The main motivation for reducing meat consumption for health reasons (47%)There were concerns especially in Romania and Italy for the environment (29%)Especially Denmark and the Netherlands animal welfare (26%)Especially in Germany and the Netherlands, according to the survey.
This latest survey is based on “Plant-based foods in Europe. What do consumers want?”, published in 2021. It is a continuation of the previous Smart Protein project survey titled. We see this from these consultations. There have been significant changes in EU consumers’ preferences and behavior in the last two years.
“This new report provides a deeper understanding of the sector’s long-term potential plant based and offers proven practical advice to drive continued growth,” says Jasmijn de Boo, CEO of food awareness organization ProVeg International.
“More and more people are choosing to reduce their meat consumption Policymakers and industry can use this information to make appropriate decisions about food production and promotion. plant based“De Boo added.
The survey was conducted by the organization ProVeg in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen and the University of Ghent. 7,500 people were asked in 10 European countries (Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain and the United Kingdom) explained their views on the consumption of plant-based foods, their confidence in these products, their current consumption habits and the main factors affecting this. their food decisions.
These are the main results:
● 51% of European meat eaters say they are reducing their annual meat consumption; this rate was 46% in 2021.
● Health emerges as the most important factor influencing the reduction of consumption of animal foods in certain European countries; 47% of survey respondents identify this as the main reason for their dietary changes.
● A total of 27% of European consumers describe themselves as flexitarians; This represents a 10% decrease compared to the figure recorded in 2021 (30%).
● Interest in flexible eating transcends generational barriers; 29% of participants baby boom generation27% of Generation X, 28% of Generation Y and 26% of Generation Z identify as flexible.
● 66% of the European population claims to consume legumes at least occasionally, 53% express a desire to consume legumes more often, making legumes the favorite plant-based food for European consumers.
● On average 28% of Europeans consume at least one food alternative plant based at least once a week, up 21% in 2021.
● Consumption of vegetable alternatives at home is ahead at 67% due to accessibility, with supermarkets continuing to be the main source of produce purchasesplant based with 60%.
● 46% of the European population reported that their confidence in plant-based alternatives has increased compared to two years ago.
● 62% of respondents are in favor of tax-free food products that support environmental and health values.
● A total of 46% of Europeans have adopted meat-free lifestyles (flexitarian, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian) for over 2 years.
“As outlined in the Farm to Table Strategy, alternative proteins such as plant, microbial or marine proteins are one of the key areas of research for an agribusiness. sustainable, healthy and inclusive food system“said European Commission Policy Officer Cindy Schoumacher.
“The aim is to promote sustainable food consumption, both in terms of health and environment, by emphasizing the importance of plant-based nutrition. The Smart Protein project provides important information to fill knowledge gaps on alternative proteins and contributes to achieving the targets of part of the European Green Deal,” he added Schoumacher.
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