US Europe Nuts Seeds Cheese Market Share Analysis
The growing trend of adopting a healthier lifestyle is gaining momentum among consumers, driven by increasing concerns about the negative impacts of unhealthy habits on overall well-being. Lifestyle-related issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases have prompted individuals to reconsider their dietary choices. Many are recognizing the benefits of transitioning from animal-based diets to plant-based alternatives for improved health outcomes. Moreover, there is a heightened awareness among consumers about the environmental and ethical implications of their choices, leading to a surge in plant-based diets like veganism.
The shift towards veganism is propelled by concerns for animal welfare, environmental preservation, general health considerations, and evolving taste preferences. This lifestyle choice is no longer a niche but has become mainstream, with proven health advantages, including better heart health, improved diabetes management, and lower obesity rates. Obesity, a widespread health issue, is closely linked to increased cardiovascular diseases, with approximately 610,000 people in the US succumbing to heart disease annually.
Germany and the UK are witnessing a notable rise in veganism, with 1.3 million adopting a vegan diet in Germany, according to ProVeg. The growing inclination towards vegan diets is poised to impact the conventional or dairy-based cheese market, reducing its consumption in the foreseeable future.
Simultaneously, the consumption of nuts has seen a considerable uptick in the US and Europe, attributed to their numerous health benefits. Nuts, particularly almonds and cashews, have gained prominence in the cheese production process. Almonds, in particular, are favored by manufacturers due to their high unsaturated fat content, known to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, as endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA). Additionally, almonds contribute to elevated vitamin E levels in the blood and reduce the risk of cancer.
The integration of nuts, especially almonds and cashews, into the cheese production process aligns with the growing consumer preference for healthier alternatives. As the demand for plant-based diets, including nuts and seeds cheese, continues to rise, the US and Europe are expected to witness significant growth in this market segment. The intersection of health-conscious choices, environmental considerations, and evolving dietary preferences underscores a transformative shift towards plant-based alternatives in the cheese market.