Plant-based consumption rocketing in Spain

Half of Spanish consumers have incorporated plant based food and drinks into their basic diet according to a recent survey issued by the “Observatory of Plant-based consumption in Spain 2022”.

The survey took place in the first half of 2022 among 3,000 people and was organised by the newly created association Somos Vegetales (created by the main plant-based food and drink manufacturers such as Frias, Alpro, Liquats Vegetals and Iparlat).

Almost one-third of respondents claim to consume plant-based products on a daily basis and another 35% report having such products 2-3 times a week.

According to the survey the reasons for choosing plant-based products are mainly for health – 59% of participants (better for you or intolerance factors), or as part of a flexitarian diet for 29% of respondents. Some 25% state that their motivation based on a “better for the planet” option.

Other interesting conclusions identified by the survey are:

– 52 % believe that there are not enough available products in the retail offer
– 26% avoid these products due to high pricing and 24% for taste reasons
– Mainstream products in this segment are milk alternatives and yoghurt with penetrations of 97% and 46 % respectively, followed by meat alternatives with 45%

Between 2019 and 2021, the value of plant-based sales increased by 48% reaching €448m, and analysts forecast an annual increase of 10% from now till 2025 (Alimarket magazine).