A small but fast-growing market for 'fake' meat in China - Shaun Rein

Shaun Rein

Plant-based meat is trying to make inroads into the culinary habits of China consumers. Business analyst Shaun Rein sees a fast-growing market, but starting from a pretty low base, he explains to the BBC, based on recent research from his consulting company.

BBC:

Shaun Rein, managing director of the China Market Research Group in Shanghai, says the market is still small but there is potential, given the open-minded nature of Chinese cookery and a willingness of shoppers to experiment. 

"Chinese consumers are indeed always looking for alternative sources of protein. We think the market for plant-based meat is about $910m (£730m) and will grow about 20-25% annually. There's a lot of excitement about these 'fake' meats, but the market is fairly small."

But price is a big driver when it comes to long-term change, he adds. "When we interviewed blue-collar workers one of their main concerns was the price. The big winner could be 'fake' meat, or it could be seafood."

More on the BBC.

Shaun Rein is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your (online) meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers' request form. 

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Fake-meat products might not take off in China - Shaun Rein

Shaun Rein

Fake-meat products might find traction in much of the world, but because veggies are so popular in China, replacing meat might not work in marketing, says business analyst Shaun Rein in WeAreResonate.com. Becoming a vegetarian is not an issue for most Chinese consumers, he says.

WeAreResonate:

Shaun Rein from China Market Research Group also emphasised the demand for “non-meat” products, not “fake meat” products. 

“The demand for healthier, non-meat proteins is not as high in China as in the US because Chinese already eat more vegetables as part of their daily diet than Americans and Europeans,” Rein said. |It’s relatively rare for Chinese to say they are vegetarians.”

More at WeAreResonate.

Shaun Rein is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your (virtual) meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers' request form.

Are you looking for more consumer experts at the China Speakers Bureau? Do check out this list.