Is your beans portfolio ready for the protein shift?

Beans are at the heart of the shift to plant‑based protein. As consumers cut meat, watch budgets and look for convenient pantry staples, ambient and canned beans are firmly back on the menu. At the same time, co-packers, brand owners and retailers must protect margins, premiumise ranges and meet sustainability expectations in a price‑sensitive market. 

The question is how to modernise beans packaging and unlock innovation without adding complexity or cost. That is where shifting from cans and jars to paper‑based Tetra Recart cartons can change the game.

Find your next growth space in canned beans

Facts 2.1 bn kg of beans

Global beans volumes are growing steadily

Global volumes of processed beans are forecast to reach 2.1 billion kilograms by 2028, with beans growing 2.3% over 2023–28. This confirms steady demand for convenient, long‑life beans and creates room for new formats, recipes and value‑added concepts in ambient and canned beans.

 

Source: GlobalData

Facts 29% are eating less meat

Plant-based protein is on the rise

29% of global consumers are adapting their diet by cutting meat and animal products, while 61% of US consumers increased protein intake in 2024. Beans and legumes offer affordable, plant‑based protein, creating strong headroom for innovation in ambient and canned beans.

 

Sources: Euromonitor Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey, 2023; Cargill, Power of Protein, 2024

Facts 24% willing to buy private label

Value pressure boosts private-label beans

As the cost of living rises, 24% of consumers are willing to buy private label, up from 20% in 2021. This puts pressure on branded beans but creates strong growth potential for retailers and their co‑packing partners to build high‑quality, value‑driven ambient beans ranges in modern packaging formats.

 

Source: Euromonitor Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey, 2023