China Plant-based Meat Market (2025-2031) | Growth, Value, Competitive Landscape, Analysis, Size & Revenue, Trends, Share, Industry, Segmentation, Companies, Forecast

China Plant-based Meat Market Growth Rate

According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the China Plant-based Meat Market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3% during the forecast period (2025–2031).

China Plant-based Meat Market Growth Rate

Topics Covered in the China Plant-based Meat Market Report

The China Plant-based Meat Market report thoroughly covers the market by source, product, type, end-user, and storage. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers, which would help stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.

China Plant-based Meat Market Synopsis

The China Plant-based Meat Market is expected to witness robust growth during the forecasted period. The market growth is attributed by increasing health consciousness and rising awareness about environmental concerns. Further, increasing demand for sustainable and ethical food alternatives is boosting the market expansion. Plant-based meat products, which mimic the taste and texture of conventional meat but are made from plant-derived ingredients, are increasingly popular in urban areas and among younger demographics. The market growth is supported by expanding retail distribution channels, growing investments in R&D, and innovations in food technology.

Evaluation of Growth Drivers in the China Plant-based Meat Market

Below mentioned are some prominent key drivers and their influence to the market dynamics:

The China Plant-based Meat Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period of 2025-2031. The China plant-based meat market grows due to rising health awareness and environmental concerns among consumers looking for sustainable, nutritious meat substitutes. Increasing worries about animal welfare and food safety also raise demand. Moreover, rapid urbanization and shifting lifestyles increase consumption of convenience foods. The expansion of modern retail channels, along with innovations and new product introductions by local and global brands, further propels market growth by enhancing accessibility and product variety for buyers.

Evaluation of Restraints in the China Plant-based Meat Market

Following  mentioned are some major restraints and their influence to the market dynamics:

China Plant-based Meat Market Challenges

Despite robust growth, challenges remain around balancing cost and quality to appeal to a broader consumer base. The evolving regulatory landscape regarding novel food approvals creates uncertainty for manufacturers. Additionally, competition from other protein alternatives such as cultured meat and insect protein poses a threat. Educating consumers on the benefits of plant-based meat and overcoming taste biases are key hurdles for the industry.

China Plant-based Meat Market Trends

Following are the key trends growing in the market:

• Clean Label and Natural Ingredients: Increasing demand for minimally processed plant-based meat products with recognizable ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
• Product Innovation and Variety: Increasing portfolio to include diverse flavors, textures, and ethnic cuisines to cater to varied taste preferences.
• E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Sales: Emerging online sales channels offering convenience and wider product accessibility.
• Sustainability Certifications and Transparent Sourcing: Companies are investing in proper labelled packaging and clear distribution channels to increase consumer trust.

Investment Opportunities in the China Plant-based Meat Industry

Several prominent investment opportunities in the market are:

• Development of New Protein Sources – Exploring novel plant proteins such as mung bean, fava bean, and seaweed to diversify product offerings and improve nutrition profiles.
• Plant-based Meat in Foodservice – Partnering with restaurant chains and HORECA to expand menu offerings and increase market reach.
• Newer Processing Technologies –  improving  texture and taste by technologies can attract large number of buyers.
• Sustainable Packaging Solutions – Developing eco-friendly packaging to align with the sustainability goals of the brand and consumers.

Top 5 Leading Players in the China Plant-based Meat Market

Some leading players operating in the China Plant-based Meat Industry include:

1. Zhenmeat

Zhenmeat focuses on producing innovative plant-based meat products using soy and pea proteins, targeting both retail and foodservice sectors with a range of burgers, nuggets, and sausages.

2. OmniFoods

OmniFoods is known for its soy-based plant meat products, including patties and grounds, catering to retail and HORECA segments with a focus on replicating pork and chicken textures.

3. Starfield Food Tech

Specializes in high-quality plant-based protein products, leveraging wheat and pea sources for a variety of meat analogs such as tenders and cutlets designed for both retail and foodservice.

4. Vesta Food Lab

Vesta Food Lab innovates in the frozen plant-based meat segment, focusing on fish and beef alternatives with emphasis on clean-label formulations.

5. Green Monday Group

Although headquartered in Hong Kong, Green Monday has a strong presence in mainland China, offering a wide product range including burgers and sausages derived from pea protein, targeting retail chains and foodservice providers.

Government Regulations Introduced in the China Plant-based Meat Market

According to Chinese Government Data, It has implemented multiple measures to promote sustainable food development and mitigate the environmental repercussions of livestock farming.  The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has issued rules to promote innovation in plant-based proteins and has incentivized research and development investments via subsidies.  The "14th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes food security and sustainability, identifying plant-based meat as a crucial area.   These rules promote a favorable environment for the growth of the plant-based meat industry.

Future Insights of the China Plant-based Meat Market

The China Plant-Based Meat Market Share is estimated to increase significantly during the forecasted period. The market growth is driven by increasing consumer health awareness and environmental sustainability concerns. Further, expanding retail and foodservice distribution is also significantly contributing to market growth. Advancements in innovation for product taste, texture, and variety will further increase market penetration. The government’s supportive policies and investment in food tech startups will further propel China Plant-Based Meat Market Growth. Additionally, increasing partnerships between domestic and international players will drive product development and market penetration.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.

Pea to Dominate the Market - By Source

According to Mansi Ahuja, Senior Research Analyst, 6Wresearch, pea-based plant protein is the fastest growing segment due to its high nutritional value and allergen-friendly profile. It is gaining traction among health-conscious consumers seeking sustainable and clean-label alternatives in plant-based meat products.

Burgers to Dominate the Market - By Product

The burger segment is experiencing rapid growth driven by rising consumer demand for convenient, tasty, and protein-rich plant-based options. Its versatility and resemblance to traditional meat make it a preferred choice in retail and foodservice sectors, expanding market penetration significantly.

Chicken to Dominate the Market - By Type

Plant-based chicken alternatives are growing swiftly, favored for their texture and flavor that closely mimic real chicken. Increasing consumer preference for poultry substitutes and innovation in product development are key factors accelerating the adoption of this segment.

Retail to Dominate the Market - By End-user

The retail segment is the fastest growing due to increasing consumer inclination toward home cooking and plant-based diets. Expanding supermarket chains and e-commerce platforms are driving easy accessibility and availability of plant-based meat products to a broader audience.

Frozen Plant-based Meat to Dominate the Market - By Storage

Frozen plant-based meat is gaining rapid popularity because of its extended shelf life and convenient storage. Consumers appreciate the ease of use and availability, supporting consistent demand from both retail and foodservice channels.

Key Attractiveness of the Report

• 10 Years of Market Numbers.
• Historical Data Starting from 2021 to 2024.
• Base Year: 2024.
• Forecast Data until 2031.
• Key Performance Indicators Impacting the Market.
• Major Upcoming Developments and Projects.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• China Plant-based Meat Market Outlook
• Market Size of China Plant-based Meat Market, 2024
• Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market, 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Revenues & Volume for the Period 2021 - 2031
• China Plant-based Meat Market Trend Evolution
• China Plant-based Meat Market Drivers and Challenges
• China Plant-based Meat Price Trends
• China Plant-based Meat Porter's Five Forces
• China Plant-based Meat Industry Life Cycle
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Source for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Soy for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Pea for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Wheat for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Product for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Burgers for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Sausages for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Patties for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Nuggets, for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Tenders & Cutlets for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Grounds for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Type for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Chicken for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Pork for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Beef for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Fish for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Others for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By End-user for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Retail for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Caf) for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Storage for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Refrigerated Plant-based Meat for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Frozen Plant-based Meat for the Period 2021 - 2031
• Historical Data and Forecast of China Plant-based Meat Market Revenues & Volume By Shelf-stable Plant-based Meat for the Period 2021 - 2031
• China Plant-based Meat Import Export Trade Statistics
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Source
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Product
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Type
• Market Opportunity Assessment By End-user
• Market Opportunity Assessment By Storage
• China Plant-based Meat Top Companies Market Share
• China Plant-based Meat Competitive Benchmarking By Technical and Operational Parameters
• China Plant-based Meat Company Profiles
• China Plant-based Meat Key Strategic Recommendations

Market Covered

The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments:

By Source

• Soy
• Pea
• Wheat
• Others

By Product

• Burgers
• Sausages
• Patties
• Nuggets
• Tenders & Cutlets
• Grounds
• Others

By Type

• Chicken
• Pork
• Beef
• Fish
• Others

By End-user

• Retail
• HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Café)

By Storage

• Refrigerated Plant-based Meat
• Frozen Plant-based Meat
• Shelf-stable Plant-based Meat