Spain Plant Protein Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Source (Pea, Rapeseed, Soy, Hempseed, Others), By Form (Protein Concentrates, Protein Isolates, Protein Hydrolysate), By Application (Dietary Supplement, Food and Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Feed), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline) - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

The Spanish plant protein market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.92%, from US$73.798 million in 2020 to US$96.572 million in 2027.

Traditional cookery in Spain has been a constant source of nutrition for its population. Given its close proximity to the sea, it also derives its protein from seafood. However, a rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization has led to the severance of traditional cookery. Also, the new wave of veganism and environmental consciousness has led to a rise in preference for protein derived from plants.

Increased awareness of vegan diets will aid market growth

The improper balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates has been increasingly linked with the development of chronic and systemic ailments. Easy access to food from supermarkets has distorted the very idea of what farm-to-fork once meant. Thus, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impacts and are increasingly adding plant-based protein to their daily diet. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, of the Government of Spain, the motives of consumers who are adhering to the vegan diet and are witnessing a change in attitudes towards animal agriculture are majorly due to concern for animal welfare and environmental welfare. Considering the above, it should be noted that Pevesa Biotech developed a new rice protein concentrate called OryzaPro V80 that consists of 80% protein for extrusion applications. It is compatible with almost any solid matrix. It is also GMO-free, non-allergic, and vegan. However, in February 2020, Irish ingredients firm Kerry acquired Pevesa Biotech, the aforementioned Spanish company specializing in non-allergenic, and organic plant protein ingredients for infant, general, and clinical nutrition, with the objective of expanding its position in the hydrolyzed plant protein space and enhancing its ability to service the fast-growing organic plant protein market.

Products that are rich in plant protein, for example, protein concentrates, protein isolates, milk, and more are growing popular. This is a recent phenomenon, especially in regions where traditional protein consumption has been the mainstay. Thus, Spain is poised to witness steady growth in the plant protein market. This is particularly due to the growing awareness of various health issues that urbanites have succumbed to in today’s growing urban agglomeration. Furthermore, there is a global awareness of the environmental ramifications of the activities pertaining to animal husbandry. This is inclusive of but not limited to the growing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are eventually leading to global warming and climate change. Further, plant-based milk is hypoallergenic and is the first cereal that is fed to infants as an introduction to solid food in their life.

Additionally, increased consumption of plant-based products is expected to further drive the Spanish market for plant-based protein.

Moreover, there has been an increasing potential for health benefits related to plant-based protein consumption. In terms of plant-based consumption in general, Spain has reached a significant stage. The majority of the plant-based milk is taken up by a beverage known as "horchata de chufa”. Additionally, Mercadona, the number one supermarket in Spain, has been proactively offering milk alternatives for quite some time now. The health benefits related to plant protein integration in one’s diet and the awareness of health-conscious consumers are expected to drive the growth of the market for plant protein in Spain as well.

Product Offerings by the Key Players in the market

Roquette's Nutralys T series is a textured plant protein sourced from fava beans and peas. This gluten-free and easy-to-use range of proteins is developed particularly for its applications in cereal bars and plant-based meat. This series is packed with various offerings, with each product possessing unique attributes. Its Nutralys S85F, for instance, is developed for wet applications such as nutritional beverages. Similarly, Nutralys S85M offers good solubility and free-flowing properties.

Beneo offers wheat-based proteins for both human and animal nutrition in the form of powder and pellets. The plant-based proteins for animal feed are designed for aquafeed, pig feed, and pet food.

Key Developments in the Market

• In March 2020, a leading manufacturer and distributor of plant-based foods commenced production at its alternative protein facility in Barcelona province, Spain. The 1,500-square-meter facility has received a total investment from the corporation of €3.5 million. Zyrcular Foods will generate up to 1,000,000 kg of alternative protein yearly for third parties, grocery chains, restaurant businesses, and food manufacturers through this development. According to the company, it was Spain's first facility entirely devoted to the manufacture of alternative proteins.

COVID-19 Insights

COVID-19 had a positive impact on the Spain plant-based protein market. The emergence of the pandemic further accelerated the demand for plant-based proteins and plant-based food and beverages, owing to the growing health and hygiene consciousness among the consumers. The adoption of the e-commerce segment and digital marketing by key players have played a significant role in the market growth.

Segmentation

• By Source
  • Pea
  • Rapeseed
  • Soy
  • Hempseed
  • Others
• By Form
  • Protein Concentrates
  • Protein Isolates
  • Protein Hydrolysate
• By Application
  • Dietary Supplement
  • Food and Beverages
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Animal Feed
• By Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline