Germany Soy Protein Market Size and Share

Germany Soy Protein Market Summary
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Germany Soy Protein Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Germany Soy Protein Market size is estimated at 306.4 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 372.5 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.98% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Germany's soy protein industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences and dietary habits. The country has witnessed a remarkable shift toward plant-based diets, with approximately 2.6 million Germans (3.2% of the population) identifying as vegans and 31.1% of the population (16.71 million people) following flexitarian diets as of 2022. This dietary evolution has led to increased innovation in soy-based products, particularly in meat and dairy alternatives. Food manufacturers are responding by developing new formulations and improving the texture and taste of soy protein products to meet consumer expectations. The industry has also seen substantial investments in research and development to enhance the functionality and applications of soy protein ingredients.

The domestic production landscape of soy in Germany has shown promising development, reflecting the country's commitment to sustainable and local sourcing. German soy cultivation has expanded significantly, with the country harvesting approximately 104,000 metric tons of soybeans in 2021, and domestic production now accounts for 24-30% of the total soy supply. Agricultural initiatives are focusing on developing cold-resistant soybean varieties suitable for German climate conditions, demonstrating the industry's adaptation to local growing conditions. This increased domestic production has helped reduce dependency on imports while ensuring better supply chain transparency and meeting the growing demand for non-GMO soy derivatives.

The sports and fitness sector has emerged as a significant driver of soy protein demand, particularly in the supplements category. With over 10.31 million people registered in fitness studios, the market has witnessed increased demand for plant protein supplements. Manufacturers are developing specialized soy protein formulations targeting different consumer segments, from professional athletes to casual fitness enthusiasts. The industry has seen particular innovation in the development of easily digestible soy protein isolates with improved taste profiles and enhanced functionality for sports nutrition applications.

The food service and retail sectors have adapted their offerings to accommodate the growing demand for soy-based products, particularly in response to dietary restrictions and health concerns. With approximately 83.2 million people being lactose intolerant in Germany as of 2022, there has been a significant increase in the development and availability of soy-based dairy alternatives. Retailers are expanding their plant protein sections, while food manufacturers are introducing new product lines incorporating soy protein ingredients. The industry has also seen advancements in processing technologies to improve the texture and nutritional profile of soy protein products, making them more appealing to mainstream consumers.

Segment Analysis: Form

Concentrates Segment in Germany Soy Protein Market

The concentrated soy protein segment dominates the German soy protein market, holding approximately 45% market share by volume in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by its widespread application in the food and beverage segment, accounting for an estimated volume share of 33% in the food manufacturing sector. The concentrated form of soy is predominantly utilized by German food manufacturing companies due to its cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Additionally, the animal feed segment extensively uses concentrated soy protein, particularly for making soymeal to feed animals, contributing to about 67% of the concentrate usage. The major advantage of soy protein concentrate processing lies in its ability to remove components causing a beany taste and soluble carbohydrates, making it highly suitable for animal feed manufacturers. Its high protein digestibility and optimal nutritional value make it an ideal protein source for pre-starter feed for young birds and in fishmeal applications.

Market Analysis of Germany Soy Protein Market: Chart for Form
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Textured/Hydrolyzed Segment in Germany Soy Protein Market

The textured soy protein/hydrolyzed segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the German soy protein market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 4% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing applications in the food and beverage segment, particularly in meat alternative products. Textured soy protein typically comes in various sizes, colors, and shapes as dice, chunks, or crumbles, making it versatile for different applications. The segment's growth is further supported by new technologies being developed to remove undesirable soy colors and flavors, leading to the production of soy products with improved organoleptic properties even at high usage levels. The hydrolyzed soy protein form is gaining particular traction in the pet food industry, especially in canned dog foods, due to its amino acid profile and digestibility properties comparable to beef proteins in the canine intestine.

Remaining Segments in Form Segmentation

The isolated soy protein segment represents a significant portion of the German soy protein market, offering the highest protein content among all forms at 90%. This segment finds extensive applications in meat/poultry/seafood and meat alternative products, as well as in the dairy and dairy alternative products sub-segment. The isolates' superior functionality in terms of emulsification, binding, and stabilization properties makes them particularly valuable in these applications. Their high protein concentration and improved texturization properties make them essential in the development of plant-based meat products and protein-fortified beverages, contributing to the overall market growth. The use of isolated soy protein in these applications underscores its importance in the soy protein ingredients landscape.

Segment Analysis: End User

Animal Feed Segment in Germany Soy Protein Market

The animal feed segment dominates the German soy protein market, commanding approximately 52% of the market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the extensive applications of soy proteins in the animal feed industry, particularly in pig feed and livestock nutrition. Soy protein powder has emerged as a highly sought-after ingredient in the animal feed sector due to its numerous advantages over traditional protein sources like milk substitutes and fishmeal. These benefits include superior protein digestibility, an optimal amino acid profile, minimal anti-nutritional agents, and extended shelf life. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by Germany's position as the second-largest feed-producing country in the European Union, with manufacturers constantly seeking high-quality, cost-effective, and label-friendly protein ingredients for their feed formulations.

Supplements Segment in Germany Soy Protein Market

The supplements segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the German soy protein market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 8% during 2024-2029. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by the increasing consumer focus on health and sports fitness, particularly among the growing vegan and health-conscious population. The segment's expansion is supported by Germany's robust fitness industry, with over 9,492 health and fitness clubs actively operating in the country. The rising demand for plant-based protein supplements, especially in sports nutrition products, is fueling this growth as consumers increasingly seek sustainable and clean-label protein sources. The segment's growth is further amplified by the increasing adoption of soy protein in various supplement applications, including sports nutrition, medical nutrition, and specialized dietary supplements.

Remaining Segments in End User Segmentation

The food and beverages segment represents a significant portion of the German soy protein market, serving as a crucial application area for soy protein ingredients. This segment encompasses various applications including meat alternatives, dairy alternatives, bakery products, beverages, and ready-to-eat foods. The segment's growth is primarily driven by the increasing consumer preference for plant-based food products and the rising demand for clean-label ingredients. The versatility of soy protein in food applications, combined with its functional properties such as emulsification, stabilization, and texture enhancement, makes it an essential ingredient in various food and beverage formulations. The segment particularly benefits from the growing trend of plant-based meat alternatives and dairy-free products in the German market.

Competitive Landscape

Top Companies in Germany Soy Protein Market

The competitive landscape is characterized by continuous product innovation, particularly in specialized formulations for meat alternatives, sports nutrition, and animal feed applications. Companies are focusing on developing clean-label, non-GMO, and organic soy protein variants to meet evolving consumer preferences. Operational agility is demonstrated through investments in advanced production technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices, with several players implementing eco-friendly processing methods. Strategic moves predominantly involve expanding production capacities, establishing regional innovation centers, and strengthening distribution networks across Germany. Market leaders are actively pursuing vertical integration strategies, controlling the entire value chain from sourcing to distribution, while also investing in research and development to enhance soy protein ingredients functionality and application scope.

Global Players Dominate Fragmented Market Structure

The German soy protein market exhibits a fragmented structure with a mix of global conglomerates and specialized manufacturers. International players like International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Company, and Kerry Group PLC leverage their extensive research capabilities, global sourcing networks, and established distribution channels to maintain market leadership. These companies benefit from economies of scale and possess diverse product portfolios spanning multiple plant protein categories, allowing them to serve various end-user segments effectively. Their strong financial positions enable continuous investment in product development and market expansion, while their established relationships with key customers provide competitive advantages in securing long-term contracts.

The market is witnessing increased merger and acquisition activity as companies seek to expand their geographical presence and enhance their technological capabilities. Global players are acquiring local specialists to gain access to specific market segments and regional distribution networks. Simultaneously, companies are forming strategic partnerships with research institutions and technology providers to develop innovative solutions and improve production efficiency. The trend towards consolidation is driven by the need to achieve operational synergies, expand product portfolios, and strengthen market positions in specific application segments.

Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Success

For incumbent players to maintain and expand their market share, focusing on product differentiation through innovative formulations and enhanced functionality is crucial. Companies need to invest in sustainable sourcing practices and transparent supply chains to meet growing consumer demands for environmentally responsible products. Developing specialized solutions for emerging applications in plant-based foods and nutraceuticals, while maintaining cost competitiveness through operational efficiency, will be key success factors. Building strong relationships with end-users through technical support and customization capabilities, along with establishing robust quality control systems to ensure consistent product performance, will help maintain competitive advantages.

New entrants and challenger brands can gain ground by focusing on niche market segments and developing specialized products for specific applications. Success will depend on building efficient distribution networks, establishing strong relationships with key customers, and investing in research and development to create innovative solutions. Companies must also prepare for potential regulatory changes regarding protein content claims and labeling requirements, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving market conditions. Developing sustainable production processes and obtaining relevant certifications will be essential for long-term success, as will the ability to respond quickly to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. The introduction of soy protein supplements and soy protein extract can provide additional opportunities for growth within the plant protein sector.

Germany Soy Protein Industry Leaders

  1. Archer Daniels Midland Company

  2. CHS Inc.

  3. International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

  4. Kerry Group PLC

  5. Wilmar International Ltd

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Germany Soy Protein Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • March 2021: Fuji Oil Group appointed Mikio Sakai as the new president and CEO. Mikio Sakai is engaged in developing Plant-based Food Solutions as a core concept to grow a third business pillar, along with the Oil and Fat and Chocolate businesses. Plant-based Food Solutions include soy meat and soybeans, which are used as raw materials for plant-based protein.
  • July 2020: DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (DuPont), a subsidiary of IFF, offers the industry's broadest assortment of ingredients for plant-based product development with the new Danisco Planit range. Danisco Planit is a global launch that includes services, expertise, and an unparalleled ingredient portfolio for plant-based food and beverages, including plant proteins, hydrocolloids, cultures, probiotics, fibers, food protection, antioxidants, natural extracts, emulsifiers, and enzymes, as well as tailor-made systems.
  • July 2019: Fuji Oil Holdings Inc. established a new subsidiary named Fuji Brandenburg GmbH in Germany as part of its aim to provide high-value, function-enhancing food ingredients to the global food industry. Fuji Brandenburg GmbH is currently involved in the production of soy-based ingredients in all of Europe.

Table of Contents for Germany Soy Protein Industry Report

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS

2. INTRODUCTION

  • 2.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 2.2 Scope of the Study​
  • 2.3 Research Methodology

3. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 3.1 End User Market Volume
    • 3.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula
    • 3.1.2 Bakery
    • 3.1.3 Beverages
    • 3.1.4 Breakfast Cereals
    • 3.1.5 Condiments/Sauces
    • 3.1.6 Confectionery
    • 3.1.7 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
    • 3.1.8 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
    • 3.1.9 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
    • 3.1.10 RTE/RTC Food Products
    • 3.1.11 Snacks
    • 3.1.12 Sport/Performance Nutrition
    • 3.1.13 Animal Feed
    • 3.1.14 Personal Care and Cosmetics
  • 3.2 Protein Consumption Trends
    • 3.2.1 Plant
  • 3.3 Production Trends
    • 3.3.1 Plant
  • 3.4 Regulatory Framework
    • 3.4.1 Germany
  • 3.5 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis

4. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

  • 4.1 Form
    • 4.1.1 Concentrates
    • 4.1.2 Isolates
    • 4.1.3 Textured/Hydrolyzed
  • 4.2 End User
    • 4.2.1 Animal Feed
    • 4.2.2 Food and Beverages
    • 4.2.2.1 By Sub End User
    • 4.2.2.1.1 Bakery
    • 4.2.2.1.2 Beverages
    • 4.2.2.1.3 Breakfast Cereals
    • 4.2.2.1.4 Condiments/Sauces
    • 4.2.2.1.5 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
    • 4.2.2.1.6 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
    • 4.2.2.1.7 RTE/RTC Food Products
    • 4.2.2.1.8 Snacks
    • 4.2.3 Supplements
    • 4.2.3.1 By Sub End User
    • 4.2.3.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula
    • 4.2.3.1.2 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
    • 4.2.3.1.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition

5. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 5.1 Key Strategic Moves
  • 5.2 Market Share Analysis
  • 5.3 Company Landscape
  • 5.4 Company Profiles (includes Global Level Overview, Market Level Overview, Core Business Segments, Financials, Headcount, Key Information, Market Rank, Market Share, Products and Services, and Analysis of Recent Developments).
    • 5.4.1 A. Costantino & C. SpA
    • 5.4.2 Archer Daniels Midland Company
    • 5.4.3 Brenntag SE
    • 5.4.4 CHS Inc.
    • 5.4.5 Foodchem International Corporation
    • 5.4.6 Fuji Oil Group
    • 5.4.7 International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    • 5.4.8 Kerry Group PLC
    • 5.4.9 The Scoular Company
    • 5.4.10 Wilmar International Ltd

6. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR PROTEIN INGREDIENTS INDUSTRY CEOS

7. APPENDIX

  • 7.1 Global Overview
    • 7.1.1 Overview
    • 7.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework
    • 7.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
    • 7.1.4 Market Dynamics (DROs)
  • 7.2 Sources & References
  • 7.3 List of Tables & Figures
  • 7.4 Primary Insights
  • 7.5 Data Pack
  • 7.6 Glossary of Terms
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Germany Soy Protein Market Report Scope

Concentrates, Isolates, Textured/Hydrolyzed are covered as segments by Form. Animal Feed, Food and Beverages, Supplements are covered as segments by End User.
Form
Concentrates
Isolates
Textured/Hydrolyzed
End User
Animal Feed
Food and Beverages By Sub End User Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
Supplements By Sub End User Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
Form Concentrates
Isolates
Textured/Hydrolyzed
End User Animal Feed
Food and Beverages By Sub End User Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
Supplements By Sub End User Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
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Market Definition

  • End User - The Protein Ingredients Market operates on a B2B basis. Food, Beverages, Supplements, Animal Feed, and Personal Care & Cosmetic manufacturers are considered to be end-consumers in the market studied. The scope excludes manufacturers buying liquid/dry whey to be used for application as a binding agent or thickener or other non-protein applications.
  • Penetration Rate - Penetration Rate is defined as the percentage of Protein-Fortified End User Market Volume in the Overall End User Market Volume.
  • Average Protein Content - Average protein content is the average protein content present per 100 g of product manufactured by all end-user companies considered under the scope of this report.
  • End User Market Volume - End-user market volume is the consolidated volume of all types and forms of end-user products in the country or region.
Keyword Definition
Alpha-lactalbumin (α-Lactalbumin) It is a protein that regulates the production of lactose in the milk of almost all mammalian species.
Amino acid It is an organic compound that contains both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups, which are required for the synthesis of body protein and other important nitrogen-containing compounds, such as creatine, peptide hormones, and some neurotransmitters.
Blanching It is the process of briefly heating vegetables with steam or boiling water.
BRC British Retail Consortium
Bread improver It is a flour-based blend of several components with specific functional properties designed to modify dough characteristics and give quality attributes to bread.
BSF Black Soldier Fly
Caseinate It is a substance produced by adding an alkali to acid casein, a derivative of casein.
Celiac disease Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Colostrum It is a milky fluid that’s released by mammals that have recently given birth before breast milk production begins.
Concentrate It is the least processed form of protein and has a protein content ranging from 40-90% by weight.
Dry protein basis It refers to the percentage of "pure protein" present in a supplement after the water in it is completely removed through heat.
Dry whey It is the product resulting from drying fresh whey which has been pasteurized and to which nothing has been added as a preservative.
Egg protein It is a mixture of individual proteins, including ovalbumin, ovomucoid, ovoglobulin, conalbumin, vitellin, and vitellenin.
Emulsifier It is a food additive that facilitates the blending of foods that are immiscible with one another, such as oil and water.
Enrichment It is the process of addition of micronutrients that are lost during the processing of the product.
ERS Economic Research Service of the USDA
Extrusion It is the process of forcing soft mixed ingredients through an opening in a perforated plate or die designed to produce the required shape. The extruded food is then cut to a specific size by blades.
Fava Also known as Faba, it is another word for yellow split beans.
FDA Food and Drug Administration
Flaking It is a process in which typically a cereal grain (like corn, wheat, or rice) is broken down into grits, cooked with flavors and syrups, and then pressed into flakes between cooled rollers.
Foaming agent It is a food ingredient that makes it possible to form or maintain a uniform dispersion of a gaseous phase in a liquid or solid food.
Foodservice It refers to the part of the food industry which includes businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
Fortification It is the deliberate addition of micronutrients that are not found in them naturally or which are lost during processing, to improve a food product's nutritional value.
FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand
FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Gelling agent It is an ingredient that functions as a stabilizer and thickener to provide thickening without stiffness through the formation of gel.
GHG Greenhouse Gas
Gluten It is a family of proteins found in grains, including wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.
Hemp It is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use.
Hydrolysate It is a form of protein manufactured by exposing the protein to enzymes that can partially break the bonds between the protein's amino acids and break down large, complicated proteins into smaller pieces. Its processing makes it easier and quicker to digest.
Hypoallergenic It refers to a substance that causes fewer allergic reactions.
Isolate It is the purest and most processed form of protein which has undergone separation to obtain a pure protein fraction. It typically contains ≥ 90% of protein by weight.
Keratin It is a protein that helps form hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.
Lactalbumin It is the albumin contained in milk and obtained from whey.
Lactoferrin It is an iron‑binding glycoprotein that is present in the milk of most mammals.
Lupin It is the yellow legume seeds of the genus Lupinus.
Millenial Also known as Generation Y or Gen Y, it refers to the people born from 1981 to 1996.
Monogastric It refers to an animal with a single-compartmented stomach. Examples of monogastric include humans, poultry, pigs, horses, rabbits, dogs, and cats. Most monogastric are generally unable to digest much cellulose food materials such as grasses.
MPC Milk protein concentrate
MPI Milk protein isolate
MSPI Methylated soy protein isolate
Mycoprotein Mycoprotein is a form of single-cell protein, also known as fungal protein, derived from fungi for human consumption.
Nutricosmetics It is a category of products and ingredients that act as nutritional supplements to care for skin, nails, and hair natural beauty.
Osteoporosis It is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.
PDCAAS Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) is a method of evaluating the quality of a protein based on both the amino acid requirements of humans and their ability to digest it.
Per-capita consumption of animal protein It is the average amount of animal protein (such as milk, whey, gelatin, collagen, and egg proteins) that is readily available for consumption by each person in an actual population.
Per-capita consumption of plant protein It is the average amount of plant protein (such as soy, wheat, pea, oat, and hemp proteins) that is readily available for consumption by each person in an actual population.
Quorn It is a microbial protein manufactured using mycoprotein as an ingredient, in which the fungus culture is dried and mixed with egg albumen or potato protein, which acts as a binder, and then is adjusted in texture and pressed into various forms.
Ready-to-Cook (RTC) It refers to food products that include all of the ingredients, where some preparation or cooking is required through a process that is given on the package.
Ready-to-Eat (RTE) It refers to a food product prepared or cooked in advance, with no further cooking or preparation required before being eaten.
RTD Ready-to-Drink
RTS Ready-to-Serve
Saturated fat It is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single bonds. It is generally considered unhealthy.
Sausage It is a meat product made of finely chopped and seasoned meat, which may be fresh, smoked, or pickled and which is then usually stuffed into a casing.
Seitan It is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten.
Softgel It is a gelatin-based capsule with a liquid fill.
SPC Soy protein concentrate
SPI Soy protein isolate
Spirulina It is a biomass of cyanobacteria that can be consumed by humans and animals.
Stabilizer It is an ingredient added to food products to help maintain or enhance their original texture, and physical and chemical characteristics.
Supplementation It is the consumption or provision of concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances that are intended to supplement nutrients in the diet and is intended to correct nutritional deficiencies.
Texturant It is a specific type of food ingredient that is used to control and alter the mouthfeel and texture of food and beverage products.
Thickener It is an ingredient that is used to increase the viscosity of a liquid or dough and make it thicker, without substantially changing its other properties.
Trans fat Also called trans-unsaturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids, it is a type of unsaturated fat that naturally occurs in small amounts in meat.
TSP Textured soy protein
TVP Textured vegetable protein
WPC Whey protein concentrate
WPI Whey protein isolate
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: The quantifiable key variables (industry and extraneous) pertaining to the specific product segment and country are selected from a group of relevant variables & factors based on desk research & literature review; along with primary expert inputs. These variables are further confirmed through regression modeling (wherever required).
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
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