Plant-based foods experience surge in sales

A Nielsen report, commissioned by the Plant Based Foods Association, shows that the plant-based foods industry has experienced dollar sales growth of 20% over the past 52 weeks, ending June 16, 2018. Sales during that time topped $3.3 billion. This compares to an increase of only 2% in all foods sold in the same channel. The Nielsen data scans all outlets, which include grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, dollar stores, and military stores, plus Whole Foods.

The data shows that “other” plant-based dairy alternatives (including plant-based cheeses, creamers, butter, yogurts and ice creams, but excludes milk) are experiencing explosive growth, up to 50%. The growth in plant-based creamers has been particularly impressive, with a 131% increase and $109 million in sales. Plant-based cheeses are growing at 43%, at $124 million, and plant-based yogurts are growing at 55%, with $162 million in sales. The plant-based milk category is up 9% (compared to 3% the previous year), with $1.6 billion sales. Meanwhile, plant-based meats are experiencing a surge in sales at 24% this year, compared to 6% the previous year, and topping $670 million in sales.

“The plant-based foods industry has gone from being a relatively niche market to fully mainstream,” said Michele Simon, executive director of the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA). “Plant-based meat and dairy alternatives are not just for vegetarians or vegans anymore; now even mainstream consumers are enjoying these delicious and innovative options in the market today,” she added.

Press release (pdf)