Plant-based Food Processing Equipment

Global Plant-based Food Processing Equipment Market to Reach US$7.1 Billion by 2030

The global market for Plant-based Food Processing Equipment estimated at US$5.6 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$7.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Dryers, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 5.2% CAGR and reach US$2.0 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Mixers & Grinders segment is estimated at 4.6% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$1.5 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 7.7% CAGR

The Plant-based Food Processing Equipment market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.5 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$1.5 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 7.7% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.6% and 3.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.4% CAGR.

Global Plant-Based Food Processing Equipment Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Specialized Equipment Crucial for Plant-Based Food Production?

Plant-based food processing equipment refers to machinery used for manufacturing meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and plant-derived ready meals. These systems are designed to handle plant proteins, starches, oils, and fibers in ways that replicate the texture, structure, and functionality of animal-based products. As demand for plant-based food rises across retail and foodservice channels, manufacturers are investing in dedicated lines to maintain consistency, hygiene, and scalability.

Unlike traditional food processing lines, plant-based systems require different thermal, mechanical, and mixing properties to work with legumes, grains, nuts, and seed-based inputs. High-moisture extrusion, shearing technology, and emulsion handling are commonly used to create fibrous textures in meat analogs or smooth consistencies in non-dairy creams and cheeses. Equipment must also support allergen separation and meet clean-label processing requirements.

How Are Processing Technologies Evolving Across Product Categories?

Extrusion cooking remains central to meat analog production, offering flexible texture and shaping capabilities. Twin-screw extruders, steam cookers, and cooling formers are widely used in structured protein formats. For plant-based dairy alternatives, high-pressure homogenizers, fermentation tanks, and precision pasteurizers ensure stability, shelf life, and flavor retention. Spray dryers and freeze-drying systems are used for producing plant protein concentrates and flavor powders.

Smart automation, programmable control systems, and modular line design are becoming standard in plant-based food facilities. These allow for ingredient traceability, recipe adjustments, and faster switchover between formulations. Equipment suppliers are offering integrated solutions that combine mixing, heating, cooling, and portioning within compact footprints. Sustainable water use and energy efficiency are also growing priorities in system design.

Where Is Equipment Demand Growing and Which Segments Are Investing Heavily?

Large-scale food processors are upgrading facilities to accommodate separate lines for plant-based products. Startups and contract manufacturers are also purchasing modular systems to produce niche or small-batch plant-based items. Equipment tailored for vegan sausage, dairy-free spreads, and soy-free meat substitutes is seeing strong demand in North America and Europe, where regulatory and consumer pressures favor clean manufacturing.

Asia-Pacific is experiencing growing investment as regional demand for plant-forward diets increases, particularly in urban areas. Equipment demand is highest in segments like burger patties, non-dairy beverages, vegan bakery, and ready-to-eat plant-based meals. Foodservice chains are also encouraging co-packers to adopt plant-based processing capacity to meet evolving menu needs.

Growth in the Plant-Based Food Processing Equipment market is driven by several factors…

Growth in the plant-based food processing equipment market is driven by the rising global production of vegan and vegetarian foods, growing complexity in meat and dairy alternative formulations, and expansion of dedicated processing lines by food manufacturers. Increased use of high-moisture extrusion, cold pressing, and precision fermentation is shaping equipment design.

Adoption of digital controls, clean-in-place (CIP) systems, and allergen management solutions is supporting regulatory compliance and production efficiency. Demand for multi-functional, small-footprint equipment by plant-based startups, combined with high-capacity systems for industrial players, is contributing to growth. As consumers seek diversity and authenticity in plant-based options, manufacturers are scaling output with purpose-built, flexible machinery.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Plant-based Food Processing Equipment market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Equipment (Dryers, Mixers & Grinders, Pasteurizers, Homogenizers, Ovens, Other Equipment Types); Operation Mode (Semi-Automatic Mode, Automatic Mode); Production Facility (Small & Medium Scale Production Facilities, Large Scale Production Facilities)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 42 Featured) -

• Alfa Laval
• Andritz Group
• Anko Food Machine Co., Ltd.
• Bühler Group
• Clextral
• FENCO Food Machinery
• FENIX Process Technologies
• Flavourtech Pty Ltd
• FrymaKoruma GmbH
• GEA Group AG
• Goudsmit Magnetics
• Heat and Control, Inc.
• Hosokawa Micron Group
• JBT Corporation
• Marel hf
• ProForm Fabrication LLC
• SPX FLOW, Inc.
• Tetra Pak
• VEMAG Maschinenbau GmbH
• Wenger Manufacturing, LLC

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