Europe Rice Protein Market Size (2024-2030)

Europe Rice Protein Market was valued at USD 450 million in 2023 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 686 million by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024-2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20%.

Rice protein is a plant-based protein derived from rice grains, mostly brown rice. It is the most beneficial protein source for people looking for a plant-based or allergy-friendly diet. Rice protein is produced through processes such as milling, fermentation, and separation, contains essential amino acids, and is allergen-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. It contributes to the growth of the plant protein market through applications in the food, beverage, and nutrition industries, providing a profitable and profitable option for customers following a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free lifestyle.

Increasing health and wellness, increasing demand for plant-based proteins, increasing use of rice protein in food and beverages, and rapid growth in the health and sports industry are important factors for the growth of the economy. However, the main factors limiting market growth are limited amino acid standards and stiff competition from other plant proteins. On the other hand, the gradual transition to cleaner products and advances in technology for other meat products should be seen as opportunities for business growth. However, disruption in the rice protein market is expected to pose challenges to the growth of the market.

Key Market Insights:

Europe is the main market for rice protein and accounts for 50% of the total market. Increasing demand from the food processing industry has been one of the driving forces of the rice protein market. Investments in certifications and labels complying with European standards and end users support the growth of the business. Increasing demand for plant-based proteins in Europe is expected to generate new revenue for rice protein companies.

Rice protein market drivers include the growth of vegan diets, efficiency, price competition from plant proteins, and their increasing use in many foods, especially convenience products. Additionally, the mild flavor of rice protein is similar to glutinous rice, which is used as a sprinkler on cereal and yogurt in beverages. It can also be added to meals to increase protein content without adding calories or fat to the product.

Most companies in the protein market launch new products to attract and meet consumer needs. Launching new products helps these companies increase sales and capture a large portion of the food market.

Europe Rice Protein Market Drivers:

The rise in wellness and health trends accelerates the market growth.

People concerned about maintaining a healthy lifestyle are looking for ways to incorporate better nutrition and regular exercise into their daily lives. Protein powder is often considered an easy and effective way to supplement protein intake, especially for those involved in sports. In addition, the fitness and sports industry has also seen significant growth as people engage in a variety of activities, from gym workouts to competitive sports. Protein powder is seen as a way to promote muscle growth, expansion, and overall performance, making it popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

A healthier diet makes consumers more satisfied with their food choices. As a result, many people are discovering and adopting eating habits that align with their health goals, including the use of protein supplements. Consumers are becoming more health conscious and are actively seeking healthy foods. Rice protein is a good source of essential amino acids and is low in fat and calories, making it a nutrient-dense product.

In general, increasing consumer awareness about health and wellness plays an important role in the growth of the industry. As people continue to pay attention to their health and seek convenient ways to meet their nutritional needs, demand for protein is likely to remain strong, spurring innovation and expansion in the market.

Growing Research and Development Activities helps in the market growth.

Research and development in the protein industry focuses on identifying new trends in rice protein variants, discovering their compounds, and understanding their potential uses. These conditions aim to unlock the potential of protein and create new products for various industries.

Rice Protein Market Restraints and Challenges:

Maintaining quality and Standardization provides a challenge to market growth.

Maintaining consistency in quality and standardization of Rice protein can be difficult due to differences between extractions and processing. Ensure batch-to-batch consistency and compatibility requirements, especially for companies sourcing protein from multiple suppliers or regions.

Supply Chain Snags hinder the market growth.

The market for agricultural products is based on international products, often involving many intermediaries and international suppliers. Managing product risks, ensuring traceability, and maintaining the stability and reliability of Rice protein can be challenging. Issues such as crop failures, climate change, geopolitical events, and limited supplies of certain plants can disrupt the supply chain.

The volatility in rice prices brings a challenge to market growth.

Europe Rice Protein prices fluctuate significantly due to factors like currency fluctuations, and speculation. This uncertainty can discourage investment and harm smaller players.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact restrains market growth.

The increasing demand for protein products has led to concerns about their products' sustainability and environmental impact. Overharvesting, deforestation, and ecosystem destruction can threaten certain plants and ecosystems. Maintaining sustainable practices, promoting biodiversity conservation, and supporting local communities are key challenges facing the Functional Food industry.

Rice Protein Market Opportunities:

The demand for organic products is driven by healthy consumers looking for clean labels and minimal labor. Those looking for healthy, natural food products will prefer organic rice protein, which is free of synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms. This is supporting the growth of the industry, making organic rice protein the top choice of health consumers. The main driver of the food industry is the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Organic farming increases soil health, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. Choosing organic rice protein supports these principles by appealing to green consumers who want products with a small environmental impact. This is in line with the general approach to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. As consumers consume plant-based foods and seek protein-rich foods, organic rice protein is becoming an attractive option. Its botanical ingredients are suitable for popular vegetarian, vegan, and flexible diets. In addition, organic certification increases the value of food by ensuring it is produced through sustainable and fair agriculture. Therefore, organic rice protein has some advantages in meeting changing consumer preferences and business models, which is expected to create opportunities for business growth.

EUROPE RICE PROTEIN MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Europe Rice Protein Market Segmentation:

Europe Rice Protein Market Segmentation by Product:

• Rice Protein isolates
• Rice Protein concentrates
• Others

In 2023, based on Product, Rice protein isolates account for the 65% share of the European market. Increasing consumer awareness about its health benefits such as cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant properties is driving the rice protein isolate market. Reasons for the use of rice protein isolate include the increasing demand from consumers with lactose intolerance and the increasing use of rice protein in foods and beverages. Eating Rice protein isolate keeps the body lean and promotes muscle growth while reducing fat. Another factor expected to increase the demand for rice protein isolate during the forecast period is the profitability of the product.

Europe Rice Protein Market Segmentation by Application:

• Bakery & Confectionery
• Food & Beverages
• Dairy Products
• Others

In 2023, based on the Product segment, Bakery and confectionary account for a 35% share of the European market. The market is expanding due to the increasing demand for vegetarian and high-protein foods and the rapid acceptance of functional ingredients in the baking and confectionery industry. In addition to being non-GMO, high protein, and gluten-free, baked goods and doughs made from rice protein are also vegan. As people become increasingly health conscious, these products have become popular in the market. Due to the expanding vegan movement and increasing demand for gluten-free products, the demand for rice protein in the baking and confectionery industry is expected to increase in the future.

 The Food and Beverages section is expected to witness a higher CAGR during the forecasting period.

Europe Rice Protein Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel:

• Offline
• Online

Based on Distribution Channels, the market includes Offline and Online stores. Offline will have the largest market share in 2023. The offline segment offers a wide range of products and plays an important role in the food industry. These large businesses are often located in cities with ample floor space, parking, and self-service checkout technologies. Supermarkets are important distribution channels for food products, offering consumers convenience, variety, accessibility, and affordability.

The online segment is expected to witness a higher CAGR during the forecasting period.

Europe Rice Protein Market Segmentation: Country Analysis:

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest Of Europe

In 2023, based on Country, Germany accounts for a 35% share of the European market. The German market has the highest share of the world market due to the presence of top rice protein producers in their region which accelerates the use of new products, attendance at gyms and health clubs, demand for products, and product revenues.

On the other hand, France has shown higher CAGR in recent times and is expected to witness significant growth in the forecasting period. This may be due to significant support from the government for the production and consumption of plant protein, such as rice, as they require relatively fewer natural resources to derive the same protein level.

United Kingdom stands third in the queue followed by Italy, Spain, and the Rest of Europe.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Europe Rice Protein Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the European rice Protein industry. The long-term risk of COVID-19 has caused disruptions in the supply chain. The production process was stopped because rice protein ingredients were difficult to supply to manufacturers. Lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic include loss of income, import and export restrictions, raw material restrictions, etc. All these events negatively affected the market.

Latest Trends/ Developments:

The use of technology in the extraction and processing process increases the quality, efficiency, and diversity of Rice Protein. Advanced techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction, nanotechnology, and biotechnology can remove certain elements, preserve biological functions, and create new structures. This technology opens up new possibilities for using various compounds in various applications and expands their functions.

Manufacturers are busy whipping up novel rice protein ingredients. Think of improved functionality, textures, and flavors to entice even the most discerning palates. Expect advancements in processing techniques for better digestibility and solubility, too.

Vegan and plant-based alternatives are exploding, with functional ingredients like pea protein, hemp seeds, and algae finding their way into everything from meat substitutes to dairy-free milk.

Key Players:

1. Kerry Group (PEVESA)
2. Euroduna Food Ingredients GmbH
3. Nagase America Corporation (Prinova Group LLC)
4. Sudzucker AG (BENEO)
5. AIDP
6. Axiom Foods Inc.
7. Golden Grain Group Limited
8. Z-Company
9. Tereos
10. Robertet

• In August 2022, Golden Grain Group Limited launched RiceBranz Rice Protein - a new brown rice protein isolate with high fiber content. And in the very next month, they partnered with ingredient distributors to expand its reach in Europe.
• In June 2022, AIDP launched RISO-AIDP 80W, a new organic rice protein isolate targeted at the baby food and sports nutrition markets.

• In February 2022, Kerry Group launched PEVEX Pro Rice- a rice protein isolate with improved amino acid profile and solubility. Also, expanded its reach by acquiring Ariake USA, a producer of pea and rice protein ingredients.
• In January 2022, Tereos entered the rice protein market with the launch of its RiceStar rice protein isolates. Focused on leveraging its expertise in starch production to develop innovative rice protein ingredients.