Plant Protein Forward update
Nine months after the launch of Plant Protein Forward (PPF) pilot, we are celebrating the first successes of Dutch Edamame and the launch of three new chains. The ‘Together’ component of PPF, the joint program element where knowledge is shared within and beyond the chain initiatives, is also running at full speed. In this article, we will bring you up to date.
Review of the ‘Together’ session on 3rd September
During the first ‘Together’ session at Harry’s Farm, the initial experiences from the edamame chain were shared with farmers and other stakeholders who are directly or indirectly involved in PPF. In addition to the presentation of two new participating value chains, lupin and faba bean, these were the three key lessons that emerged from the session:
- Thanks to the protein transition and the sustainability of the chains (CSRD), Dutch-grown legumes are in demand from large buyers.
- Sustainability is now as important as financial terms, creating plenty of opportunities for suppliers with a compelling story
- A value chain enabler with the right expertise and network can significantly boost the (commercial) success of legume suppliers
We will take these lessons forward in the other participating value chain initiatives and they serve as valuable validation of our PPF approach. Following the successful first months of the PPF pilot, we are now exploring ways to extend the pilot and support more crop-specific value chain initiatives.
Dutch Edamame: Successful deal with Jumbo
The multi-year collaboration between Dutch Edamame and Jumbo has resulted in an annual demand for Dutch edamame beans equivalent to around 30 – 40 hectares per year. This year, the cultivation has been highly successful. Therefore, there are great opportunities and ample room for further scaling up to meet the growing demand for Dutch grown edamame beans!
Discussions about the sale of edamame in whole pods and in fresh meals are still ongoing. In addition, there are promising ‘hot leads’ from other supermarkets.