News
Plant-based sales increased in Europe last year
Non-profit and think tank the Good Food Institute (GFI) Europe drew the figures from previously unpublished Circana retail sales data, and found that the amount of plant-based products sold across the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France and Italy increased between 2022 and 2023, despite that being an especially turbulent period for the category.
While sales declined in the UK and Netherlands, volumes rose in Germany, Spain and France and remained stable in Italy.
After a slow start, which coupled with high input costs and inflation resulted in several firms being forced into administration, sales in the UK levelled off throughout last year and into 2024.
Additional household panel data found that 33% of UK households now purchase plant-based meat at least once year, and more than a third purchase plant-based milk.
As an average across the six countries analysed, sales of plant-based milk and drinks grew by 7.1% in value to reach €2.2bn and plant-based meat sales rose by 3.9% to €2bn.
Plant-based now ‘mainstream’
Commenting on the findings, GFI Europe research and resource manager Helen Breewood struck a positive tone and argued that despite the tough headwinds facing the food sector over the past few years, the plant-based sector has continued to “make headway”.
“Plant-based meat and dairy are becoming mainstream options in many European countries, emerging plant-based categories are growing, and some products are beginning to compete with their animal-based counterparts on price,” Breewood added.
“Our analysis finds that lower prices and higher quality can power the growth of these more sustainable options, so policymakers and manufacturers should continue to invest in innovation and infrastructure to develop tastier, more affordable products capable of building a diversified, resilient and healthy European food system.”
To support the education of children about the impact of food on the environment, fellow non-profit organisation ProVeg UK has launched the ‘Canteen to Classroom’ campaign, which includes lesson plans designed for primary school students.
