Unlocking The Full Potential of New Protein in China

The new protein industry in China is exploding with activity as big traditional food players, start-up disruptors, F&B and retail, and investors enter the fray to develop the next generation of products.

In China however – a market shaped by fast-changing consumer preferences and entrenched consumer misunderstanding about what new protein is – the old saying “if you build it, they will come” does not apply.

If the industry wants to unlock the full potential of new protein in China, a number of critical unanswered questions must be addressed, including:

  • What do Chinese consumers think about plant-based meat?
  • Who are the key consumer groups for new protein products?
  • Do consumers know protein is important? Do they care?
  • How is the Chinese diet changing and what is the role of protein in its future?
  • What should the industry focus on in the near future to drive growth?

To seek insightful answers and help all industry players supercharge their growth in China, The New Protein Industry Alliance, in partnership with RTG Consulting, have conducted a deep consumer research project: “Unlocking The Full Potential of New Protein in China”. The report drills deeper into Chinese consumer mindsets towards new protein, examines how this impacts their consumption behaviour, and finally turns insight into actionable opportunities for the industry.

CONSUMER DISCONNECT

Although 40% of Chinese consumers have heard of plant-based meat, far fewer – only 5% – have tried the product yet. Similarly, although 35% have heard of plant-based dairy, only 11.6% have tried it.

If the industry wants to unlock its full potential in China, we have to start by first understanding the consumer more clearly and identifying key strategies to bridge the disconnect.

PROTEIN & THE CHINESE DIET INSIGHT #001

95%

FEEL PROTEIN IS IMPORTANT FOR THEIR HEALTH + NUTRITION

95%的中国消费者认为蛋白质是他们饮食的重要组成部分,超过50%的人认为它非常重要。消费者还将蛋白质与他们的健康密切相关,97%的消费者表示蛋白质对他们的健康很重要或非常重要。

这种对蛋白质的强烈依恋延伸到所有年龄组和地区,突显了蛋白质作为全国餐桌重要组成部分的长期文化和情感重要性

18-30s are slightly more aware of the importance of protein than older consumers, perhaps pointing to a generational difference in education about diet and nutrition.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTEIN


Q : Is protein an important part of your diet ?

circle 1
circle 2

Share to:

Sign Up

for the latest news

Included in the report :

Prologue : A snapshot of the new protein landscape in China and its growth trajectory.

Protein and the Chinese diet : How and why the role of protein is changing in the Chinese diet.

A deep-dive into plant-based meat : An analysis of how consumers think about plant-based meat and areas of opportunity for the industry.

A deep-dive into plant-based dairy : An analysis of how consumers think about plant-based dairy and two case studies in finding growth.

Gearing up for success : Key research findings and expert opinions distilled into five strategic drivers to unlock the full potential of new protein in China.

FOR MEMBERS ONLY