Germany is Europe’s largest market for plant-based food
The German market for plant-based foods grew by 11% to € 1.91 bn in 2022 (source: Good Food Institute [GFI] Europe). Turnover of plant-based meat alternatives in Germany was up 7% in 2022 and even up 13% in plant-based dairy. Data was compiled by this think tank using Nielsen figures from 13 leading European countries which in total amounted in value to € 5.8 bn, up from € 4.8 bn in 2020.
In the segment plant-based meat/fish alternatives, turnover in Germany in 2022 amounted to €643m (+7% or +40% vs 2020). Interestingly, inflation was almost non-existent in this segment. Fish alternatives grew in 2022 to € 39m from only € 9m in 2020.
Plant-based dairy alternatives grew by 13% to € 552m in 2022. Since 2020, growth has been +43%. Plant-based milk specifically was 48% up versus 2020 compared with a decline of -12% in cow’s milk.
Comparing the various countries, Germany is Europe’s largest market for plant-based foods followed by UK, Italy, Spain and France. German growth was also the highest in Europe (+11% and +42% since 2020). Overall, the category remains relatively small, e.g. 13% of total milk, 5% of yoghurt and 1% of cheese.
In a parallel representative study, GFI found that 41% of German consumers use a plant-based meat alternative product at least once per month and 25% plan to use more in the future.