Now Reading: India’s plant-protein ingredient market seen doubling to Rs 9,000 cr
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India’s plant-protein ingredient market seen doubling to Rs 9,000 cr
India’s plant-protein ingredient market seen doubling to Rs 9,000 cr
India's plant-protein ingredients market is expected to double to about Rs 9,000 crore in five years from its current estimated size of Rs 4,500 crore, according to industry estimates. The plant-based food…
India's plant-protein ingredients market is expected to double to about Rs 9,000 crore in five years from its current estimated size of Rs 4,500 crore, according to industry estimates. The plant-based food sector is growing at an 18% CAGR, significantly faster than the global rate of 7-8%, said Praveer Srivastava of the Plant Based Foods Industry Association at the Fi India & ProPak India 2026 event in Mumbai.
However, nearly 90% of plant-protein ingredients used in India are currently imported, creating a large opportunity for domestic manufacturing. A plant-protein extraction facility with a capacity of 10-15 tonnes a day could require an investment of Rs 200-250 crore, underscoring the capital-intensive nature of the industry. The branded dairy and meat-alternative segment is estimated at around Rs 500 crore and has grown 64% over the past three years.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The 90% import dependence means the projected market growth is as much a vulnerability as an opportunity. India grows soy, pulses and millets in large volume, but lacks the fractionation and extrusion capacity to turn them into high-purity isolates and concentrates that food companies demand. Under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries' Production Linked Incentive scheme for food processing, plant-protein extraction has not yet been a specific target. The Rs 200-250 crore capital cost per plant will test whether the government extends PLI coverage or offers state-level subsidies. The next signal is the ministry's annual action plan for 2027, where industry will seek a dedicated plant-protein manufacturing sub-scheme.
Source: thehindu.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
