Animal Meat And Milk Sales Drop In Europe As Vegan Versions Hit Record Highs

Sales of plant-based foods in 13 European countries reached €5.7 billion in 2022, showing a 22 percent increase since 2020, with vegan meat alternatives being a significant contributor. Alongside, dairy-free cheese and vegan seafood products experienced notable growth due to increased consumer demand, while some animal protein categories saw reduced sales figures.

Vegan meat products saw a 21 percent increase in unit sales from 2020 to 2022, while plant milk had a 20 percent uptick. In contrast, animal-based meat and milk sales dropped by eight and nine percent, respectively. The report also highlighted the growth in non-dairy cheese sales and the significant rise in alternative seafood sales, although the vegan seafood market is considered the least developed segment of plant-based foods. Despite this growth, there is still vast room for improvement to further promote sustainable plant-based options in the European market.