Plant-based Protein Processing Equipment Market 2024 – Market Size & Segments Analysis, Industry Trends, Manufacturers Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast 2034

The plant-based processing equipment refers to the machinery involved the production of protein powder from plant sources such as pea, soybean, lentils, legumes, etc. The equipment includes centrifuges, separators, filtration system, etc., which ensures the quality and texture of the final product.

MARKET OVERVIEW

The market valuation of the plant-based protein processing equipment market was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.7 billion in 2034 exhibiting a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period of 2024-2034. Plant-based protein processing equipment caters to the growing vegan population and enables a choice of protein power. The market is aligned with healthcare and fitness industry, which makes it a sustainable and growing market.

GROWTH DRIVERS

The rise in the demand of plant-based proteins is the primary and significant driver of the market where the consumers are shifting towards vegan food products due to health and ethical concerns. A survey from Berlin-based Veganz ranked five European countries by the number of vegans and the UK was top of the list with 3.2 per cent of people. The governments worldwide are also promoting and encouraging plant-based diets due to public health concerns and reducing the environmental impact.

MARKET SEGMENTATION:

·         By Type- Extraction, Purification, Sterilization, Drying, Boilers, Mixing, Centrifuges and others

·         By Automation Type- semi automatic and fully automated

·         By Production Capacity- small, medium and large scale  

·         By Region- North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle & Africa and South America

Plant-based Protein Processing Equipment Market Segment By Type Review:

The extraction equipment is used in the separation of proteins form the sources like soyabean, peans or lentils ensuring high protein yield. The purification equipment helps in refining the extracted protein by removing unwanted fats, fiber or carbohydrates. The sterilization equipment includes heat treatment or UV light which ensures that the product is free from harmful microorganisms, crucial for both consumer health and regulatory compliance.

The drying equipment like freeze dryers helps in the removal of moisture from the purified proteins, helping in extending the shelf life of the product. The mixing equipment is utilized to mix other ingredients or necessary additives such as flavoring, in order to enhance the texture or taste. The centrifuges are used to separate proteins from other components in the plant material with the help of centrifugal force. 

Plant-based Protein Processing Equipment Market Segment By Automation Type Review:

The semi-automatic segment requires some level of human intervention during the processing, where it allows the operators to monitor and control certain stages of the process and are often favored by small to medium sized manufacturers. The fully automated segment minimizes the need for human intervention as it uses advanced control systems and sensors in order to manage the entire production process, including from raw material handling to final packaging ensuring high precision and uniformity.

Plant-based Protein Processing Equipment Market Segment By Production Capacity Review:

The small and medium scale plant-based protein processing equipment is designed for low production environments which involves niche or manufacturers or products like gluten free and organic, startup or research and development facilities allowing the companies to test new products and formulations before going to the large-scale production phase. Whereas, the large-scale segment are designed for mass production mostly used by major food manufacturers or big companies.

Plant-based Protein Processing Equipment Market Segment By Regional Review:

North America is a significant market driven by the increase in the adoption of plant-based protein powders and presence of established food processing industry. Europe is a valuable market driven by the health and environmental consciousness coupled with the presence of leading food manufacturers.

Asia Pacific is a rapidly growing market driven by the rise in middle class population and urbanization with the cultural shift towards plant-based diets influence by western culture. The Middle East and Africa market is expected to grow driven by the growing awareness and health and wellness trends. South America is another growing market due to the presence of vast agricultural sector, serving as the key raw material for protein extraction.

Key Challenges:

 The cost involved in setting up the pant-based protein processing equipment is substantial at initial stage where the SMEs (small and medium enterprises) may find it challenging to invest at an early stage. Moreover, there is a very slow shift towards plant-based proteins, which may limit the market growth.

Competitive Landscape:

In the highly competitive Plant-based Protein Processing Equipment market, companies are investing heavily in research and development to innovate and improve their products and services. They are also collaborating, forming strategic partnerships, or acquiring other companies to gain access to new market segments, enhance distribution networks, and increase market share.

Global Key Players:

·         Alfa Laval AB

·         Buhler AG

·         GEA Group

·         Flottweg SE

·         SPX Flow

·         Coperion GmbH

·         Hosokawa Micron

·         Koch Separation

·         Bepex International

·         Clextral

·         Other Players