As the global population is projected to soar from eight billion today to nearly ten billion by 2050, addressing the nutrition needs of this expanding demographic while considering environmental sustainability has become a top priority. With growing awareness around health, animal welfare, and environmental issues, the demand for plant-based proteins is on the rise. To meet these shifting consumer preferences, organizations like EIT Food are accelerating innovation to build a sustainable and future-fit food system.
Marja-Liisa Meurice, Director for EIT Food North and East, highlights the changing consumer perceptions surrounding protein sources. Younger generations, in particular, are exploring alternatives to traditional animal-based proteins without fully abandoning them. The challenge lies in finding a balance between reducing animal protein consumption and increasing access to appealing plant-based options. EIT Food’s Protein Diversification Think Tank is an initiative aimed at addressing these concerns, exploring ways to meet demand without compromising taste, affordability, or health.
Consumer trends emphasize the growing embrace of plant-based foods, especially in Europe. Lorena Savani, Mission Lead for Healthier Lives Through Food, points to the 5.5% growth in plant-based food sales and 3.5% growth in volume in 2023 as evidence of this shift. Research by the Good Food Institute Europe confirmed that a notable percentage of households in countries like Germany and Spain have purchased plant-based alternatives in the past year, indicating a solid market presence.
Despite the progress, the current supply of plant-based products in the EU is not sufficient to meet the nutritional demands of a growing population. As Meurice notes, Europe heavily relies on imports for essential plant-based protein sources, such as soy and legumes. A transformation towards local production and diversification of protein sources is essential for food security and sustainability moving forward.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, particularly regarding food strategies in different EU member states. Innovation plays a crucial role, particularly in areas such as cell-based agriculture, which involves producing animal proteins from cell cultures. There is an urgent need to develop national strategies reflecting EU policies to minimize dependence on foreign crops, enhancing competitiveness and food resilience.
EIT Food’s initiatives are grounded in three mission areas: Healthier Lives Through Food, A Net Zero Food System, and Reducing Risk for a Fair and Resilient Food System. Investments and funding are allocated through an Impact Funding Framework, which supports projects that align with these missions. The Protein Diversification Think Tank’s recommendations aim to drive system transformation and create policy that fosters innovation across the food spectrum.
The organization also recognizes the importance of biotechnology as a facilitator of alternative protein sources. For example, successful startups are emerging from innovative methods, such as utilizing fermentation-derived protein, which has the potential to increase yield and create sustainable food options. EIT Food funds various projects that focus on enhancing the taste and texture of these new plant-based proteins, which are paramount for consumer acceptance.
Highlighting innovative startups, EIT Food awarded Revo Foods, an Austrian alternative protein company, a €10,000 innovation prize last year for its development of plant-based alternatives to traditional seafood. Specializing in products like fish-free smoked salmon and tuna spread, Revo Foods has successfully penetrated the European market. Other notable recipients of EIT Food’s Accelerator Network Tech Validation Awards demonstrate the diverse landscape of innovation within plant-based proteins, including companies focusing on mycelium-based seafood alternatives and affordable cultivated meat products.
The path towards increasing consumer acceptance of plant-based proteins includes addressing consumer hesitancy. Meurice emphasizes the importance of transparency and education as EIT Food consults with various consumer groups to gather insights about trust surrounding novel foods. Through dispelling myths and providing clear information, stakeholders can alleviate fears associated with new food sources.
Regulatory challenges pose significant obstacles in the approval of novel protein sources. Lengthy approval processes can delay market entry for innovative products. EIT Food suggests investing in infrastructure and supply chains to facilitate smoother development processes. Furthermore, affordability of new products remains a crucial factor, as well as ensuring they have appealing taste and texture for widespread acceptance.
As the demand for plant-based proteins continues to grow, a concerted effort across industries will determine the future of food production. EIT Food’s commitment to innovation, funding, and consumer engagement makes it a vital player in shaping a sustainable food ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of society. Ensuring that plant-based proteins are accessible, appealing, and sustainable is no longer an option but a necessity for all stakeholders involved in the food system.
