Mintec's Benchmark Price (MBP) for European pea protein isolate hit a 52-week low at the end of July as weak demand, surplus inventory, and competitive Chinese prices continue to put downward pressure on the market. The MBP for European Pea Protein Isolate [Series Code: PIE1] was most recently assessed at €5.50/kg, a 21% decrease compared to a year ago.
Participants tell Mintec that buyers no longer wish to carry as much stock, which has caused a ripple effect on manufacturers that want to move product. This lack of demand could negatively impact pricing further as we approach Q4, with some players speculating this could occur as soon as September.
However, a few suppliers in Europe continue to justify higher offers based on transparency and quality, as well as input costs. Some buyers state that sellers have been more open to negotiation, but it is unlikely that they will reduce prices much further. Offers continue to be competitive for local sourcing, as factories with high fixed costs need to be kept full. Additionally, sources claim capacity has expanded y-o-y, which is also contributing to a lull in ingredient prices.