The market for plant-based alternatives and alternative proteins is continuing to expand, driven by growing consumer interest in sustainable, ethical, and health-conscious food choices. These products can offer substantial environmental benefits, such as reduced emissions and resource use, while aligning with evolving dietary preferences. As new producers emerge and established companies adapt, innovations in alternative proteins are transforming our food systems, while also helping to future-proof job opportunities.
Sources
[1] Smart Protein (2023): Evolving appetites: an in-depth look at European attitudes towards plant-based eating. Available at: https://proveg.org/report/evolving-appetites-an-in-depth-look-at-european-attitudes-towards-plant-based-eating/ [Accessed: 07.02.2025]
[2] Data based on: GFI: Alternative protein company database. Available at: https://gfi.org/resource/alternative-protein-company-database/ [Accessed: 07.02.2025]
[3] GFI (2024): 2023 State of the Industry Report. Cultivated meat and seafood. Available at: https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/State-of-the-Industry-Report-Cultivated-meat-and-seafood.pdf [Accessed: 04.03.2025]
[4] GFI (2024): 2023 State of the Industry Report. Fermentation: meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy. Available at: https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/State-of-the-Industry-report_Fermentation_2023.pdf [Accessed: 04.03.2025]
[5] Climateworks Foundation & Global Methane Hub (2023): Global Innovation Needs Assessments. Food System Methane. Technical Report. Available at: https://www.climateworks.org/ginas-methane/ [Accessed: 07.02.2025]
[6] Saget, C., A. Vogt-Schilb & T. Luu (2020). Jobs in a Net-Zero Emissions Future in Latin America and the Caribbean. Inter-American Development Bank and International Labor Organization, Washington D.C. and Geneva.
[7] green alliance (2023): Appetite for change: Why the UK should lead the emerging alternative proteins market. Available at: https://green-alliance.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Appetite_for_change.pdf [Accessed: 07.02.2025]
[8] Ministry of Food Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark (2023): Danish Action Plan for Plant-based Foods. Available at: https://en.fvm.dk/Media/638484294982868221/Danish-Action-Plan-for-Plant-based-Foods.pdf [Accessed: 07.02.2025]
[9] GFI Europe (2024): Cultivated meat could add up to €85 billion to the EU economy and create up to 90,000 jobs by 2050. Available at: https://gfieurope.org/blog/cultivated-meat-could-add-up-to-e85-billion-to-the-eu-economy-and-create-up-to-90000-jobs-by-2050/ [Accessed: 07.02.2025]
[10] SYSTEMIQ (2024): The Future for Cultivated Meat in Europe. Available at: https://www.systemiq.earth/future-of-food/ [Accessed: 07.02.2025]
[11] GFI Europe (2024): En 2050 España podría alcanzar hasta 9.000 millones de euros gracias al sector de la carne cultivada. Available at: https://gfieurope.org/es/blog/en-2050-espana-podria-alcanzar-hasta-9-000-millones-de-euros-gracias-al-sector-de-la-carne-cultivada/ [Accessed: 07.02.2025]
[12] GFI Europe (2024): Studie: In Deutschland könnte durch kultiviertes Fleisch ein neuer Markt von 16 Milliarden Euro entstehen. Available at: https://gfieurope.org/de/blog/marktpotenzial-kultiviertes-fleisch/ [Accessed: 2025]
[13] Systemiq (2025): A Taste of Tomorrow – How protein diversification can strengthen Germany’s economy. Available at: https://www.systemiq.earth/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/A-Taste-of-Tomorrow-How-protein-diversification-can-strengthen-Germanys-economy_Systemiq_English_Final.pdf [Accessed: 10.02.2025]
Frequently asked questions
How many companies make alternative proteins?
At least 2,042 manufacturers, brands and ingredient suppliers provided alternatives to animal-based foods in 2024, based on data from the Good Food Institute (GFI). Of these, 1,394 were plant-based, 196 cultivated and 171 fermentation-based, while 281 worked across multiple categories. At least 1,220 are specialized alternative-protein companies and 822 are diversified food companies.
Is the market for alternative proteins growing?
Yes. The market for plant-based alternatives and alternative proteins is continuing to expand, driven by growing consumer interest in sustainable, ethical and health-conscious food choices. The number of cultivated meat and seafood companies alone grew from 1 before 2013 to 174 in 2023, according to the Good Food Institute.
Are Europeans eating less meat?
An increasing number of Europeans say they have reduced their meat consumption: the share rose from 47% in 2021 to 51% in 2023, according to Smart Protein’s European consumer survey. Plant-based alternatives are part of this shift, as consumers look for sustainable, ethical and health-conscious food choices.
How many jobs could alternative proteins create worldwide?
Increasing investment in alternative proteins could create up to 10 million jobs globally by 2030, 53 million by 2040 and 83 million by 2050. The jobs span many disciplines, from research and development to manufacturing, marketing and supply-chain management, and can stimulate local economies as well as new skills and training programs.
What is the job potential of alternative proteins in Europe?
Up to 90,000 new jobs could be created in the EU cultivated-meat sector by 2050, including up to 18,000 in Spain and 15,000 in Germany, according to GFI Europe. In Germany, up to 250,000 jobs could be created across the alternative-protein sector by 2045 (Systemiq). In the UK, 25,000 jobs could be created by 2035.