The market for plant-based food in Italy has experienced significant growth, surpassing €640 million in 2023, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the previous year and a 16.1% rise since 2021. According to a study conducted by Bennet, among the most sought-after plant-based products by Italians are plant-based milk and beverages, followed by cream and yogurt. Sales of plant-based cheese have surged by 40%, while plant-based meat has seen an increase of 12.8%. These figures highlight not only economic growth but also a significant cultural shift.
New generations play a crucial role in this transformation: 27% of Millennials and Gen Z regularly consume plant-based foods. The flexitarian trend has grown by 16%, with many individuals limiting their meat consumption to fewer than three times a month. At both the European and global levels, the plant-based food market is showing positive trends, with forecasts suggesting a value of $97 billion by 2033, indicating that interest in plant-based foods is becoming a fundamental part of contemporary eating habits.
