South Africa Plant-based Meat Market

South Africa Plant-based Meat Market Overview:

The South Africa plant-based meat market size reached USD 74.86 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 444.89 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 21.90% during 2025-2033. South African consumers are becoming more aware about the health advantages of vegan diets. Additionally, environmental and ethical issues are playing a major role in propelling the market growth. Besides this, the increasing availability and choice of plant-based food products is expanding the South Africa plant-based meat market share.

South Africa Plant-based Meat Market Trends:

Increasing Consumer Consciousness Regarding Health and Well-being

South African consumers are becoming more aware about the health advantages of plant-based diets and hence are propelling the movement toward plant-based meat. People are moving toward alternatives as there are health hazards concerns from the consumption of animal-based products, including high cholesterol levels and the possibility of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. The increasing health awareness is urging consumers to seek more plant-based alternatives that are lower in fat, calories, and unhealthy additives. Plant-based food items are also being seen as means to deliver essential nutrients, such as fiber and antioxidants, and overall well-being. Consequently, the demand for plant-based meat products is gradually rising in South Africa. Health-focused people are specifically looking for alternatives, and this has caused growth in the plant-based market. Social media influencers and nutritional experts are also constantly promoting healthy lifestyles by advocating plant-based diets.

Growing Environmental and Ethical Issues

Environmental and ethical issues are playing a major role in propelling the South Africa plant-based meat market growth. People are becoming aware about the environmental costs associated with rearing animals, such as high greenhouse gas emissions, water wastage, and land degradation. Increasing knowledge of climate change has led to people reducing their ecological footprint by turning to plant-based eating, hence facilitating the consumption of plant-based meat products. Individuals are also calling for ethically treated animals within the meat industry, which is part of the driving force behind the increasing demand for plant-based foods. With sustainability becoming a central point in buying decisions, manufacturers are answering by creating products that are consistent with the values of eco-conscious consumers. The transition towards sustainable food systems is building up, and South Africa is not behind, as numerous consumers willingly opt for plant-based meat as part of a wider environmental and ethical position. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) of South Africa has released updated rules concerning the labeling and formulation of plant-based meat substitute products. The rules, published in Government Gazette Notice R. 6436 on 18 July 2025, establish particular criteria for items labeled as meat substitutes, plant-derived proteins, and comparable terms. According to the new regulations, any item marked as a “meat replacer,” “meat alternative,” “meat substitute,” or other similar phrases must include a minimum of 9% protein.

Growth of Plant-Based Meat Product Offerings

The South African plant-based meat industry is driven by increasing availability and choice of plant-based meat products. With consumers moving toward alternatives to conventional animal-based meats, producers are adding a varied set of plant-based alternatives, including burgers and sausages through to deli meats and mince. The growing product range is bringing plant-based meats more within reach and desirable to a broader audience. Firms are investing in research and development (R&D) to enhance the taste, texture, and nutritional content of such products to make them closer to their animal-based alternatives. These technological advancements are attractive not just for vegetarians and vegans but also for flexitarians who are decreasing meat consumption over time. The ongoing launch of new plant-based products across supermarkets, restaurants, and fast-food outlets is driving the growth of the market. Moreover, more foodservice operators are introducing plant-based alternatives to their menus, which is fueling the trend toward plant-based meat. In 2025, Fry Family Foods introduced a new range of plant-based items aimed at flexitarians in South Africa. The “Flexi Range” focuses on consumers seeking healthier substitutes for conventional meat, offering choices that replicate the flavor and texture of animal-derived products.

South Africa Plant-based Meat Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, source, meat type, and distribution channel.

Product Type Insights:

• Burger Patties
• Sausages
• Nuggets and Strips
• Ground Meat
• Meatballs
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes burger patties, sausages, nuggets and strips, ground meat, meatballs, and others.

Source Insights:

• Soy
• Wheat
• Peas
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source has also been provided in the report. This includes soy, wheat, peas, and others.

Meat Type Insights:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Pork
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the meat type. This includes chicken, beef, pork, and others.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Restaurant and Catering Industry
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience and Specialty Stores
• Online Retail

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel has also been provided in the report. This includes restaurant and catering industry, supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience and specialty stores, and online retail.

Regional Insights:

• Gauteng
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Western Cape
• Mpumalanga
• Eastern Cape
• Others

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and others.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

South Africa Plant-based Meat Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the South Africa plant-based meat market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the South Africa plant-based meat market on the basis of product type?
• What is the breakup of the South Africa plant-based meat market on the basis of source?
• What is the breakup of the South Africa plant-based meat market on the basis of meat type?
• What is the breakup of the South Africa plant-based meat market on the basis of distribution channel?
• What is the breakup of the South Africa plant-based meat market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the South Africa plant-based meat market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the South Africa plant-based meat market?
• What is the structure of the South Africa plant-based meat market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the South Africa plant-based meat market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the South Africa plant-based meat market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the South Africa plant-based meat market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the South Africa plant-based meat industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.