DuPont says plant-based demand to surge 200% in Asia

12 Jan 2021

A new study from DuPont and IPSOS revealed that the consumption of plant-based meat substitutes in key Asia Pacific markets is poised to soar 200% over the next five years as consumer choice continues to be driven by health, taste and sustainability.

China and Thailand are predicted to see the largest jump in growth with triple-digit increases, while demand for plant-based meat across the entire Asia Pacific region is forecast to grow 25% by 2025 to reach $1.7 billion. Vietnam was listed as a country that needs additional consumer education in order to deliver the substantial market growth gains predicted in other areas in the region.

DuPont says plant-based demand to surge 200% in Asia
Image via Like Meat

This predicted growth is in addition to the 7.4% increase in plant-based meat that the region saw over the course of 2020.

Asia is home to 60% of the world’s population or 4.3 billion people. Already the DuPont study found that 36% of those living in the Asia Pacific region follow diets that are either low meat or no meat and, therefore, the region is particularly well positioned to become a thriving hub for plant-based meat alternatives.

Not only is meat-free eating widely accepted in this area of the world, but the study found that 75% of these consumers are willing to pay similar prices for meat-free alternatives and animal-based protein. As 83% of those in the study consider protein — both plant and animal-derived — to be the most important ingredient in diets, the Asia Pacific region represents a potentially fruitful investment for companies with plant-based products that are looking to expand.

Already, large corporations are moving into the area to test out the popularity of plant-based offerings. KFC trialed its plant-based chicken nuggets in select stores across China and Starbucks partnered with Beyond Meat to offer plant-based meat products across China. Yum China Holdings, which owns KFC, also trialed Beyond Burger products at Pizza Hut and Taco Bell locations in mainland China.

Tyson Foods and Bühler are also working in the region to gain market share in Asia, and Singapore recently became the first country to approve the sale and distribution of cell-based meat by Eat Just.

Related news

Chinese food brand wants to give customers ‘the full experience’

Chinese food brand wants to give customers ‘the full experience’

16 Dec 2022

Food brand Xiao Chi Jie is revamping Chinese cuisine for the modern American consumer. The Washington-based company sells regional Chinese specialties like soup dumplings, noodle kits, and barbeque skewers direct-to-consumer in the US.

Read more 
Regulations spur healthy snacking in Europe

Regulations spur healthy snacking in Europe

15 Dec 2022

Healthy snack demand is on an upward trajectory in Europe, fuelled by products attaching health halos to their products, according to latest figures by Euromonitor – but regulations may be the real driver.

Read more 
Could the EU-Mercosur trade deal be revived?

Could the EU-Mercosur trade deal be revived?

14 Dec 2022

The re-election of Luiz Inácio da Silva, or Lula, as president of Brazil has prompted speculation that the free-trade agreement between the EU and South American Mercosur bloc could be revived – but the European farming sector has concerns.

Read more 
Novozymes and Chr. Hansen to merge

Novozymes and Chr. Hansen to merge

13 Dec 2022

Danish enzyme suppliers Novozymes and Chr. Hansen are to merge in a strategic alliance that will "show the world the true power of biosolutions", according to the CEO of the continuing company, Novozymes.

Read more 
Could menopause-supporting products be the next big opportunity?

Could menopause-supporting products be the next big opportunity?

13 Dec 2022

As supplement brands launch products to relieve the symptoms of menopausal women such as nutraceutical gummies, the unmet needs of this group is attracting government attention in the UK.

Read more 
Plant-based fish and seafood launches around the world

Plant-based fish and seafood launches around the world

12 Dec 2022

From pea protein-based prawns to microalgae-based tuna alternatives, plant-based alternatives to fish and seafood are on the rise around the world.

Read more 
Editors’ choice: Our roundup of the most innovative sweets, snacks and bakery products

Editors’ choice: Our roundup of the most innovative sweets, snacks and bakery products

9 Dec 2022

The sweets, snacks, and bakery categories are an exciting area, full of fresh and innovative products which are constantly adding meaningful value to the sector.

Read more 
Functional food in Japan centres on health and proving claims

Functional food in Japan centres on health and proving claims

8 Dec 2022

The latest Japanese functional food and drink trends put health and product efficacy firmly on the production agenda for new releases.

Read more 
Swedish food agency: One in 10 coffee brands contain excess acrylamide

Swedish food agency: One in 10 coffee brands contain excess acrylamide

7 Dec 2022

New findings from the Swedish Food Agency have revealed three of 29 coffee products sampled contained acrylamide above limits, reinforcing the link between levels and degree of roasting.

Read more 
‘Super nut’? Indonesia’s ‘best kept secret’ wins EU novel food approval

‘Super nut’? Indonesia’s ‘best kept secret’ wins EU novel food approval

6 Dec 2022

A previously obscure, nutrient-rich Indonesian nut is set to hit European shelves after winning EU novel foods approval that could also help protect under-threat kenari forests on the archipelago.

Read more