What is a More Sustainable Protein System
Demand for alternative proteins has skyrocketed in recent years, a trend that is expected to continue growing. This encompasses enormous potential for new business opportunities and sustainability alike. However, production demands higher quality ingredients, but availability of knowledge, technology and facilities lags behind. This roadblock is occurring more frequently throughout the entire chain, from resource production to processing and distribution, slowing the rate of new product introductions to consumer markets. A standstill within the EU on breeding development of protein-rich resources has also exacerbated the problem. Consequently, many source ingredients have yet to be optimised for processing, decreasing availability of key nutrients.
Foodvalley NL is taking the initiative to build coalitions of gamechangers that can solve these supply-side bottlenecks to get new, high-quality plant-based products to consumers faster. We see potential for localised protein production chains to improve quality and availability. Also, tapping into existing animal-protein and cross-crop knowledge can be a valuable source for rapid technology transfer for alternative protein applications.
Percentage of people in the Netherlands who include plant based proteins in their weekly diet on a structural basis. We see that the picture is similar to the rest of the Western world.

Source: Rijksinstituut voor gezondheid en milieu https://www.wateetnederland.nl/resultaten/veranderingen/verandering-consumptie-eiwitrijke-producten – forecast is indication by Foodvalley