allergies

The European soy protein market faces a significant restraint due to the prevalence of soybean allergies. Despite the numerous health benefits of soybeans, they are widely recognized as an allergenic food, posing serious risks for sensitive individuals. Symptoms of soybean allergies can range from mild reactions like hives and itching to severe respiratory issues and life-threatening anaphylaxis.

As soy products are increasingly incorporated into both food and non-food applications, the risk of allergic reactions has heightened, deterring consumers from adopting soy protein and influencing manufacturers to explore alternative protein sources. At FAAM EUROBAT 2024 in Athens, Greece, a key presentation on Day 2 highlighted the evaluation of allergies to eight different soy products, revealing that soy dairy caused the most frequent and severe allergic reactions.

Segment Analysis

The Europe Soy Protein market is segmented based on product type, form, nature, flavor, application and country.

Versatile Applications of Soy Protein Concentrates

The Europe soy protein market is segmented based on product type into soy protein isolates. soy protein concentrates, soy protein hydrolysates, textured soy protein, flour and others. Soy protein concentrates are witnessing growing demand in the soy protein market due to their versatile applications in food, beverages and animal feed. These products are valued for their high protein content, digestibility and functional properties, such as emulsification and water retention.

The EFSA has categorized soy protein concentrates as a safe and reliable protein source, resulting in widespread usage in processed foods and beverages across the EU. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that soy protein concentrates are a crucial component of aquafeed, with soy accounting for over 70% of plant-based protein used in global aquaculture in 2023. In livestock feed, soy protein concentrates are used to replace fishmeal, reducing the environmental impact.

Geographical Penetration

Growing Vegan Movement Drives Dominance in UK

The UK stands out as a dominant player in the European soy protein market, largely due to its growing vegan population and strong demand for plant-based alternatives. As the country with the highest number of vegans globally, the UK has witnessed a significant shift toward plant-based diets in recent years. Search trends highlight this rise in popularity: searches for vegan restaurants with dedicated menus have more than tripled over the past four years, jumping from 60,000 in 2017 to over 200,000 in 2020.

The surge is fueled by both widespread media support and endorsements from high-profile figures, amplifying the appeal of veganism and plant-based eating. While this increase in plant-based consumption is notable, it's important to recognize that the vast majority of soy imported into the UK (around 90%, according to the Environmental Change Institute) is also used as animal feed.

Despite this, the rise in veganism is creating a substantial shift in consumer demand for soy protein, especially for human consumption in meat and dairy alternatives. As the UK leads Europe in vegan adoption, it is likely to continue driving the growth of the soy protein market, encouraging the development of plant-based products and influencing broader trends in protein consumption across the region.

Competitive Landscape

The major European players in the market include Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated, DuPont, CHS Inc., Wilmar International, Sonic Biochem Extractions Ltd., Kerry Group PLC, The Scoular Company, Prinova Group LLC and NOW Foods.

Key Developments

• In February 2022, Amfora launched its first-generation ultra-high plant protein products, including ultra-high protein soy flour, texturized vegetable protein and crisps. These products are made from proprietary soybeans that have 25% more protein than conventional soybeans, supporting sustainable nutrition and global wellness.
• In September 2022, ADM announced the opening of a new extrusion plant in Serbia, aimed at boosting its production of non-GMO textured soy protein. This expansion is part of the company's strategy to support the increasing demand for meat alternatives in Europe and the Middle East.
• In February 2022, Benson Hill, Inc. introduced TruVail, a line of non-GMO plant-based proteins sourced from ultra-high protein soybeans.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the Europe soy protein market segmentation based on product type, form, nature, flavor, application and country, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the soy protein market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

Europe soy protein market report would provide approximately 48 tables, 40 figures and 201 pages.

Target Audience 2025

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies