Europe Duckweed Protein Market Outlook

Europe duckweed protein market is expected to capture a 20% CAGR from 2023 to 2033. The market is likely to increase from USD 1.28 million in 2023 to USD 7.9 million by 2033.

Plant-based Protein Innovation and Advances to Supplement the Vegan Trend

According to the European Vegetarian Union, the vegan population in Europe accounts for more than 6% of the total European population in 2019. Furthermore, according to The Vegan Society, the vegan population in the United Kingdom surpassed 600,000 in 2019. Representing a 300% growth over the vegan population in 2014.

This was one of the primary motivations in food and beverage businesses to innovate and develop meat replacements. Moreover, dairy alternatives and protein nutritional beverages, as well as giving a boost to plant-based food and beverages.

Demand for high-protein foods has increased over the previous decade, which is likely to promote sales of duckweed protein. Product developments by key market players that are matched with customer preferences for healthy foods continue to drive market sales.

Report Attribute Details
Europe Duckweed Protein Market Value (2023) USD 1.28 million
Europe Duckweed Protein Market Anticipated Value (2033) USD 7.9 million
Europe Duckweed Protein Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) 20% CAGR

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2018 to 2022 Europe Duckweed Protein Market Outlook in Comparison to 2023 to 2033 Growth Forecast

The Europe duckweed protein market accounted for USD 0.09 million in 2022 and is likely to be worth USD 7.9 million by 2033.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) panel for the investigation of duckweed protein consumption concluded in September 2021 that the novel food (water lentil or duckweed protein) cannot be proven safe.

Duckweed is a novel protein that has recently entered the European markets. It is a flowering aquatic plant that has been consumed by East Asians for generations. It is a water lentil that belongs to the Lemnaceae family. It grows in freshwater marshes, has a mild flavor, and is a viable plant-based protein source.

The product may have numerous health benefits. Research on the use of duckweed to treat diseases and its usefulness is lacking. The benefits of duckweed nutrients, on the other hand, are well documented. More research is needed to quantify the dose-response relationship, which is valuable to farmers, producers, processors, health professionals, and, eventually, consumers.

Year Market Valuation
2016 USD 0.36 million
2021 USD 0.89 million
2022 USD 0.09 million
2023 USD 1.28 million
2033 USD 7.9 million

What is the Significance of Duckweed as a New Plant-based Protein Source?

Duckweed protein is becoming increasingly popular in the plant-based protein market. It has more amino acids and leucine than other protein sources on the market today. Veganism is gaining popularity among consumers. Because vegans do not consume whey, egg, or cow protein, demand for duckweed protein is expected to increase.

Vegans rely on the only two vegan proteins that are widely available: rice protein and pea protein isolate. When it comes to encouraging lean muscle growth, both proteins are regarded as mediocre. Whey protein, hydrolyzed whey protein, or beef protein supplements, such as bio serum 1, can help you gain muscle mass.

Gym-goers are concerned that being vegan may result in muscle loss. Because of the introduction of duckweed protein, these muscle-building concerns are no longer an issue. Water lentil protein, also known as duckweed protein, has a high mineral and protein content. It also contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is also more biologically active than pea protein isolate.

Lemna Minor, common duckweed, might be used to aid with a variety of concerns at the camp. Under the right conditions, its multiplication rate is astounding, doubling its bulk every few days. Duckweed is high in protein and can be fed to fish and birds. The plant can be used as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion, which produces methane as a by-product while also producing good fertilizer.

Duckweed cultivation consumes less area, water, nutrients, pesticides, energy, waste, and other resources while generating more calories and/or nutrition. It is among the nutrient-dense plant, with 35 to 45% protein, a complete and physiologically accessible amino acid profile, and a plethora of other nutrients such as omega 3/6 fatty acids, 15% fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Nandini Roy Choudhury
Nandini Roy Choudhury

Principal Consultant

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Duckweed Emerge as a Soy Substitute

Duckweed has been shown in trials to be a good soy alternative, although manufacturing methods have been unstable, and quality has been variable. Duckweed is the crop's fruit fly, spreading at an alarming rate. Manufacturers have built sizable, artificially generated, and sealed growth units. This enables them to recapture and recycle water while also producing duckweed at a very low water demand per tonne, making it a viable alternative to soy.

There is a scarcity of arable land available for soybean farming. According to FMI projections, 85 million tonnes of soy be produced by 2026, necessitating an additional 23 million hectares of arable land. That is the size of the entire United Kingdom.

Agriculture, particularly animal production, has a long history of hurting the environment. The disadvantages are well-known: if cows were a country, they are the third-leading emitter of greenhouse gases. While South American rainforests are frequently removed to make way for grazing cattle and soybean farms.

Concerns have been raised about the production of soy for animal feed. As the world has seen how soy plantations can result in deforestation and the displacement of small farmers in producer countries. Any disruption in soy supply for animal feed has a significant impact in Africa, where many farmers rely on imported animal feed. As a result, developing indigenous alternatives that do not affect the environment is critical.

Increased Flexibility in Plant-based Protein Consumption

Consumer purchase habits are becoming more flexible as a result of increasingly mobile lives (e.g., out-of-home meals, simultaneous travel and working hours, mixing of working hours and domestic work). To buy more in fewer trips, shopping routes are either optimized (e.g., one-stop shopping at the shopping center, reachability of shopping options, or neighboring networks) or substituted.

This consumer flexibility encourages full-service businesses, more flexible store hours, and novel sales tactics. Mobile offers quick shopping and no spatial or temporal limits in both stationary and online stores. These factors are projected to increase demand for duckweed protein, consequently boosting market growth.

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Duckweed Protein Sales Increase Due to Sustainable Production and Value Chains

All phases involved in the manufacture, usage, and disposal/recycling of a product or service are included in the value chain. A typical value chain goes from raw material source through disposal and includes suppliers, producers, merchants, and consumers. In the circular value chain model, resources are reused or recycled to reduce waste.

In the sustainable value net, there are no longer up and down streams, but rather a network of contacts and value exchanges. The line separating production and consumption is getting increasingly blurred. If small farmers are seamlessly integrated, procurers be able to supply the need for locally sourced food while reducing waste.

Concentrate on Aquatic Plants as New and Developing Protein Sources

The shift towards personalized diet has been rapid as consumer health awareness has increased. In recent years, consumers have become more conscious and specific about the food they consume and its effects on the body. Aside from soy, wheat, and pea as the main sources of plant-based protein, aquatic plants offer a huge possibility to collect proteins and components that match the consumers' physiological and metabolic needs.

The natural synthesis of plant-based protein is the result of a series of transformations in which several chemical ingredients mix in a precise form, using sunlight as energy. The essential agent responsible for this unique mechanism is chlorophyll found in plants. The chlorophyll found in plants is the critical agent responsible for this unique mechanism. Over 70% of solar energy is directed toward the oceans and freshwater bodies including rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The world's water bodies have a mostly untapped pool of aquatic proteins suitable for human consumption, which can be enlarged via sophisticated aquaculture techniques.

Duckweed Protein Sales in Europe are Likely to Increase Due to the Growing Popularity of Plant-based Cuisine

The increasing influence of dietary choices toward duckweed proteins is primarily responsible for the rise of the duckweed protein business in this region. A growth in clients is transitioning to a plant-based diet, either to cut calories or to improve the quality of the food they eat.

Consumers are either becoming vegans or adopting a flexitarian diet. This is driving up demand for plant-based alternatives and protein sources.

The rise in cardiovascular and other types of heart disease in the region has also motivated people to consume more plant-based protein. In countries, raw materials and cheap labor are readily available. They have grown to be important production hubs for duckweed protein producers. As a result, it accounts for a significant share of the region's imports and output.

Category-wise Insights

The Fresh Duckweed Protein Segment is Expected to Increase at a High Rate During the Projection Period

The fresh duckweed protein sector is the second-leading application segment by form and is expected to develop during the projection period. As the industry's demand for clean labels and sustainable feed solutions develops, plant-based proteins are increasingly being included in feed products.

Plant-based proteins derived from a variety of sources, such as potato proteins, have been demonstrated to boost animal production. There has also been a substantial demand for high-quality premixes, such as protein-based feeds containing isolates. These are driving market expansion in this area and are projected to show significant growth potential over the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

Companies in the European duckweed industry are focusing on portfolio expansion to acquire a competitive advantage. Aside from that, they are pursuing other expansion tactics to obtain a competitive advantage. As an example:

Some of the key companies are:

  • LEMNAtech GmbH: LEMNAtech is a German company that specializes in duckweed cultivation and processing. The company has created cutting-edge methods for the large-scale production of duckweed and its usage as a feed and food source.
  • V-Farm: V-Farm is a Belgian startup that is developing vertical farming technology for duckweed production. Their method creates an optimal environment for duckweed development using hydroponics and LED illumination, resulting in higher yields and cheaper production costs.
  • AQUACONCEPT: AQUACONCEPT is a French company that specializes in the manufacturing of duckweed for use as an aquaculture feed source. The company has created a one-of-a-kind manufacturing procedure that allows it to generate huge amounts of high-quality duckweed at a reasonable cost.

The Following are Key Companies in the Market

  • Parabel USA Inc.
  • Pontus Water Lentils
  • Barentz B.V.
  • Hinoman, Ltd
  • Plantible Foods, Inc.
  • Lempro Inc.
  • Seta Organics

Scope of Report

Attribute Details
Market Size Value in 2023 USD 1.28 million
Market Size Value at End of Forecast (2033) USD 7.9 million
Market Analysis USD million for Value
Key Region Covered Europe
Key Segments By Form, By Species, By End Use, By Region
Key Companies Profiled Parabel USA Inc.; Pontus Water Lentils; Barentz B.V.; Hinoman, Ltd; Plantible Foods, Inc.; Lempro Inc.; Seta Organics
Report Coverage Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization & Pricing Available upon Request

Europe Duckweed Protein Market Key Segment

By Form:

  • Fresh Duckweed Protein
  • Dried Duckweed Protein

By Species:

  • Wolffiella
  • Spirodela
  • Lemna
  • Landoltia
  • Wolffia

By End Use:

  • Food Processing
    • Protein/Dietary Supplements
    • Energy Bars
    • Snacks & Salads
    • Beverages
    • Others
  • Animal & Fish Feed
  • Others (applied research, biofuel, etc.)

By Region:

  • Europe

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big is the Europe Duckweed Protein Market?

The Europe duckweed protein market is expected to achieve USD 1.28 million in 2023.

What is the Expected Size of Europe Duckweed Protein Market?

The Europe duckweed protein market size is estimated to be USD 7.9 million by 2033.

Which Opportunities can Europe Duckweed Protein Market Players Capitalize on?

Market players can capitalize on increasing popularity of protein supplements among millennials.

Which Trends are Prominently Seen in the Market?

Technical advances and product developments are prominent trends in the market.

Which Form of Duckweed Protein is Expected to Exhibit Robust Growth?

Fresh duckweed protein is expected to demonstrate high growth rate through 2033.

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Species
		5.1. Wolffiella
		5.2. Spirodela
		5.3. Lemna
		5.4. Landoltia
		5.5. Wolffia
	6. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use
		6.1. Food Processing
			6.1.1. Protein/Dietary Supplements
			6.1.2. Energy Bars
			6.1.3. Snacks & Salads
			6.1.4. Beverages
		6.2. Animal Feed
		6.3. Biofuels
	7. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region
		7.1. Europe
	8. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	9. Key Countries Market Analysis
	10. Market Structure Analysis
	11. Competition Analysis
		11.1. Parabel Inc.
		11.2. Pontus Water Lentils
		11.3. Barentz B.V.
		11.4. Hinoman, Ltd
		11.5. Plantible Foods, Inc.
		11.6. Lempro Inc.
		11.7. Seta Organics
		11.8. Cargill
		11.9. Chase Organics
		11.10. Annie Chuns Inc.
	12. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	13. Research Methodology
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