The Future of Animal Protein and Meat Alternatives is a market report that covers the latest innovations and consumer trends across the global protein and plant-based protein markets in 2024. Our global future of report identifies evolving areas, consumer attitudes, and important advances expected across regions like EMEA, APAC, and the Americas over the next five years and beyond.
Global Animal Protein and Meat Substitute Market Landscape
Times are tough for meat substitutes. Brands have endured a rollercoaster ride from their meteoric rise in 2018 to the profit warnings from big plant-based companies in 2023. Plant-based meat brands have a hard road back to consumer acceptance. Sustainability concerns continue to drive protein innovation, both animal-based and alternate protein brands are continuing to quantify efforts in this area, but consumers are still confused by broad terms like ‘sustainable fish’.
- 37% of consumers in Germany agree eating less meat is a personal action that has the most positive impact on reducing greenhouse gases.
Global Protein Industry in the Next Two Years
Brands will need to play to the nutritional strengths of each protein. Rather than meat alternatives trying to mimic the nutritional content of meat, brands will celebrate the inherent nutrition of plant-forward options. Meanwhile, animal protein can do more to educate consumers that quality protein is important for healthy ageing.
As the cost-of-living crisis eases, there is potential for added-value protein products. Single-portion formats and fish as a ‘special occasion’ substitute will deliver value through convenience and premiumisation.
- In Canada, 88% of fish/seafood eaters agree using fish/seafood instead of meat/poultry is a good way to ‘switch things up’ at dinner.
Animal Protein and Meat Alternatives Innovation in Five Years and Beyond
Regulatory approvals for the sale of cultivated meat in the US have advanced the likelihood of bringing it to market. However, the technical, cultural and economic challenges of scaling up production – together with the challenge of overcoming consumer skepticism – mean that ‘mainstreaming’ is still a decade away.
Artificial intelligence will play a role in innovation. AI is helping farmers and agribusinesses make real-time decisions on crops, soil health, climate mitigation, livestock efficiency and weather forecasts.
Purchase the full report for a complete analysis of the trends shaping the future of the animal protein and meat alternatives market. To learn more about the industry, take a look at Mintel’s A Year of Innovation in Meat and Poultry, or A Year of Innovation in Meat Substitutes and Eggs.
Expert Analysis from a Food Specialist
This report, written by Megan Stanton, a leading Food analyst, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight global protein industry trends and add expert context to the numbers.
Plant-based meat alternatives will celebrate their inherent nutritional benefits while animal proteins can provide sustainable solutions to climate challenges.
Megan Stanton
Director – Mintel Food and Drink
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What you need to know
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in the next two years
- Play to the nutritional strengths of each protein
- Graph 1: select factors that would encourage buying of meat substitutes, 2022
- Be the sustainable solution, not the planet problem
- Graph 2: [no title]
- Demonstrate how premium proteins deliver their own value
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In five years and beyond
- Graph 3: willingness to try a processed meat made from cell-based meat, 2023
- Graph 4: cell-based meat/dairy ingredients are a threat to the food culture of my country, 2023
- Graph 5: consumer opinions on AI, 2023
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Key Takeaways
What is a 'Future of' Report?
Have you ever wondered how to get a clear view of what’s next for your industry? Forget the crystal ball, what you need is a Mintel ‘Future of’ reports. The reports offer a forward-looking perspective, helping you identify upcoming opportunities and navigate the trends that will shape your business for the next five years and beyond.
How Mintel Builds a Picture of the Future
Creating a ‘Future of’ report is a comprehensive process that combines deep data analysis with expert human insight. Here’s a look at the core components that make these reports so valuable.
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Our dedicated category analysts are at the heart of these reports. They bring years of industry experience and a deep understanding of global markets. They interpret complex data, connect the dots, and provide you with expert recommendations on what to expect in the next two years, five years, and even further into the future. They provide the strategic thinking you need to stay ahead.
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Our ‘Future of’ reports are designed to help you look ahead with confidence. By focusing on trend forecasting and identifying future opportunities, these reports provide the insights you need to innovate and plan effectively. They are crafted specifically to help you anticipate market shifts and make proactive decisions, ensuring you and your business are prepared for what’s to come.
For a closer look at what's included in a Mintel Future of report, take a look at a sample PDF report below.
Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables have been redacted.
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