Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market
Updated Date : 21 January 2026   |   Report Code : 6009

Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2035

The global alfalfa protein concentrate market size is forecasted to expand from USD 237.52 million in 2026 to reach USD 381.30 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. This market is driven by rising demand for plant-based proteins, increasing adoption of sustainable animal feed ingredients, and growing interest in natural, nutrient-rich food additives. 

Last Updated: 21 January 2026 Category: Food & Beverages Ingredients Insight Code: 6009 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Size 2025 to 2035

The global alfalfa protein concentrate market size was calculated at USD 225.35 million in 2025 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 237.52 million in 2026 to reach nearly USD 381.30 million by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. Growing demand for plant-based and sustainable protein for humans and animals is driving the market.

Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Size 2025 to 2035

Key Highlights

  • By region, North America dominated the global alfalfa protein concentrate market with 42% largest share in 2025.
  • By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR from 2026 to 2035.
  • By form, the powder segment held the major market share in 2025. 
  • By form, the pellet segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2026 and 2035.
  • By end use, the food industry segment contributed the biggest market share in 2025.
  • By end use, the nutraceuticals segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2026 and 2035.

Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2026 to 2035 CAGR of 5.4%
Market Size in 2026 USD 237.52 Million
Market Size in 2027 USD 250.34 Million
Market Size by 2035 USD 381.30 Million
Largest Market North America
Base Year 2025
Forecast Period 2026 to 2035
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Key Drivers 

Alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) is considered a novel food ingredient, comprising a complex of proteins (45%–60%), minerals, and vitamins. Extracted from lucerne, also known as alfalfa, the market for APC is projected to grow rapidly due to its natural composition, health benefits, and increasing consumer awareness. As consumer demand for protein-rich food products scales new heights, manufacturers involved in the current market are focused on launching innovative food products to the market.

  • Alfalfa protein is a significant food ingredient that is widely utilized in food technology due to its high nutritional value and protein content. This makes alfalfa a popular choice for both animal and human food.
  • As environmental, ethical, and safety concerns associated with animal-sourced proteins rise, plant-based protein are receiving increased attention. Alfalfa Protein Concentrate is particularly valued as a sustainable protein source with potential health benefits.
  • Consumer preference for natural, clean-label and organic products is motivating manufacturers to incorporate alfalfa protein into various food and beverage formulations. 

Key Technological Shift in the Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market

Advances in extraction technologies, like enzymatic hydrolysis, and membrane filtration, have improved purity, protein yield, and functionality. Furthermore, the development of efficient transformation technologies for different alfalfa varieties and genotypes will enable genome editing applications, particularly using CRISPR-Cas, for improved traits and quality in the future. AI-driven supply chain innovations are poised to significantly transform the alfalfa protein concentrate market. 

Trade Analysis of the Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market

  • As of 2024, the top importers of alfalfa meal and pellets are the United States ($33.27 million, 74,231,000 kg), Saudi Arabia ($25.00 million, 112,021,000 kg), Japan ($23.08 million, 61,640,000 kg), Germany ($18.56 million, 65,626,100 kg), and Kuwait ($12.67 million, 28,471,100 kg). 
  • In 2023, global trade in lucerne (alfalfa) meal and pellets reached $494 million, reflecting a 5.29% increase from 2022, when it totaled $469 million. Over the past five years, trade in this category has grown at an annualized rate of 2.82%.

Value Chain Analysis of Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market

Raw Material Procurement 

  • Raw material procurement for alfalfa protein concentrate involves securing high-quality, fresh alfalfa foliage, sourced from local, sustainable agricultural operations. 

Processing 

  • Processing of the alfalfa protein concentrate includes extracting protein from fresh alfalfa via pressing to get green juice, then coagulating the protein using heat, followed by separation and drying.
  • Key players: Desialis, Bioriginal, 3W Biotanical

Distribution 

  • The distribution of alfalfa protein concentrate includes diverse channels like direct sales, e-commerce, retail, and wholesale.

Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Regional Insights

Which Region Dominated the Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market in 2025?

North America dominated the market in 2025, driven by increasing demand for plant-based proteins and sustainable nutrition solutions. Alfalfa protein concentrate, rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, is gaining popularity in functional food, animal feed, and dietary supplements. Rising consumer awareness of health and wellness, along with the trend toward organic and non-GMO ingredients, is fueling the adoption of alfalfa protein across various applications.

North America Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Size 2025 to 2035

The North America alfalfa protein concentrate market size was calculated at USD 94.65 million in 2025 with projections indicating a rise from USD 99.76 million in 2026 to approximately USD 162.05 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.52% throughout the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

North America Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Size 2025 to 2035

U.S. Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Trends

In the United States, the market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing demand for natural feed supplements, greater awareness of sustainable agricultural practices, and expanding applications in health and wellness sectors. Livestock producers and organic farmers are seeking high-quality, nutrient-rich feed options, which has led to alfalfa concentrate gaining prominence for its superior protein content and digestibility.

How Big is the U.S. Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market?

The U.S. alfalfa protein concentrate market size estimated at USD 70.99 million in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 74.82 million in 2026 to nearly reaching USD 122.35 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.59% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

U.S. Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Size 2025 to 2035

Asia Pacific Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Trends

Asia Pacific expects fastest growth during the forecast period. Multiple factors, including growing awareness of health and sustainability and rising fears of animal-borne diseases, have led to increased interest in the alfalfa protein concentrate sector in the Asia Pacific region. Among various alternative protein, plant-based foods accounted for the majority of investments in the Asia Pacific. According to Leaft Foods, alfalfa protein concentrate is already being used in commercial pet food products throughout the Asia-Pacific region. For instance, Japanese pet retailer Hitowan has launched a premium freeze-dried pet food line that features this ingredient.

India Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Trends

The most important product derived from alfalfa is alfalfa protein concentrate, which, although traditionally used as animal feed, has recently gained attention as a potential ingredient for human nutrition. In India, the market is experiencing shifts in development patterns across various regions. Such shifts are influenced by factors like urbanization, increased fitness awareness, income levels, and access to organized retail chains.

Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Share, By Region, 2025 (%)

Europe Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Analysis

The Europe market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by the rising demand for plant-based protein sources, sustainable agricultural practices, and an expanding vegetarian and vegan population across the region. The market is marked by technological advancements in extraction processes and an increasing preference for eco-friendly ingredients in both food and feed applications. Alfalfa protein concentrate has been deemed safe for consumption as a food supplement in the European Union at concentrations of up to 10g per day.

Germany Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Analysis

In Germany, the shift towards sustainable diets is increasing consumer and industrial demand for plant-derived ingredients like alfalfa protein concentrate, with 51% of adults in the UK and Germany planning to change their diets by either incorporating more plant-based food or reducing their intake of animal meat and dairy products. Innovations in extraction and processing are lowering production costs, enhancing product quality, and enabling scalable manufacturing. The livestock sectors, particularly dairy and poultry, are the primary end-users, utilizing these additives to improve feed efficiency and animal health. (Source: gfi/Europe)

Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market Segmental Insights

Form Insights

Why did the Powder Segment Dominate the Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market in 2025?

The powder segment dominated the market in 2025. Powders are easy to handle, stable, and allow precise dosing. They offer better physicochemical stability and longer shelf life. Protein powder is widely used by fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and health-conscious individuals to enhance protein intake. Its powder form facilitates easy mixing into liquids for quick consumption, especially post-workout and incorporation into various foods.

The Pellet Segment is Anticipated to Grow at the Fastest Rate During the Forecast Period.

Pellets can significantly reduce transport costs and enable the distribution of protein food as a concentrate. They have quickly become the preferred form of livestock feed due to their high nutritional density, consistent quality, and storage and transport advantages over traditional hay or silage.

End-Use Insights

Which End-Use Segment Held the Largest Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market in 2025?

The food industry segment held the largest market share in 2025, primarily due to its richness in easily digestible proteins, minerals, vitamins, and essential amino acids. This trend reflects a growing interest in substituting at least some animal-sourced foods with more sustainable plant-based alternatives. Alfalfa protein can be sprinkled on salads, soups, or yogurt and used in formulating bars, beverages, food supplements, biscuits, and protein shakes.

The Nutraceuticals Segment is Expected to Experience the Fastest Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period.

Driven by rising health consciousness and a focus on preventive healthcare. Alfalfa protein concentrate also contains beneficial vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, D, E, calcium, and phosphorus, which support various physiological functions, including vision, bone health, and immune system support. Additionally, the concentrate provides bioactive compounds that contribute to overall well-being and vitality.

Recent Developments in the Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market

  • Collaboration: In December 2025, the Jigawa State Government and El-Meena Farms Ltd signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding to develop Nigeria's largest fodder export corridor through the Jigawa Alfalfa Value Chain Development Project. This public-private partnership aims to cultivate 100,000 hectares of premium alfalfa, with projected annual export revenues between $440 million and $540 million. (Source: msn)

Leaft Foods

  • Launch: In October 2025, Leaft Foods, a company specializing in leaf-based protein, expanded into the pet nutrition market with the introduction of Alfalfa Protein Concentrate. This ingredient leverages Leaft’s comprehensive food production system, showcasing the application of its leaf-based proteins for both human and pet applications. (Source: PET Food Processing)

Leaft Foods

  • Launch: In September 2025, New Zealand-based Leaft Foods, a startup scaling up the production of RuBisCO protein from alfalfa, announced a strategic partnership with Tokyo-based Lacto Japan, an ingredients distributor that collaborates with leading players in the Japanese food industry. (Source: AFN)

Top Companies in the Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market

  • Sun Prime is recognized as a key player in the growing market, often associated with the production of concentrated alfalfa extracts.
  • Desialis SAS, founded in 2004, is also a significant player in the alfalfa protein concentrate market. The company evolved from a collective effort to market French dehydrated products intended for animal nutrition.

Other Companies in the Alfalfa Protein Concentrate Market

  • Alfalfa Monegros
  • AGF Group
  • Eko Export SA
  • Bioriginal
  • BioTechnologies LLC
  • ADM
  • NutriMax
  • JIAHERB Inc.
  • Martin Bauer Group
  • Xi’an Tianrui Biotech Co., Ltd.
  • Xi’an Tianyi

Segments Covered in the Report

By Form

  • Powder 
  • Pellet

By End Use

  • Food Industry
  • Pharmaceutical Sector
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Animal Feed

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • MEA
  • Latin America
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  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar, Senior Research Analyst at Towards Food & Beverages, specializes in market research, focusing on supply-demand evaluation, pricing analysis, alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and sustainable food technologies within the industry.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in Food and Beverages market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards FnB's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

Answer : The alfalfa protein concentrate market was valued at USD 225.35 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 381.30 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.4%. Growth is driven by rising demand for plant-based proteins in food, nutraceuticals, and animal feed.

Answer : The industry is benefiting from the shift toward plant-based, natural. Demand is increasing across food, and nutraceuticals due to health awareness and sustainability concerns. Clean-label positioning and interest in alternative proteins are accelerating adoption in both human and animal nutrition sectors.

Answer : Advancements in enzymatic hydrolysis, membrane filtration, and extraction technologies have improved protein purity and yield. Emerging tools like CRISPR-based crop optimization and AI-driven supply chain management are enhancing efficiency and product quality.

Answer : The alfalfa protein concentrate market includes players such as Sun Prime, Desialis SAS, Bioriginal, ADM, Leaft Foods, and Martin Bauer Group. Competition focuses on extraction technology, supply chain efficiency, and expansion into food, nutraceutical, and pet nutrition segments.