Growth in Germany’s Plant-Based Food Market Continues

Aldi Süd is just one of several retailers that have significantly expanded their vegan product range in recent times

The study highlights that stricter regulations and ambitious sustainability goals set by leading retailers are key drivers of future growth, Lebensmittelpraxis reports. These factors are expected to accelerate both the development and consumer acceptance of vegan and hybrid protein products. Major German food companies such as Südzucker, Pfeifer & Langen, and Tönnies, along with retailers like Rewe and Lidl, have expanded their activities in the plant-based segment.

ybrid products—combinations of meat and plant-based proteins—are emerging as a key category. One example is Aldi Nord’s new hybrid burger patty, made of 70% meat and 30% plant-based ingredients.

“Long-term consumption trends, especially among younger generations, combined with tighter regulations and retailers’ ESG ambitions, are shifting the German food market away from animal-based products toward plant-based solutions,” said Anselm Elles, Managing Director of AFC Consulting Group.

The study was conducted by the Dutch Embassy in Berlin, the PIB cluster, and AFC Management Consulting, and was presented at Anuga in Cologne.