Japan Plant Protein Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Source (Pea, Rapeseed, Soy, Hempseed, Others), By Form (Protein Concentrates, Protein Isolates, Protein Hydrolysate), By Application (Dietary Supplement, Food And Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Feed), And By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline) - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The Japan plant protein market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.18%, reaching US$397.990 million in 2028 from US$261.521 million in 2021.

Japan is one of the most advanced nations in the Asia-Pacific area. The nation's protein component market has grown due to significant research expenditures, swift technological developments, and cutting-edge innovation methods. Growing vegetarianism, rising demand for gluten- and lactose-free goods, and rising health-related concerns are the main factors driving the Japanese plant protein industry. Since they are readily available and inexpensive, plant proteins like those found in soy, wheat, peas, and rice are widely used in the food business.  However, these sectors are anticipated to acquire some traction in the upcoming years given the demand for sustainable protein forms.

Rising Demand for Plant-based Meat

Vegan diets are increasingly including plant-based meat, and adopting a vegetarian lifestyle free of animal-based meals is becoming the norm. Some consumer groups choose vegetarian ingredients to prevent animal cruelty and to use sustainable food and beverage goods, while others are oriented towards veganism for wellness and ethical reasons. Although the country has long produced soy-based goods like tofu hamburgers and soy meat crumbles, the market for plant-based meat substitutes in Japan is growing and diversifying in response to shifting customer demands. For instance, Japan's yearly production of plant-based proteins is increasing, hitting 47,107 metric tonnes in 2019, up 4% from 2018, according to the Japan Plant Protein Food Association.

Increasing Production of Soy

The consistent production of soybeans in Japan from 2018 to 2022 provides a foundation for the expansion of the soy segment within the plant protein market. With an average production of approximately 230,000 metric tons, there's a potential opportunity for the soy sector to drive the growth of Japan's plant protein market. As consumers increasingly seek sustainable and plant-based protein sources, the steady supply of domestically produced soybeans could position Japan to meet this demand, fostering innovation in soy-based products and catalyzing market expansion.

Technological Advancements and Company Efforts

A synergy of efforts with domestic and international alternative protein entities is being forged by the Japan External Trade Organization. In 2021, companies like NEXT MEATS and OmniFoods introduced plant-based canned tuna called OMNITuna, made from a unique blend of non-GMO soy.  Moreover, Japan's government and economic institutions are also supporting this movement. A government report in 2021 suggested using substitute meats to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Japan External Trade Organization is working with local and international alternative protein companies.

Governmental Support and Initiatives

With major meat manufacturers developing new products, consumers' increasing demand for healthier goods, and the government's support for the emerging industry, plant-based meat alternatives are gaining ground in Japan. For instance, to make use of cutting-edge technology and broaden the variety of protein sources in the Japanese diet, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) launched the "Food Tech Study Group" on April 1, 2020. 164 food businesses, start-ups, trade houses, financial organizations, academic and research institutes, governmental organizations, and other organizations make up the group.

Major Market Player

• Roquette Frères is a pioneer of plant-based protein & plant-based ingredients. The company ensures high quality, reliability & traceability of its products back to the farms to deliver the best plant protein products for all customers. The company partners with different farmers to bring sustainable starches & end to end connected supply chains. in 2022, the company came up with its new range of organic pea proteins including organic pea protein as well as pea starch. This will result in enhanced quality of the product having plant-based protein. The company also launched its brand NUTRALYS consisting of organic textured protein from peas.

Key Market Developments

• A new line of tasty, practical whole-soy nutrition bars called SOYJOY Plant-Based has been introduced by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Otsuka). The new SOYJOY Plant-Based bars, which are made entirely of plant-based components, will go on sale in Japan starting in March 2022 in two flavors: white chocolate and banana.
• In January 2022, with the help of crossover technology, the Tokyo-based Company Next Meats and the Indian food-tech firm Vegan Meat India developed meatless substitutes that prioritize sustainability in food production and reduce the additional strain on the environment. By adopting plant-based food items, they are also seeking to lessen the severe problem caused by NCDs and the nation's carbon imprint.

Japan Plant Protein Market Scope:

Segmentation:

• By Source
  • Pea
  • Rapeseed
  • Soy
  • Hempseed
  • Others
• By Form
  • Protein Concentrates
  • Protein Isolates
  • Protein Hydrolysate
• By Application
  • Dietary Supplement
  • Food and Beverages
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Animal Feed
• By Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline