Valpro Path’s Agricolus Offers Fresh Insights into the Protein Market

As Europe moves swiftly toward sustainable food systems, understanding protein crop markets is crucial for farmers, policymakers, and industry innovators. In line with this goal, VALPRO Path project partner Agricolus has released a comprehensive market report offering fresh insights into the global, European, and Italian protein crop sectors. With plant-based demand rising and sustainability central to EU food strategies, this report provides timely guidance to stakeholders aiming to build resilient plant-protein value chains across the continent.

The World is Hungry for Protein Crops

Driven by growing environmental concerns, health-conscious eating, and the need to feed a rising global population sustainably, the global protein crop cultivation market is expanding rapidly. Key takeaways include:

• The plant-based protein market was valued at USD 16.9 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 6.55%, expected to hit USD 29.9 billion by 2033.
• The functional protein market reached USD 6.53 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to grow at a 5.3% CAGR through 2030.
• Asia-Pacific leads with 35.45% of the global functional protein market share in 2023, driven by growing demand for protein-rich diets.
• Alternative proteins (including insect protein and cultured meat) are expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2%, reaching USD 27.05 billion by 2027.
• Pea protein, particularly from yellow peas, is gaining attention thanks to low water needs, drought resistance, and reduced fertilizer requirements.

From Cereals to Pulses: Europe is Changing Crop Priorities 

Protein crop production in Europe is expected to climb to 34.9 million tonnes by 2035, with pulse production alone projected to grow by 9.9%, reaching 4.9 million tonnes. Also very interesting is that land use is shifting from cereals/rapeseed to soybeans and pulses, driven by lower demand for cereals in feed/biofuel and a stronger preference for plant proteins.

Despite supplying around 64 million tonnes of crude protein, the EU still relies on imports to meet total demand, especially in the case of oilseed meals and dry pulses. However, policy-driven momentum is pushing the continent toward greater self-reliance and diversified protein sources.

Spotlight on Italy: Tradition Meets Innovation

Italy is blending tradition with innovation in the evolving landscape of protein crop production. With a strong agricultural heritage and increasing focus on plant-based, sustainable food systems, the country is positioning itself as both a leader and a reformer in this sector.

Regional Focus and Crop Highlights

Italy’s protein crop cultivation spans the north and south, leveraging traditional farming knowledge while adapting to local climates and sustainability goals.

• Soybeans:
  With the contribution of approximately 45% of the European Union’s total soybean production, Italy is one of the largest producers of this plant in Europe. Cultivation areas show a geographical divide: It is primarily concentrated in the northern regions, where the climate and soil conditions are favourable.
• Peas:
  Pea cultivation in Italy is rising, with production increasing from 251,175 quintals in 2023 to 310,693 quintals in 2024. In 2024, green pea production reached 40.55 thousand metric tons, while the dry pea market rose to USD 106 million in 2023 (a 14% increase over 2022). Despite a slight yield contraction for green peas and a decrease in dry pea production in 2024, both yield and harvested areas expanded, showing overall positive cultivation momentum.
• Chickpeas and Lentils:
  These traditional legumes are staples in central and southern Italian agriculture, aligning with both heritage and sustainability goals.
• Fava Beans:
  Widely cultivated across the country, fava beans play a critical role in crop rotation and soil enrichment, especially in Southern Italy. They are the subject of research initiatives aimed at improving yield efficiency and resilience, positioning them as a future-forward legume in sustainable agriculture. Culinary use is also significant: fava beans are central to many traditional dishes, both fresh and dried.
• Durum Wheat:
  While best known for pasta production, durum wheat also makes a meaningful contribution to dietary protein intake. Very interesting is that Italy is a leading global producer of durum wheat, with widespread cultivation in the southern regions.

There are predictions: In 2024, Italy’s plant protein market was valued at around USD 456 million, with projections indicating it will double by 2033. The fava bean protein market was valued at USD 23.7 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 27.6 million by 2030 (CAGR: 2.6%). Despite an expected dip in production value (-0.57% CAGR), growth in the plant protein market reflects changing consumer preferences, new dietary trends, and supportive public policies.

For a detailed breakdown of the Total Addressable Market (TAM), Serviceable Available Market (SAM), and Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM) for protein crop production, based on global and European trends from 2024 to 2030 – click below to access the full report:

Valpro Path’s Mission

Agricolus’s comprehensive report reinforces the VALPRO Path project’s mission: to transform Europe’s food landscape by building resilient, plant-based value chains that serve people, the planet, and profitability. The project focuses on creating sustainable business models and targets key crops such as soybeans, chickpeas, lentils, fava beans and peas selected for their high protein levels, adaptability to the European climate, and potential for high value.

Reports like this are essential because they provide data-driven insights and market analysis that help stakeholders make informed decisions. They identify growth opportunities, potential challenges, and emerging trends within the protein crop sector – enabling policymakers, researchers, businesses, farmers and other actors to align strategies with sustainability goals and market demands. Ultimately, these reports guide the development of resilient, profitable, and environmentally responsible agricultural value chains.