“The plant-based foods industry has gone from being a relatively niche market to fully mainstream,” said Michele Simon, executive director of the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA). “Plant-based meat and dairy alternatives are not just for vegetarians or vegans anymore; now even mainstream consumers are enjoying these delicious and innovative options in the market today,” she added.
PBFA commissioned the custom data set from Nielsen, the leading retail sales research company, which shows the total market for the plant-based food sector in Nielsen’s Expanded All Outlets Combined Channel is up 20% in dollar sales over the last year, as compared to an increase of 2% all foods sold in the same channel. (All food departments include refrigerated, deli, grocery, dairy, meat, produce, bakery, frozen foods.)
The data shows that “other” plant-based dairy alternatives, which excludes milks, are experiencing explosive growth, up 50%. Other plant-based dairy alternatives include plant-based cheeses, creamers, butter, yogurts and ice creams. Additional data shows:
- The plant-based milk category is up 9% (compared to 3% the previous year), and comprise about half the total dollar volume, at $1.6 billion.
- Cow’s milk dollar sales are down 6%. Plant-based milk comprises 15% of total milk sales.
- Plant-based meats growing at an exciting 24 % (compared to 6% the previous year) topping $670 million in sales.
- The growth in plant-based creamers has been particularly impressive, with a 131% increase, with $109 million in sales.
- Plant-based cheeses are growing at 43%, at $124 million.
- Plant-based yogurts are growing at 55%, at $162 million in sales.
This is the second year the Plant Based Foods Association released Nielsen retail sales data. Last year, plant-based foods grew 8%. With an increased growth rate of 20%, it’s clear that the plant-based foods industry is a food industry leader that consumers, food service, and retailers are taking seriously.
For more information:
Plant Based Foods Association
(415) 236-5048