Africa Plant Protein Market Analysis
The Africa Plant Protein Market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.
The demand for plant proteins in Africa has increased, owing to the need for protein, population growth, a rising economy, growing health concerns among consumers, and innovation in plant proteins. Sports persons, health- and weight-conscious individuals, and vegans and vegetarians are the main consumers of plant protein. Various infant formula products enriched with plant proteins, protein bars, and drinks have penetrated the major markets in the region. Soy protein is dominating the region due to its wide applications and availability, followed by wheat protein. The plant protein market is mainly import-dependent in the region.
Among all plant proteins, soy protein dominates, owing to its high protein content, low viscosity, solubility, etc., catering to its extensive application in all sectors. Pea proteins are gaining high demand for application in meat alternatives as they provide quick rehydration, neutral taste, and texturizing properties, leading to numerous product launches. The demand for plant protein is highest from the F&B sector, owing mainly to its multifunctionality and the surging number of regional consumers shifting toward vegan meals. In addition, plant proteins are widely gaining applications in the animal feed sector as feed for fish, pets, birds, poultry, etc., primarily as alternatives to dairy ingredients.
Africa Plant Protein Market Trends
Soy Protein Dominates the Market
Soy protein holds the major share of the market. It is driven by functional efficiency, cost competitiveness, and increasing application in a wide variety of processed foods, especially in the ready-to-eat product category. Soy has a substantial amount of proteins, which are healthy for all age groups and help keep the body fit. The soy protein obtained from de-hulled and defatted soy meal is sold as soy flour, soy protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate. With the growing popularity, market players are developing unique extraction methods to optimize the production process, which is expected to make the market more lucrative.
Soy protein components are also used in animal feed at a slightly higher rate than in foods and beverages. Animals, birds, and fish commonly consume soy protein, primarily in the form of concentrates. Its utilization in the food and beverage industry is driven by its primary properties, including simple digestion, improved shelf life, and protein enrichment. Due to its versatility and ability to mimic the texture of muscle when stacked in straight fibers, soy protein results in significant application in the food and beverage industry, particularly in the meat and meat substitute segments. This factor enhances the use of soy protein for texture and protein enrichment in meat substitutes. Soy protein formulas guarantee proper growth and development for infants. The highest obtainable protein, isolated soy protein, has the same PDCAAS score of 1.0 as milk protein and egg white. These factors are supporting the growth of soy protein across Africa.
South Africa Holds a Major Share of the Market
Changing consumer lifestyles and rising healthcare expenditures are playing a vital role in the growth of the plant protein market in the country. The retail sector's flourishing growth is escalating the market's growth. The concerns over clean labels, ease of digestion, the need to avoid allergy-causing substances, and sustainability among the public are adding to the demand for plant proteins in the country. Plant ingredients in sports nutrition constitute the major share of the market, followed by animal feed. Manufacturers in South Africa are constantly embracing open innovation to gain cost leadership and fixed suppliers in the early development stage.
Global challenges like climate change and the sustainability of animal husbandry are becoming increasingly familiar to consumers. The popularity of plant-based diets is growing among the general public because of the influence of various celebrities on social media. For instance, according to statistics published by DAFF (South Africa) and DALRRD (South Africa), approximately 1.89 million metric ton of soybeans was produced as of 2021-2022. According to FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), South Africa holds the largest agricultural land, approximately 96,341,000 hectares. With more agricultural activities, the region has a high chance of exporting plant protein raw materials or products to various other countries worldwide. Therefore, an increase in export values drives the plant protein market in this region.
Africa Plant Protein Industry Overview
Africa's plant protein market is a consolidated and competitive market, with the major players dominating the market. In order to increase their market share, companies are focusing on new innovative products by targeting new sources of plant proteins, such as hemp and chia. Some of the major players operating in the market are Archer Daniels Midland Co. and Cargill Inc. Emphasis is given to mergers, expansions, acquisitions, and partnerships, along with new product development, as strategic approaches adopted by the leading companies to boost their brand presence among consumers. The key players differentiate their offerings and compete on different factors, including product offerings, ingredients, packaging, price, functionality, and marketing activities, to gain a competitive advantage. Companies are following strategies that include providing products through e-commerce (own website and third parties) websites to target a larger audience.
Africa Plant Protein Market Leaders
DuPont
Philafrica Foods
Tate & Lyle plc
Cargill Incorporated
Archer Daniels Midland Company
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Africa Plant Protein Market News
- In April 2022, with the launch of RadiPure pea protein, Cargill promoted plant-based innovations in META (Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and India). The solubility and flavor profile that clients require for the creation of food applications is provided by RadiPure pea protein. Pea protein is claimed to be an excellent substitute for a variety of applications due to such advantages and its emulsifying, viscosifying, and gelation qualities.
- In February 2021, DuPont's Nutrition & Biosciences and the ingredient company IFF announced their merger. The combined company will continue to operate under the name IFF. The complementary portfolios give the company leadership positions within a range of ingredients, including soy protein.
- In January 2021, Kerry introduced Radicle Solution Finder, a web-based tool that provides clients with real-time information on plant-based formulations. It is accessible on any device with a web browser and can assist in developing new goods for the rapidly growing plant-based market.
