Market Overview
Vegan collagen is made from genetically modified yeast and bacteria, specifically the bacteria P. pastoris. Researchers have found that the bacteria P. pastoris, in particular, is the most effective and commonly used for genetically engineering high-quality collagen. Vegan collagen builders are made with plant-based ingredients. Using yeast or bacteria to produce collagen is cost-effective and highly scalable in a lab environment. Vegan collagen is highly beneficial when compared to animal collagen as there will be a lower risk of allergies associated with vegan collagen since it will be produced in a controlled environment.
Market Dynamics:
An increasing number of flexitarians in developed and developing countries
The plant-based revolution is not merely driven by the growing chunk of vegetarian or vegan consumers. In fact, this count of consumers remains small, whilst the bloom in the number of consumers following a flexitarian lifestyle is driving the overall vegan collagen market, across the globe. Flexitarians are increasingly adding vegan products to their diet, to reduce their consumption of animal-based food products over ethical concerns. Evolving demand for more organic, safer, and healthier alternatives to animal-based products continues to drive the demand for vegan collagen. Moreover, various health benefits associated with the consumption of vegan collagen are expected to drive market growth. Researchers looked at skin benefits and revealed that vegan collagen supplements may help improve skin elasticity and hydration. Consumers take vegan collagen to potentially help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and stimulate their bodies to produce more collagen naturally as well as support joint and digestive health.
Market Segmentation:
Increasing demand for vegan collagen supplements
Vegan collagen supplements are extensively used in the sports nutrition industry as they have optimized ingredient offerings for more particular nutritional needs such as vegan protein supplements and vegan iron supplements, making them popular among flexitarians and traditional vegans. Also, vegan supplements minimize the risk of coronary plaques and inflammation (evident in cyclists and runners), while improving cholesterol, arterial flexibility, and blood viscosity. Apart from being an essential macronutrient for tissue repair, and enzymes and hormone production, the use of vegan collagen supplements is widely evident to aid weight loss, maintain body proteins and vitamins level, and help people strengthen their muscles. Vegan collagen supplements are being increasingly sought-after to reduce the risk of cancer, coronary disease, diabetes, and other lifestyle-based ailments accompanied by the consumption of meat products.
Geographical Penetration:
North America dominates the vegan collagen market
North America is one of the largest consumers of vegan collagen. The growing older population is one of the major reasons for the growth of this region. After 40 years, the body creates less collagen, impacting joint health, hair & nail growth, and osteoarthritis in the old generation; collagen supplements help enhance collagen levels in the body. About 15% of the U.S. Population is over 65, facing various types of health issues due to eating habits and low protein diets, which boost the demand for vegan collagen supplements. On the other hand, Europe has a huge population of flexitarians and provides opportunities to key players in the market. The number of flexitarians in 2020, who deliberately consume meat less frequently, was 22.9% in Europe. Although only 1.9% of people in Europe eat a vegan and 3.1% a vegetarian diet, 57.1% of European flexitarians can imagine switching to a vegetarian and 7.9% to a vegan diet in the future. Also, the harmonization of regulations and governing supplements undertaken by the European Union is likely to open doors for European vegan collagen manufacturers.
Competitive Landscape:
The global vegan collagen market is highly fragmented with many players such as Geltor, Inc., VeCollal, Herbaland USA, Twinlab Consolidated Corporation, and Vital Proteins LLC among others. The key players are adopting various key strategies such as product launches, collaborations, mergers & acquisitions which are contributing to the market globally. For instance, In June 2021, Geltor announced edible vegan collagen under the PrimaColl brand in the nutrition and food sector. In June 2021, Glode announced a new beauty and wellness brand, ’coconut collagen booster,’ a plant-based option that provides a more inclusive alternative for skin care. Recently, Canadian brand Revelox launched Dermalux, an anti-aging marine collagen formulation touted as offering “firm skin, shiny hair and healthy nails.” Meanwhile, Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition’s Indigo Marine Collagen brand expanded its line of marine collagen to add tropical flavors. Evonik previously developed an advanced collagen platform produced via fermentation-based processes without any animal or human-derived ingredients, while South Korean company Cosmax launched Agatri, an ingestible beauty product touted for its anti-aging collagen-boosting and skin-improving properties.
COVID-19 Impact: Pandemic has increased the demand for vegan collagen
COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the growth of health supplements between 2020 and 2021 which further increased the demand for vegan collagen supplements. Growing awareness towards better health and immunity increased the consumption of supplements, which helped people to stay healthy. In the U.S. alone, 60+ population contributes to over 27% of the whole population in the severe risk category due to covid. Also, after attaining the age of 60 years, the human body stops producing a sufficient amount of blood (RBC and WBC), new tissues, and cells; also, immunity is reduced, which can be fulfilled by using vegan collagen supplements. During the pandemic, most doctors suggested the older populace consume supplements to combat the covid virus, which boosted the demand for vegan collagen.