Sales of plant-based food and beverages in the US rose by 8.1% to $3.1 billion in the 52 weeks to 12 August 2017, according to Nielsen data compiled for the Plant Based Foods Association and The Good Food Institute.
The data shows that plant-based dairy alternatives experienced 20% growth, topping $700 million in sales over the past year. This category, which excludes milks, consists of plant-based cheeses, yogurts and ice creams. Yogurt showed significant growth, at 56% since last year, according to the data.
The plant-based milk category is up 3.1% since last year. Over the same period, the Nielsen data shows that cow’s milk sales are down about 5%.
The results also reveal that plant-based meats grew by 6% year-on-year. Refrigerated meats are growing more than frozen at 23%.
Plant-based meat claimed 2.1% of sales in refrigerated and frozen meat products sold at retail, according to Nielsen.
Plant Based Foods Association executive director Michele Simon said: “It’s exciting to see the steady growth of the plant-based foods industry. With this new baseline data, we have a solid foundation for this young industry to grow each year.”
The Good Food Institute executive director Bruce Friedrich added: “There is a revolution going on in the plant-based meat space. Right now, the sector is small, but growing, and we are working hard to create a viable market sector.
“It is especially impressive to see that all the plant-based companies are working cooperatively, because a rising tide will lift all boats.”
The Plant Based Foods Association is a trade body representing 80 US plant-based food companies. The Good Food Institute is a non-profit organisation that aims to transition the global food system away from industrial animal agriculture.
Last week, Nestlé USA acquired California producer of plant-based meats Sweet Earth as it gains entry into the plant-based segment.
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