South America Pea Protein Market Report | Market Size, Industry Analysis, Growth Opportunities, & Forecast (2025-2030)

South America Pea Protein Market Overview

The South America pea protein market is witnessing steady growth driven by rising demand for plant-based food products, health awareness, and environmental concerns. Pea protein, derived primarily from yellow split peas, is gaining traction due to its allergen-free, vegan, and sustainable profile, making it a preferred alternative to traditional animal and soy-based proteins. Consumers in South American countries, particularly Brazil and Argentina, are shifting towards flexitarian and vegetarian diets, further accelerating market adoption.

Food & beverage applications such as meat substitutes, protein supplements, and dairy alternatives are key contributors to this market’s expansion. Additionally, the sports nutrition sector is increasingly utilizing pea protein for its high digestibility and muscle-repair benefits. Innovation in processing techniques and product formulations is also boosting demand.

With support from health-focused government campaigns and clean-label trends, the South America pea protein market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. Major players are investing in regional expansion, partnerships, and new product development.

Market Report Coverage:

The “South America Pea Protein Market Report—Future (2025-2030)” by Digiroads Research & Consulting covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the market.

Study Assumptions and Definitions

This report analyzes the South America pea protein market using a combination of primary research, secondary data, and industry expert validation. The forecast period considered is from 2024 to 2030, with 2023 as the base year. Market data is presented in USD million and includes historical trends, current dynamics, and forward-looking projections.

Definitions:

• Pea Protein: A plant-derived protein extracted mainly from yellow split peas. It includes isolates (highest protein concentration), concentrates (moderate protein), and textured variants (used in meat analogues).
• Market Size: Total revenue generated from the sale of pea protein across South America.
• Application Segments: Product usage across industries such as food & beverages, dietary supplements, and animal feed.

Assumptions:

• Stable economic conditions in key South American countries.
• Continued consumer preference shift towards plant-based diets.
• Availability of raw materials (peas) remains uninterrupted.
• Technological advancements and product innovation sustain market growth.

External factors such as climate change, international trade policies, and local agricultural output have also been considered. The study follows Yoast SEO readability standards, ensuring clarity, concise phrasing, and subheadings for easy navigation.

Market Scope

The scope of this report covers the South America pea protein market across Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and the Rest of South America. It focuses on key types of pea protein: isolates, concentrates, and textured variants. The report segments the market by form (dry and liquid) and by application, including meat substitutes, bakery goods, dairy alternatives, nutritional supplements, beverages, and snacks.

The study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of market trends, growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, and competitive dynamics. It includes historical data (2018–2023), current market conditions (2024), and projections up to 2030. Market size and forecast figures are provided in USD million.

The report also evaluates major players, recent developments, strategic initiatives, and innovation trends. It is intended to assist stakeholders—manufacturers, suppliers, investors, and policymakers—in making informed decisions and identifying growth opportunities in the plant-based protein industry in South America.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Executive Summary

The South America pea protein market is experiencing robust growth, driven by an increasing preference for plant-based diets, rising health consciousness, and the demand for clean-label and allergen-free ingredients. Pea protein, extracted primarily from yellow split peas, is gaining recognition due to its high protein content, excellent amino acid profile, and compatibility with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary patterns. Countries like Brazil and Argentina are leading the trend, influenced by global sustainability movements and growing local interest in alternative protein sources.

The market is segmented by type into isolates, concentrates, and textured proteins, with isolates holding the largest market share due to their purity and suitability for diverse applications. The dry form dominates the form segment, offering longer shelf life and ease of storage. Application-wise, meat substitutes and dairy alternatives are the fastest-growing segments, while sports nutrition and functional beverages are emerging areas of opportunity.

Technological innovation, such as improved extraction methods and enhanced texture/flavor profiles, is expanding usage in food formulations. Moreover, rising investments by multinational companies, regional partnerships, and the establishment of local production units are further propelling market development.

Despite the positive outlook, the market faces challenges such as inconsistent raw material supply, limited awareness in rural areas, and high production costs. However, these are being countered by government support for plant-based industries and increasing R&D efforts.

Overall, the South America pea protein market is positioned for steady expansion, supported by changing dietary habits, regulatory support, and ongoing product innovation. The market is expected to witness a CAGR exceeding 8% during the forecast period, presenting lucrative opportunities for both global and regional players in the years ahead.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Market Players

• Roquette Frères
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Puris
• Cosucra Groupe Warcoing SA
• Ingredion Incorporated
• Axiom Foods, Inc.
• The Green Labs LLC
• Glanbia plc
• Burcon NutraScience Corporation
• Shandong Jianyuan Group
• Fenchem Biotek Ltd.

Market Share Analysis

The South America pea protein market is moderately consolidated, with a few global players capturing a significant share due to their extensive distribution networks, technological know-how, and established brands. Roquette Frères, Cargill, and Ingredion are among the leading players, accounting for a dominant portion of the market owing to their wide product portfolios and continuous investments in R&D.

Pea protein isolates hold the highest market share within the product category, primarily due to their high protein concentration and neutral taste, making them highly suitable for a variety of food applications. In terms of geography, Brazil leads the regional market with over 40% share, attributed to its large population, growing middle class, and rising demand for plant-based nutrition.

Emerging domestic players are gaining traction by offering competitively priced and locally sourced products. However, challenges such as limited processing infrastructure and low awareness in certain areas hinder rapid market penetration.

Private label brands and startups are increasingly entering the space, which is expected to intensify competition. Strategic collaborations and product differentiation are becoming key to gaining market share in this dynamic and evolving segment.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers and Key Innovations

• Rapid shift toward plant-based and flexitarian diets.
• Increased consumer awareness regarding food intolerances and allergens.
• Rising demand for clean-label and sustainable food ingredients.
• Growth in vegan sports and performance nutrition.
• Government initiatives supporting sustainable agriculture and food innovation.

Key Innovations:

1. Novel processing technologies (e.g., enzymatic hydrolysis) for enhanced digestibility and taste.
2. Blended plant protein products combining pea protein with rice or chickpea protein.
3. Fortified pea protein with added amino acids and vitamins.
4. High-moisture extrusion for meat analog development.
5. Pea protein integration in functional foods and ready-to-drink beverages.

Market Challenges

1. Raw Material Supply Chain Volatility: Limited availability of yellow split peas due to dependency on imports or low domestic cultivation impacts production and pricing.
2. High Production Costs: The cost of extracting and processing pea protein remains high, especially when compared to soy or animal protein, making products less price-competitive.
3. Limited Consumer Awareness in Rural Areas: While urban populations are embracing plant-based products, rural and semi-urban regions still lack knowledge about the health benefits of pea protein.
4. Taste and Texture Limitations: Although improving, some consumers still find pea protein’s taste and texture inferior compared to animal-based proteins, especially in beverages.
5. Lack of Technological Infrastructure: In some South American countries, food processing infrastructure and R&D capabilities are underdeveloped, limiting innovation.
6. Stringent Regulations and Labeling Requirements: Differing regulatory standards across countries in South America create challenges for cross-border product launches and labeling compliance.
7. Competition from Other Plant Proteins: Soy, rice, and hemp proteins are well-established and often cheaper, posing a significant competitive challenge for pea protein manufacturers.

Market Opportunities

1. Expansion in Plant-Based Meat and Dairy Alternatives: Growing consumer interest in vegan burgers, sausages, plant-based milk, and yogurt is creating demand for high-quality, allergen-free protein sources like pea protein.
2. Rising E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Channels: Online platforms are helping niche and emerging brands market pea protein products directly to health-conscious consumers across South America.
3. Untapped Markets in Rural and Semi-Urban Areas: Increased marketing and education can help unlock demand in less urbanized regions, where awareness of plant-based nutrition is still low.
4. Innovation in Functional Foods and Beverages: Pea protein is being incorporated into energy bars, protein waters, and ready-to-drink beverages, offering functional health benefits and broadening its use cases.
5. Local Sourcing and Vertical Integration: Opportunities exist to cultivate yellow peas locally, reducing import dependency and improving profit margins through supply chain integration.
6. Collaborations with Food Tech Startups: Partnering with innovators to improve texture, flavor, and application of pea protein in emerging food categories can accelerate adoption.
7. Demand from Sports Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition: The high amino acid content and digestibility of pea protein make it suitable for muscle-building supplements, expanding its role in specialized nutrition markets.
8. Supportive Regulatory Framework and Government Initiatives: Governments promoting sustainable agriculture and alternative proteins offer funding and policy support to boost local production and innovation.

RECENT STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

1. Roquette opened a $600 million pea protein plant in Canada, aiming to serve global markets including South America with increased supply capacity.
2. Ingredion acquired the remaining stake in Verdient Foods (2021) to strengthen its pea protein processing capabilities and expand in LATAM.
3. Cargill launched a joint venture with PURIS to enhance its non-GMO pea protein portfolio and introduced its pea protein isolate “Radipure.”
4. Cosucra partnered with local distributors in Brazil to increase its market penetration and support clean-label trends.
5. Axiom Foods expanded its product line with allergen-free, organic pea protein concentrates for functional beverages.
6. Glanbia entered into distribution agreements in Colombia and Argentina to support its plant-based protein growth strategy.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

• Manufacturers gain insights into regional demand trends, innovation potential, and competitive landscape to strategize effectively.
• Investors receive data-driven forecasts and opportunities to tap into a growing and sustainable food sector.
• Distributors and Retailers can identify emerging applications and high-growth markets for expansion and inventory planning.
• Regulators and Policymakers can utilize market data to frame supportive guidelines for plant-based protein industries.
• Consumers benefit from product innovations that meet dietary preferences and nutritional needs, supported by market-driven improvements in taste and texture.

At DigiRoads Research, we emphasize reliability by employing robust market estimation and data validation methodologies. Our insights are further enhanced by our proprietary data forecasting model, which projects market growth trends up to 2030. This forward-thinking approach ensures our analysis not only captures the current market landscape but also anticipates future developments, equipping stakeholders with actionable foresight.

We go a step further by offering an exhaustive set of regional and country-level data points, supplemented by over 60 detailed charts at no additional cost. This commitment to transparency and accessibility allows stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the industry’s structural and operational dynamics. By providing exclusive and hard-to-access data, DigiRoads Research empowers businesses to make informed strategic decisions with confidence.

In essence, our methodology and data delivery foster a collaborative and data-driven decision-making environment, enabling businesses to navigate industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities effectively.

Contact Us For More Inquiry. 

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION

  • Market Overview
  • Years Considered for Study
  • Market Segmentation
  • Study Assumptions and Definitions
  • Market Scope

• RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• MARKET OUTLOOK

  • Executive Summary
  • Market Snapshot
• Market Segments 
  • By Type:
    • Isolates, Concentrates, Textured Pea Protein
  • By Application:
    • Meat Substitutes, Bakery Products, Dairy Alternatives, Performance Nutrition, Snacks, Beverages, Others

• COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Recent Strategies (Key Strategic Moves)
• Market Share Analysis
• Company Profiles
  • Roquette Frères
  • Cargill, Incorporated
  • Puris
  • Cosucra Groupe Warcoing SA
  • Ingredion Incorporated
  • Axiom Foods, Inc.
  • The Green Labs LLC
  • Glanbia plc
  • Burcon NutraScience Corporation
  • Shandong Jianyuan Group
  • Fenchem Biotek Ltd.

• MARKET DYNAMICS

  • Market Drivers
  • Market Challenges
  • Market Opportunities
  • Porter’s Five Forces’ Analysis
    • Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • Threat of New Entrant
    • Threat of Substitutes
    • Competitive Rivalry

• GLOSSARY OF PROMINENT SECONDARY SOURCES

• DISCLAIMER

• ABOUT US