Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market by Type (Dryers, Centrifuges, Grinders, Evaporators), Mode of Operation, Production Capacity (Small & Medium Scale, Large Scale), Application (Plant Proteins, Insect Proteins, Microbial Proteins) —Global Forecast to 2030

The Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market is slated to register a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023–2030 to reach $2.2 Billion by 2030. The popularity of alternative proteins is rising due to changing lifestyles and the growing veganism trend, which positively impacts the demand for alternative protein processing equipment. The global alternative protein processing equipment market is driven by innovations in alternative protein processing equipment, alternative protein manufacturers’ focus on reducing production costs, growing venture investments in alternative protein companies, and increased utilization of alternative protein as an ingredient in food & beverage products. However, the high equipment cost is expected to restrain the growth of this market to some extent.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market

The COVID-19 pandemic affected most economies around the globe. Governments enforced lockdowns to limit the spread of the pandemic, and restrictions were imposed on manufacturing facilities’ operating capacities, resulting in production losses. Several alternative protein processing companies operated at limited capacities or temporarily halted manufacturing operations, impacting the demand for alternative protein processing equipment, especially multifunctional machinery.

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in China, Asia’s raw materials hub, impacting the global manufacturing supply chain. Moreover, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in 2020, the global FDI had reduced by 5–15% due to a decline in manufacturing operations due to factory closures. Hence, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic halted investments in the alternative protein processing equipment industry, impacting the market’s growth.

The pandemic also impacted the industry’s supply chains, leading to increased costs and routing complications. However, the limited availability of labor encouraged many companies to invest in automated alternative protein processing equipment, positively impacting the market’s growth.

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Increased Utilization of Alternative Protein as an Ingredient in Food & Beverage Products

Proteins are used in the food industry for nutritional and functional reasons. Human protein requirements can be met through the consumption of alternative proteins. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in health awareness, resulting in the emergence of health & wellness trends. This has increased the demand for food products that support better health, especially low-calorie and nutritious products. There is an increasing demand for functional foods due to the rising prevalence of diseases, increasing health awareness, changing nutritional requirements, and consumers’ willingness to try new products. The number of food products with nutritious ingredients has grown considerably in recent years. These global consumer trends are driving the demand for functional food ingredients, such as alternative proteins.

Alternative proteins are used in the manufacture of weaning foods, porridge & gruel, cookies, crackers, muffins, bread, cereals, cakes, doughnuts, pasta, dry mixes, tortillas, flatbreads, soups & sauces, ground meat, ground meat for patties, sausage, meatloaf, vegetarian foods, stews & soups, meat systems, baked goods, and specialty items.

The functional & nutritional properties of alternative proteins and their widening food applications have increased their utilization in the food & beverage industry. As a result, the demand for alternative protein processing equipment is on the rise, driving the growth of this market

Key Findings in the Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market Study:

In 2023, the Dryers Segment to Dominate the Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market

Based on type, the global alternative protein processing equipment market is segmented into dryers, centrifuges, filtration systems, mixing systems, evaporators, boilers, grinders, screw presses, and other equipment. In 2023, the dryers segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global alternative protein processing equipment market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the ability of dryers to improve process hygiene and the quality of final products by removing moisture. In addition, the growing necessity for customization and replacement of traditional drying techniques is further expected to boost the demand for this segment.

The Automatic Segment is Slated to Register the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period

Based on mode of operation, the global alternative protein processing equipment market is segmented into semi-automatic and automatic. The automatic segment is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid growth of this segment is attributed to the increased adoption of automated equipment, growth in protein manufacturing, and a wide range of benefits, such as monitored production, reduced labor costs, automatic tracking of individual loads, no human errors, effective cleaning, and no cross-contamination.

In 2023, the Small & Medium-scale Segment to Account for the Larger Share

Based on production capacity, the global alternative protein processing equipment market is segmented into small & medium-scale production and large scale production. In 2023, the small & medium scale production segment is expected to account for the larger share of the global alternative protein processing equipment market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the rising government support for the development of small-scale processing enterprises, low expenditure requirement, and increased productivity.

In 2023, the Plant-based Proteins Segment to Dominate the Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market

Based on application, the alternative protein processing equipment market is segmented into plant-based proteins, insect-based proteins, and microbial proteins. In 2023, the plant-based proteins segment is expected to account for the largest share of the alternative protein processing equipment market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to factors such as the increasing demand for plant-based proteins from food & beverage manufacturers, the increase in the vegan population, the rising number of plant-based product launches, and the large presence of plant-based protein manufacturers.

North America: The Dominating Regional Market

The alternative protein processing equipment market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2023, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the alternative protein processing equipment market. The large market share of this region is attributed to the presence of key alternative-protein manufacturers, a growing vegan population, and high investments in the research & development of food processing equipment.

However, Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this regional market is attributed to the increasing government support for small and medium-scale enterprises, technological advancements in the food industry, the wide availability of raw materials and various insects coupled with huge production capabilities, the positive attitude towards insects as food & feed, absence of regulatory barriers to using insects as food & feed, and the increasing investments in the alternative protein sector

Key Players

The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the key strategic developments by leading market participants in the industry. Some of the key players operating in the global alternative protein processing equipment market are Alfa Laval AB (Sweden), ANDRITZ AG (Austria), Bepex International LLC (U.S.), Bühler Holding AG (Switzerland), Clextral SAS (France), Coperion GmbH (Germany), Flottweg SE (Germany), GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft (Germany), Hosokawa Micron B.V. (Netherlands), Koch Separation Solutions (U.S.), Maschinenfabrik Reinartz GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), NETZSCH-Feinmahltechnik GmbH (Germany), SiccaDania A/S (Denmark), and SPX Flow, Inc. (U.S.).

Scope of the Report:

 Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market, by Type

• Dryers
• Centrifuges
• Filtration Systems
• Mixing Systems
• Evaporators
• Boilers
• Grinders
• Screw Press
• Other Equipment

Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market, by Mode of Operation

• Semi-automatic
• Automatic

 Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market, by Production Capacity

• Small & Medium-scale Production
• Large Scale Production

Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market, by Application

• Plant-based Proteins
• Insect-based Proteins
• Microbial-based Proteins

Alternative Protein Processing Equipment Market, by Region

• North America
  • U.S
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • U.K
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Key Questions Answered in the Report: