Plant-Based Protein Processing Equipment Market Size - By Type, By Production Capacity, By Protein Type, By Application, By Distribution Channel, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Plant-Based Protein Processing Equipment Market Size

The global plant-based protein processing equipment market size was valued at USD 1.13 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 1.80 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2034. The recent trends related to health, diet, and plant-based foods are increasing the global demand for plant-based food, which is in turn, driving the growth of plant-based protein processing equipment industry. Therefore, food manufacturers are investing in advanced technologies to derive functional plant proteins from soybeans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas.
 

For instance, in February 2024, Roquette launched four multi-functional pea proteins designed to improve taste, texture and creativity in plant-based food and high-protein nutritional products. The four pea protein ingredients include NUTRALYS Pea F853M (isolate), NUTRALYS H85 (hydrolysate), NUTRALYS T Pea 700FL (textured) and NUTRALYS T Pea 700M (textured). These products offer refined textures and high protein content for end products, such as nutritional bars, protein drinks, plant-based meat and dairy alternatives.
 

In October 2024, Ingredion Inc, a global producer of ingredient solutions, launched VITESSENCE Pea 200 D, a pea protein isolate. This product was developed to help manufacturers overcome barriers in the nutritional beverage market. The increased investment in development of plant-based protein to cater to diversified consumer demands, has led to the adoption of advanced processing equipment including high moisture extrusion systems, membrane filtration units, blenders, dryers, and automated handling systems to improve efficiency, consistency, and innovation.
 

One of the key challenges in the plant-based protein processing equipment market is the high investment required for setting commercial-scale manufacturing facilities. The processing of plant-based proteins, including soy, pea, and rice proteins, involves advanced technologies such as extrusion, fermentation, drying, and texturization. These processes require specialized equipment which can be expensive, due to the high precision, strength, and the ability to handle diverse raw materials.
 

Many equipment systems incur extra costs due to compliance with applicable food safety and hygiene standards. For small startups and small-to-medium enterprises, the capital required for purchasing and installation of equipment can pose significant entry barriers. Technological advancements and continual upgradation of facilities to meet evolving consumer demand can lead to increasing investments by companies. These rising investments can further boost the challenge, especially in the emerging markets with limited government support.
 

Plant-Based Protein Processing Equipment Market Trends

• The market is experiencing steady growth due to emerging market players and rising investments focusing on alternative proteins in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. Novel technologies used to isolate, texturize, and flavor plant proteins make them more acceptable to consumers, thus expanding the range of applications for these proteins in meat and dairy alternatives, protein-enriched ready to drink beverages, and snack bars. The integration of automated systems and smart controls to processing lines also enhances production flexibility, scalability, and overall efficiency.
   
• Newly developed technologies such as high moisture extrusion, precision fermentation, and modular processing systems improve the taste, texture, and nutrition value of plant-based products. In August 2024, Equinom launched AI-powered solution, Manna, for the plant-based protein industry. The developed equipment predicts the settings and enhances the processing efficiency of machines by analyzing the biochemical parameters of grains.
   

Plant-Based Protein Processing Equipment Market Analysis

Based on type, the plant-based protein processing equipment industry is segmented into decanter and centrifuges, grinders and crushers, dryers, extruders, filtration systems, packaging systems, and others. The extruders held the major market share in 2024, generating a revenue of USD 290 million.
 

• The extruder segment held the largest share in the plant-based protein processing equipment industry, due to its crucial role in processing meat analogs and textured vegetable proteins. Soy, pea, and wheat proteins undergo the extrusion process and are used extensively in the production of plant-based foods, which mimic the sensory qualities of animal meat.
   
• Extruders are used in production of diverse ranges of products such as meat substitutes, snacks and other plant-based foods. These machines offer versatility and efficiency, along with the ability to handle high-moisture and low-moisture extrusion, making them ideal for both dry and high-moisture meat analogs. The growing popularity of plant-based meat analogs is driving the segment growth. As per the Good Food Institute, the sales of plant-based meat and seafood were USD 1.2 billion in 2024, in the U.S. The plant-based protein liquids and powders and baked goods and other desserts also witness a double-digit increase in revenue and volume sales.
   

Based on production capacity, the market is segmented into small and medium scale, and large scale. The large scale segment dominated around 57.6% share of the i plant-based protein processing equipment market in 2024.
 

• The growth of large-scale segment can be attributed to the growing demand for plant-based protein along with the requirement for high-volume and efficient production. The rising demand for plant-based protein and food products has encouraged the manufacturers to invest in large-scale processing facilities, equipped to meet the demand from major food manufacturers, retailers, and global brands.
   
• Manufacturers generally invest in advanced, automated equipment such as high-capacity extruders, homogenizers, dryers, and separators, to improve productivity, ensure uniform product quality, and reduce labor dependency. This allows manufacturers to benefit from economies of scale, and comply with stringent food safety and regulatory standards, making them preferred partners for large distributors and international markets.
   

Asia Pacific plant-based protein processing equipment market, generating a revenue of USD 430 million, accounting for 38% revenue share in 2024.
 

• Asia Pacific contributes significantly to the plant-based protein processing equipment industry, driven by raw material availability and rapid industrialization. There is established cultural acceptance and a dietary preference of plant-based proteins such as soy products, tofu and tempeh, which drive the plant-based protein demand. The consumer preference and demand further support the development of modern and traditional plant-based food sectors.
   
• China, India, and Indonesia have relatively high population, increasingly concerned about health, sustainability and food security, thus fueling the consumption of plant-based food. The government promotion and funding schemes boost food product development and alternative proteins production, further driving the market growth.
   
• Asia Pacific is also the leading producer of protein sources such as soy, wheat and rice, which lowers the costs of raw material procurement and increases the efficiency of processing. Moreover, with rapid urbanization and an increase in disposable incomes, there is a growing demand for specialized food processing technologies and equipment.
   

Plant-Based Protein Processing Equipment Market Shares

The top companies in the plant-based protein processing equipment industry include Bühler Group, GEA Group, Hosokawa Micron B.V and Coperion GmbH, and they collectively hold a share of 25-30% in the market. These prominent players are proactively involved in strategic endeavors, such as mergers & acquisitions, facility expansions & collaborations, to expand their product portfolios, extend their reach to a broader customer base, and strengthen their market position.
 

Alfa Laval specializes in separation, fluid handling and heat transfer technologies. In the plant-based protein industry, Alfa Laval offers complete solutions for protein extraction, purification, and by-product recovery. Their systems address scalability, hygiene, and sustainability for both producers and large-scale companies. The company also provides custom energy-efficient processing systems that support the value chain from the raw material to the finished product.
 

GEA Group is a supplier of advanced processing and packaging systems for the food industry. GEA offers a complete technology offering in the plant-based protein sector including protein extraction, mixing, forming, coating, cooking, cooling, and packaging. GEA works collaboratively with companies to manufacture novel meat analogue and processing solutions.
 

Plant-Based Protein Processing Equipment Market Companies

Major players operating in the plant-based protein processing equipment industry are:

• Alfa Laval
• ANDRITZ AG
• Bepex International LLC
• Bühler Group
• Clextral SAS
• Coperion GmbH
• Equinom
• Flottweg SE
• GEA Group
• Glatt Group
• Hosokawa Micron B.V
• Koch Separation Solutions
• Lyco Manufacturing
• Netzsch-Feinmahltechnik GmbH
• SPX FLOW Inc
   

Plant-Based Protein Processing Equipment Industry News

• In August 2024, Equinom launched AI-powered solution, Manna for the plant-based protein industry. The newly developed equipment offers improved processing efficiency and financial benefits, reported potential savings of between USD 300,000 and USD 500,000 for every 10,000 metric tons of grains processed annually.
   
• In April 2024, Givaudan, MISTA, and Bühler launched a new extrusion hub at the MISTA Innovation Center, for plant-based products in U.S. The hub features a 30mm twin-screw Bühler extruder capable of high and low-moisture extrusion, making it suitable for various products, including plant-based meats, cereals, and snacks.
   

The plant-based protein processing equipment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Decanter and centrifuges
• Grinders and crushers
• Dryers
• Extruders
• Filtration systems
• Packaging systems
• Others

Market, By Production Capacity

• Small and medium scale
• Large scale

Market, By Protein Type

• Soy protein
• Pea protein
• Wheat protein
• Chickpea protein
• Others 

Market, By Application

• Powder
• Isolates
• Concentrates
• Texturized products

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct sales
• Indirect sales

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE