China Plant-based Food and Beverages Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

China Plant-based Food and Beverages Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The China Plant-Based Food and Beverages market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.11% during the forecast period (2022 - 2027).

During the initial wave of business and community shutdowns, plant-based products were in high demand online, with e-commerce prices and out-of-stock levels increasing as more shoppers shifted from brick-and-mortar retailers due to COVID-19. A major issue was the disruption of supply chains, including meat and dairy alternatives, as, during the lockdown, many countries including China had closed their borders or raised trade barriers. However, these shutdowns gave the players in the market to restrategize and take advantage of the gaps that were created in the supply chain. For example, In August 2020, Asia's OmniPork, a company that makes plant-based pork products, announced the opening of 210 outlets in China (h/t Vegconomist). Following supply problems due to the covid-19 and pork price escalation in China, the company had decided to explore the untapped potential of the plant-based meat market in China.

Over the medium term, the sales of plant-based food and beverages have rebounded to the pre-pandemic levels as of 2022. Infact the increased awareness about the health benefits of plant-based food and beverages through various social media platforms and advertisement are driving the market studied and this has lead to the surge in demand for vegan food and beverages have increased in China.

Owing to the above factors domestic as well as international players dived into China plant-based food and beverages market. For example, 2020 witnessed the release of the first Beyond Pork product, which was developed especially for the Chinese market. In May 2022, Beyond expanded its line of pork sauces to include a variety made from plants. In order to increase consumer access to its products across China, the company launched its first DTC e-commerce website in 2021.

Key Market TrendsGrowing Popularity of Vegan Diet in China

The consumption of meat has increased in China as the country has become more prosperous. Though it might be altering. A growing number of individuals are seeking meat substitutes due to environmental concerns and pandemics like the coronavirus, and the nation's market for plant-based meat is expanding to meet this need. China has the ability to play a significant role in advancing the global trend toward plant-based meat by boosting output and lowering costs. The country has an abundance of non-GMO soybeans locally and a large processing capacity for plant-based raw materials like soy and pea.

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Livestock and Poultry World Markets and Trade report states that the overall meat import forecasts for China for 2020 and 2021 are revised up by 4% and 1%, respectively, due to higher estimates for pork. It is noticeable that few nations have included the issue of meat consumption in their plans to address the climate catastrophe. Numerous companies have recognized China as an important country for the plant-based food and beverages market. top international businesses, like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, are also entering China's market for plant-based meat. The American agribusiness behemoth Cargill launched its plant-based protein consumer brand PlantEver in June 2020, selling nuggets and patties that are beef- and chicken-free. The same year, the Chinese market was the focus of Harvest Gourmet, a plant-based food brand from the multinational food company Nestle. Restaurant chains are now including meat substitutes on their menus; Chinese customers can now discover Beyond Meat products at Starbucks, the Impossible Whopper at Burger King, and vegan chicken nuggets at KFC. The market for plant-based meat has become increasingly competitive thanks to domestic entrepreneurs like Zhenmeat, Hey Maet, and Hero Protein joining the worldwide giants in the trend.

Increase in Lactose Intolerant Population

The increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance, rising consumer health awareness, and changing lifestyles together are likely to drive the China dairy alternatives market. While physical reactions to foods are common, a growing number of people are developing lactose intolerances, driving up demand for the plant-based dairy market. Additionally, there is a growing perception among the general public that lactose-free products are a healthier alternative to conventional dairy.

Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of an enzyme called lactase, which breaks down lactose. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, most humans are born with the capacity to digest lactose, the major carbohydrate in milk and the primary source of nourishment until weaning. Each ethnic group experiences lactase expression decrease at a different rate and for a different amount of time. As per the National Institute of Health, lactose intolerance is prevalent among East Asian population affecting 70 to 100% of the population. Within three to four years following weaning, Chinese people lose between 80 to 90% of their activity. Consumers have switched to dairy-free diets by choosing dairy alternatives, due to higher calorie concerns and an increased prevalence of high blood cholesterol levels and obesity. Moreover, consumers are becoming more aware of the negative impact of saturated fat levels, hormone concentrations, and antibiotic residues found in dairy products.

Lactose intolerance is on the rise in that region, and health concerns about toxic chemicals contained in dairy products are projected to boost demand for non-dairy alternatives.

Competitive Landscape

A few of the major companies in the market include Alpha Foods, Qishan Foods, Yili Group, Oatly Group AB, and Green Monday Group. The competition is increasing in the China plant-based food and beverages market with both domestic and international players foraging into the market. New product launches that include innovative flavors, improved and meat-like textures, and mergers and acquisitions with local players have been strong business strategies for market growth. The majority of the restaurants are launching and customizing vegetarian food, which may substitute for meat and dairy products and may suit the tastes and preferences of people preferring meat and dairy-based products.

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