Europe Pea Protein Isolate Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Low Purity Pea Protein Isolate (75%-80%), Medium Purity Pea Protein Isolate (80%-85%), High Purity Pea Protein Isolate (>85%)), By Source (Yellow Spit Pea, Chickpea, Lentils), By Source Process (Conventional Pea Protein, Organic Pea Protein), By Processing Method (Dry, Wet), By Application (Sports Nutrition Food, Energy Drinks, Health Food, Pet Food, Others) and By Country(U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Nordic, Benelux, Rest of Europe) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The Europe pea protein isolate market size witnessed significant growth and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 9.0% during the forecast period (2023-2031).

Pea protein isolate, also known as pea protein powder, is ideal for individuals with various food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities due to its exceptional nutritional value, high solubility, and superior emulsification. It increases muscle thickness while enhancing exercise performance and regulating blood glucose levels. Veganism's growing popularity and rising consumer concerns about lactose intolerance are additional factors influencing the demand for pea protein isolate.

The Europe pea protein industry is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years. The increasing consumer demand for organic supplements and health and wellness products is a major driver for the pea protein market. Furthermore, the demand for textured protein in convenient food and ready-to-eat products is rising, contributing to the global development of pea protein.

The consumption of high-protein diets has witnessed significant growth, driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers. To meet the nutritional needs of busy lifestyles, consumers are turning to packaged food items, creating opportunities for pea protein in the market. As a result, manufacturers of packaged meals are incorporating pea protein isolate and other nutrient-rich components into their products.

Highlights

• The low purity pea protein isolate (75%-80%) dominates the market by product type.
• Sports nutrition food dominates the market by application.
• Germany dominates the market by region. 

Market Dynamics

Europe pea protein isolate market drivers:

Growing vegan population

The expanding vegan population in Western and other nations, motivated by environmental and health concerns, is expected to impact market growth positively. Vegans prioritize plant-based protein sources to fulfill their protein requirements, which will likely drive the demand for products enriched with plant-based proteins. Livestock farming and meat production contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and require substantial resources such as land, pesticides, and water. As sustainability issues associated with animal agriculture gain attention, an increasing number of individuals in the region are adopting a vegan diet, fueling the growth of the pea protein market.

Rising lifestyle-related health problems

The prevalence of Europe lifestyle-related health issues like diabetes, allergies, and obesity has prompted a shift towards vegetarian meals. Pea protein has gained popularity as it is both dairy-free and gluten-free, making it a suitable choice for individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten allergies. Additionally, pea protein is free from common allergens such as soy, making it an excellent option for those with specific food allergies. The versatile applications of pea protein powder in the meat alternatives industry are expected to drive its increased demand.

Europe pea protein isolate market restraints:

High price may change consumer preference

Europe’s high production costs of pea protein pose a limitation to the growth of the market. Pea protein is often more expensive to produce than alternative protein sources, leading manufacturers to charge higher prices to customers. Consequently, consumers may opt for other plant-based protein products due to the availability of lower-cost options like milk protein, egg protein, wheat protein, and soy protein. These alternative sources are widely used in nutritional supplements. This factor is expected to hinder the development of the pea protein market.

Lack of supply may hinder the pea protein market

Europe pea protein manufacturers face a significant challenge in terms of insufficient supply. Climate change already affects crop production, with varying impacts across different regions worldwide. Rising temperatures have reduced crop yields, leading to increased costs for peas. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused import bottlenecks, further impacting the availability and affordability of peas. As the demand for plant-based protein continues to rise, there is a risk of supply chain issues, potentially limiting the availability of pea protein. To meet the growing market demand, manufacturers must establish a reliable supply chain for pea protein.

Europe pea protein isolate market opportunities:

Increasing fitness centers

The growth of the Europe market is expected to be driven by factors such as the increasing number of fitness centers and greater female participation. Pea proteins are recognized for their positive environmental impact. The younger generation's growing awareness of the benefits of pea protein powder as a dietary supplement is also expected to contribute to market enhancement. As consumers become more knowledgeable about the qualities of pea proteins, they are embracing environmentally friendly and allergen-free products. In the future, the rising demand in the allergen-free market will create potential opportunities. The expanding number of fitness centers and increased female engagement are anticipated to foster market expansion in the coming years.

Future market growth

According to a study, the European pea protein market is projected to become a prominent industry. This is primarily due to the higher protein consumption resulting from the rapid growth of the global urban population. Between 2000 and 2018, 74 million individuals migrated to cities annually. Looking ahead, the yearly increase in the global urban population is expected to rise to 79 million people between 2019 and 2025. This indicates that urbanization will positively impact potential worldwide protein consumption, thereby significantly driving market growth in the coming years.

Regional Analysis

Regional Analysis of the Europe Pea Protein Isolate Market:

The Europe pea protein isolate market is segmented by country: Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Russia and CIS, Nordic, Benelux, Rest of Europe.  Germany dominated the market with a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period.

Anticipated expansion is foreseen in the Europe pea protein isolate market in the upcoming years. This growth can be attributed to various factors, such as heightened knowledge regarding the advantageous health properties of plant-based proteins, a growing preference among consumers for clean-label and natural ingredients, and the increasing popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets. Furthermore, supportive measures like favorable government regulations and initiatives to promote sustainable and eco-friendly food products serve as additional drivers for market growth in the European region.

Pea protein finds applications in various products, including food beverages, nutritional supplements, and animal feed. It is used in plant-based meat alternatives, protein bars, and dairy substitutes in the food and beverage industry.

Due to the adoption of healthy eating habits and the growing number of vegan consumers, Europe has emerged as the second-largest market for pea protein. The rising demand for plant-based protein and allergen-free products is driving this trend. As more individuals embrace plant-based and healthy lifestyles, the demand for pea protein is expected to grow even more, presenting significant market potential for industry participants.

Segmental Analysis

The Europe pea protein isolate market is segmented into product type and application.

By product, it is further segmented into low-purity pea protein isolate (75%-80%), medium-purity pea protein isolate (80%-85%), and high-purity pea protein isolate (>85%).

The low-purity pea protein isolate (75%-80%) dominated the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 9.5% over the forecast period.

It is further segmented by application into sports nutrition food, energy drinks, health food, and pet food.

Sports nutrition food dominates the market and is expected to register a CAGR of 10.7% over the forecast period.

Impact of covid-19

Recent Developments

• October 2022- Roquette Freres launched four new grades of organic pea protein isolates and starches for Europe and the United States markets. Organic peas were exported from Canada.
• July 2021- Ingredion Incorporated launched textured proteins obtained from Peas and Fava Beans in Europe. The proteins offer 65% on a dry weight basis that can be used as an alternative to soy protein. The textured protein is gluten-free.