Consumer demand for protein products shows no sign of abating according to new research from Bord Bia conducted in conjunction with Kantar Consulting and Core Research.
The research shows that in the sports nutrition market alone, driven by protein’s association with health, use of protein supplements such as powders, bars and amino acids is set to grow as this previously niche market muscles its way into the mainstream.
“Traditionally, protein consumption was focussed on a main meal; a dinner plate built around the protein component, be it meat, fish or poultry. Now, our choices have increased to include protein supplements, protein-enriched snacks and meat substitutes,” said Grace Binchy, consumer insight manager, Bord Bia.
Worldwide Protein
Worldwide protein consumption is expected to rise significantly, in line with projected population increase. This increased consumption, in both traditional forms and as snacks and supplements, brings increased pressure on resources, Bord Bia's study showed.
It also indicated that meat remains the dominant source of protein globally, however in Western Europe, amid growing health and environmental concerns, sales dipped by 3% between 2011 and 2016.
Binchy continues: “To stand out in the increasingly saturated protein market, food and drink producers must find ways to differentiate from the competition, for example, by offering higher value products and focussing on sustainability.”
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
