GLOBAL VEGAN EGGS MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

The Global Vegan Eggs Market size is expected to reach US$ 3.49 Bn by 2031, from US$ 1.97 Bn in 2024, at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period.

Vegan eggs are plant-based alternatives to regular chicken eggs that are gaining popularity worldwide. There are various types of vegan eggs available in the market made from different plant ingredients. The most common type is made from mung bean, which have a texture and flavor most similar to real eggs when prepared. Other plant sources used include chickpeas, lentils, soybeans and potatoes.

These plant-based ingredients are processed into powdered form and then converted into liquids, solids or emulsions depending on the desired texture. For example, mung bean powder when mixed with water yields a liquid consistency ideal for scrambling just like real eggs. Chickpea flour mixes yield solid cakes that can replace hard boiled eggs in salads. Emulsions made from soy or potatoes closely mimic the consistency of softly cooked eggs. Each type has its advantages - some have higher protein contents than others while some are more versatile and suitable for baking applications. However, vegan eggs may not match real eggs nutritionally and some argue the processing impacts the fiber and nutrient contents. Overall, vegan eggs provide an animal-cruelty free substitute for egg lovers globally.

Global Vegan Eggs Market Regional Analysis

• North America has established itself as the dominant region in the global vegan eggs market. North America is expected to expand at a CAGR of 40 % during the forecast period. With the increased health consciousness and preference for plant-based diets among consumers, the demand for vegan eggs has risen substantially in the US and Canada. Major food companies already have a strong foothold in the region with vast distribution networks and product portfolios catering to vegan products. The availability of wide range of vegan egg options at affordable prices across all retail channels like supermarkets, health stores and online has made plant-based food integral part of daily lives. Furthermore, the region is known for its innovation and several startups are continuously introducing new vegan egg formulations and products to stay ahead of competition.
• The vegan eggs market in Asia Pacific region is expected to expand at a CAGR of 30 % during the forecast period .witnessing exponential growth and is emerging as the fastest growing regional market. Countries like India, China, Japan and Southeast Asian nations have traditionally been more vegetarian and flexitarian in their dietary habits. With growing health awareness and concerns over animal welfare, the acceptance of vegan diets and products is increasing at a rapid pace. Being major producers and consumers of plant-based food ingredients, the regional players have distinct raw material advantage. They are leveraging the opportunity by developing indigenous vegan egg brands with regional flavors and formats suitable for native cuisine to get stronger foothold. Ease of availability along with competitive pricing is further propelling the market demand. The export potential of vegan eggs from the region is also being tapped with focus on key export markets in Europe and Americas.
• Due to the rising demand for vegan bakery products, the market in Europe is expected to develop at a substantial pace over the forecast period. In 2023, the German vegan egg business is expected to command a market share of more than 15% percent in Europe.
• Middle East & Africa is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7 % during the forecast period. The emergence of new players in the region and a subsequent rise in awareness regarding plant-based food are anticipated to propel the growth during the forecast period.
• Latin America is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8 % during the forecast period. The regional market is growing due to the rising demand for processed meals that are vegan. Additionally, factors such as elevated environmental sustainability consciousness and the tendency among consumers toward vegan diets are all factors that are positively influencing the industry growth.

Figure 1. Global Vegan Eggs Market Share (%), by Region, 2024

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Analyst Viewpoint:

The global vegan eggs market has significant growth potential driven by the rising health consciousness among consumers and shift towards plant-based diet. Younger consumers in particular are becoming more inclined towards veganism and ethical food choices which is opening up opportunities for vegan egg producers. However, high costs of vegan egg alternatives and lack of product awareness in developing regions still pose a challenge to market growth.

Europe currently dominates the vegan eggs space led by countries like UK and Germany where veganism has gained considerable acceptance in recent years. Strong presence of vegan food brands and expanding product offerings at retail stores has made vegan eggs more accessible to European shoppers. North America is another major region benefiting from the flexible dietary choices of health-conscious millennial and rising vegan population.

Among product types, liquid vegan eggs have seen increasing success by mimicking real egg properties for cooking and baking. Major players are investing in innovative formulations that can closely match taste and functional properties of animal-based eggs. Marketing strategic partnerships with food chains and restaurants can help boost trial among occasional consumers.

International markets offer substantial untapped opportunities given low vegan penetration presently. Global brands need to focus on affordable products and build local production capacity to drive volumes in Asia's high-growth economies.

Global Vegan Eggs Market Drivers:

Rising Health Consciousness: The global population is becoming increasingly health-conscious. People are paying more attention to their diet and the overall wellness of their lifestyle. There has been a surge in the awareness about the various health risks associated with the regular consumption of animal products like eggs. Eggs are high in cholesterol and saturated fats which can raise LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels and increase the risks of cardiovascular diseases and obesity. More and more people are researching about the negative health impacts of eggs and moving towards plant-based alternatives like vegan eggs. They want options that provide the same functionality as conventional eggs in cooking and baking but are much better for long-term health and fitness goals. This rising health consciousness has been a key driver behind the rapid growth of the global vegan eggs market in recent years. People are inclining towards cleaner labeled products that are not only better for their wellness but also animal welfare and environment friendliness.

Environmental and Ethical Concerns: In addition to health factors, environmental and ethical aspects have also emerged as major considerations for consumers. The poultry industry responsible for commercial egg production is criticized for various reasons such as the inhumane treatment of chickens in large battery cage systems. Images and videos of overcrowded barns with Bn of chickens packed together in extremely cramped wire cages have surfaced online and receive widespread media coverage. This raises serious animal welfare concerns among the public. There is also increased focus on the environmental footprint of conventional eggs including the land, water and greenhouse gas emissions required for feeding and housing millions of chickens that lay eggs. Further, vegan eggs have gained prominence for having less or zero impact on deforestation, pollution, animal cruelty and use of pesticides/antibiotics. Ethical vegans and flexitarians view plant-based eggs as a more compassionate and sustainable alternative aligned with their principles of reducing harm to animals and environment. These ethical and environmental-friendly attributes have significantly boosted the popularity of vegan eggs market.

Global Vegan Eggs Market Opportunities:

Scope for new product development and flavors: There is significant scope for innovation and new product development in the global vegan eggs market. As concern grows around the world regarding animal welfare and the environmental impacts of industrial animal agriculture, more consumers are seeking plant-based alternatives to animal products. However, many current vegan egg options on the market are still trying to perfectly replicate the taste and texture of chicken eggs. While this approach has had some success, there is opportunity to develop vegan eggs optimized for different culinary applications rather than solely focus on mimicic king eggs. New products tailored for baking, cooking scrambles or omelets, or preparing sauces could appeal to both current vegan consumers and flexitarians looking to reduce their egg consumption occasionally. Innovation in flavor options beyond standard savory could also attract new demographics. Developing vegan eggs flavored with herbs, spices, vegetables or even sweet options like chocolate chip could increase appeal among consumers motivated more by taste than animal welfare.

Growth potential in developing countries: The developing economies across the globe present a huge opportunity for growth in the global vegan eggs market. As countries like India, China, Brazil, Indonesia and others continue to develop economically, consumer behavior and preferences are changing rapidly. With increasing urbanization and exposure to global trends, more people in these emerging nations are becoming health conscious and environmentally aware.

This changing mindset has opened up new prospects for plant-based and sustainable food products. As the middle-class population expands in developing countries, demand for high-quality vegan substitutes is on the rise. People want options that are nutritious, ethical and ecological friendly. Products like vegan eggs that offer a tasty alternative to conventional eggs while having lower cholesterol are gaining attraction. According to a 2021 report by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, China, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, India are among the world's largest egg producers. With the large egg industry concentrated in these developing markets, there exists a sizable consumer base that is looking for environment-friendly substitutes.

Global Vegan Eggs Market trends:

Increased availability through retail and online channels: The increased availability of vegan eggs through retail and online channels is having a significant impact on the global vegan eggs market. By making vegan egg products easily accessible to consumers via grocery stores, mass retailers, specialty shops and e-commerce platforms, more people now have the option and ability to incorporate these alternatives into their diets.

This wide distribution exposure has helped boost awareness about vegan eggs and what they have to offer for different dietary preferences and lifestyles. Retail availability in particular puts these products on equal footing with conventional animal-derived eggs on store shelves, allowing consumers to make direct side-by-side comparisons more conveniently during regular shopping. The normalization of seeing vegan egg options next to traditional eggs aids in perception and consideration.

Increased focus on sustainability and animal welfare: The increased focus on sustainability and animal welfare is greatly influencing the global vegan eggs market. More consumers are becoming aware of the environmental impact of industrial animal agriculture and the inhumane conditions many egg-laying hens are subjected to. According to data from the World Resources Institute, industrial egg production causes significant carbon emissions and water usage. Hens in cages release toxic fecal matter and must be de-beaked and de-clawed to prevent injury in tightly packed barns. This kind of intensive production is not sustainable long-term.

As consumers learn more about these issues, many are seeking alternatives to traditional eggs that allow for cruelty-free and earth-friendly choices. Vegan egg products offer an appealing substitute, as they claim to mimic the functionality of eggs in cooking and baking without relying on animal products. Manufacturers of vegan eggs emphasize the more sustainable growth and harvesting of plant-based ingredients like aquafaba, mung bean, and flax seeds. They also highlight the reduced carbon footprint and land usage versus intensive poultry egg farming.

Global Vegan Eggs Market Restraints:

High prices of vegan egg alternatives act as a major restraint: While demand is on the rise, high product costs continue to hinder widespread adoption of vegan eggs. Plant-based ingredients and advanced formulation methods make vegan egg products significantly more expensive than conventional eggs from the grocery store. This poses affordability challenges, especially in price-sensitive developing regions. Manufacturers need to focus on lowering production costs through economy of scale and efficient processes to make vegan eggs competitively priced. Until then, high costs will restrict the market from expanding beyond health-conscious and niche consumer bases who are willing to pay a premium for sustainability and wellness attributes.

Lack of substitutes for certain functional properties of real eggs hinders market growth: Another key restraint is the inability of current vegan egg formulations to fully mimic all functional qualities of conventional eggs. While taste and appearance are reasonably replicated, plant-based alternatives fall short on other properties like emulsion, coagulation, and foaming abilities that eggs provide in recipes. This hampers direct substitution in commercial and household baking, cooking and food preparation applications. Without complete replication of egg proteins and fats, vegan options cannot serve as perfect 1:1 replacements. The technological challenge of developing plant-based mimics with identical functionalities acts as a roadblock in the market. Wider adoption depends on further innovation to produce vegan eggs with uncompromised culinary performance.

In conclusion, growing health awareness and environmental concerns are propelling the vegan eggs industry forward despite challenges around high costs and incomplete functional substitution. Overcoming these restraints through affordability drives and next-gen product development will be key to market maturity.

Segment Analysis:

• Shifting Consumer Preferences Drive Plant-Based Alternative Demand: In terms of application, the global vegan eggs market is segmented into bakery & confectionery, savories, and other applications. Among these application segments, bakery & confectionery contributes the highest share of the market owning to the growing demand for plant-based substitutes in baking recipes. Consumers are increasingly preferring vegan and vegetarian options owing to health, ethical, and environmental concerns. Plant-based egg alternatives allow bakeries and confectioners to expand their portfolio and attract ethical consumers who wish to reduce their consumption of animal products. The authentic flavor and texture delivered by vegan egg products matches consumer expectations for baked goods such as cakes, cookies, muffins, pancakes etc. This growing demand is encouraging food innovators to introduce varied vegan egg formulations targeted towards bakery applications.
• Rising Health Awareness Boosts the Savory Segment: In terms of form, the global vegan eggs market is segmented into liquid, powder, and others. Among these forms, liquid contributes the highest share of the market. The liquid form closely resembles conventional eggs and provides excellent emulsification which makes it suitable for savory applications such as salads, dressings, mayonnaise, sauces etc. Population health awareness is increasing globally regarding the cholesterol content of regular eggs. Vegan liquid egg alternatives allow consumers to reduce their cholesterol intake while retaining the cooking versatility offered by conventional eggs. They are a healthier substitute for people monitoring their heart health. This growing health-conscious consumer base supports the increasing demand for plant-based egg options in savory applications.
• Innovation Drives Alternative Forms: Additionally, in terms of nature, the global vegan eggs market is segmented into organic and conventional. Among these nature segments, conventional contributes the highest share currently. However, the organic segment is growing at a faster pace due to increasing consumer preference for clean-label products. Continuous investments in research & development have led to new formulations that replicate egg functionality without cholesterol or animal derivatives. The powder form provides optimal stability and shelf life for vegan egg products. It is highly versatile and caters to a variety of cooking needs for vegan consumers. Innovation in newer product forms, enabled by advanced food science, is propelling the vegan eggs market growth overall.

Recent Developments:

New product launches:

New product launches:

• In January 2023, the Spain-originated company Shukran Foods made headlines with the launch of an entirely plant-based egg alternative tailored for the hospitality and food service industries. This innovative product emerges in response to the pressing demands of the vegan egg market, which seeks enhancements in flavor quality, versatile applicability, reduced environmental footprint, and nutritional value. The primary component in this new concoction is the nutrient-dense chickpea, celebrated for its rich protein content and essential amino acids.
• In February 2023, METRO Germany stepped into the plant-based scene with the debut of their 'NoPokPok' vegan egg roll. This creation broadens the horizons of plant-based cuisine with its multifaceted utility. The product boasts a robust consistency that is amenable to slicing using standard egg slicers. The versatility of the NoPokPok extends beyond slicing; it can be incorporated into a vegan egg salad, sprinkled as a garnish, or simply enjoyed in both chilled and heated dishes with equal finesse.

Figure 2. Global Vegan Eggs Market Share (%), By Product Type, 2024

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Top companies in Global Vegan Eggs Market

• EVO Foods
• Mantiqueira (N.Ovo)
• JUST Inc.
• Orgran Foods
• Terra Vegane
• Free and Easy
• Follow Your Heart
• The Vegg
• Vezlay Foods Private Limited
• Now Foods.

Definition: The Vegan eggs are processed by mixing mung and soya extracts, legumes, peas, chickpeas, and all other plant sources. A little bit of turmeric is added to imitate the yellowness of the chicken eggs. The liquid vegan egg resembles the egg yolk and one can make a variety of dishes using it.