New data released by the Plant Based Foods Association shows that sales of plant-based foods in the US grew 20% last, to be worth just over $3.3 billion.
“The plant-based foods industry has gone from being a relatively niche market to fully mainstream,” said Michele Simon, executive director of the 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 dataset from retail sales analyst Nielsen, which shows the total market for the plant-based food sector (as defined below) 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.
“The new data confirms what we are hearing and seeing every day from our members: sales are up, investment is increasing, and new jobs are being created in the plant-based foods industry,” said Simon. “It is important that regulators and legislators treat our industry fairly and the playing field for plant-based foods is level and fair at the state and national levels.”
“It is important that regulators and legislators treat our industry fairly and the playing field for plant-based foods is level and fair at the state and national levels”
This is the second year the Plant Based Foods Association released Nielsen retail sales data. The association says that last year’s impressive growth demonstrates that the plant-based foods industry is a food industry leader that consumers, food service, and retailers are taking seriously.
Methodology
The data represents plant-based foods that directly replace animal products, including meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy, as well as meals that contain direct replacements for these animal products. Within each category, both branded products and private labeled items were included. The market was segmented into the following categories:
1) Tofu and tempeh
2) Meat alternatives
3) Milk alternatives
4) Other dairy alternatives:• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Ice Cream, novelty, and frozen desserts
• Butter
• Dips, dressings, and sour cream
• Creamers
5) Egg substitutes and mayo
6) Meals
The Nielsen data scans all outlets, which include grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, dollar stores, and military stores, plus Whole Foods. This custom data set was defined by PBFA for plant-based foods for each category that represents a replacement for animal products. Nielsen provided data in several categories over a 52-week period ending June 16, 2018. The data represents foods that replace animal products, including meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy, as well as meals that contain animal foods replacements.