Plant-based proteins are making significant strides in the foodservice industry, according to insights unveiled by The Good Food Institute. Here are the key takeaways:
Strong Growth in 2022: U.S. broadline distributor sales of plant-based proteins reached an impressive $304 million in 2022. This represents an 8% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, demonstrating the sector’s resilience and growth.
The Rise of Analog Plant-Based Proteins: Consumers’ preference for plant-based options that closely mimic the taste and texture of animal-based meat is on the rise. Analog plant-based proteins accounted for 53% of pound sales in 2022, a significant increase from the 39% reported in 2019.
Loyal Customer Base: Buyers of plant-based meat products tend to be high-value customers. They frequent foodservice locations approximately 30 times more per year than the average buyer and spend roughly $400 more. This suggests a strong and dedicated customer base for plant-based offerings.
Despite these promising trends, the challenge of replicating the taste of animal-based meat remains a focus for the plant-based food industry. Several companies, including Black Sheep Foods, Rebellyous, Planetarians, Chunk Foods, and the ISH Company, have been actively working on improving the taste of their plant-based products over the past year.
Enough Secures €40 Million to Expand Mycoprotein Production Capacity
Scotland-based mycoprotein producer Enough has secured €40 million ($43.5 million) in new growth funding to double its production capacity. The company specializes in making protein from mushrooms and aims to stand out by scaling production rapidly. While the concept of using mushrooms for protein isn’t new, Enough’s technology and scaling capabilities set it apart in this growing industry.
Meatable Raises $35 Million to Accelerate Cultivated Pork Product Launch
Meatable, another European company, has secured $35 million in funding to further develop its cultivated pork products. The company has made significant advancements in production efficiency, reducing the time required to produce fat and muscle from three weeks to just eight days. This achievement is attributed to Meatable’s innovative technology and production capabilities, including the ability to reach 500-liter bioreactors and grow cells at a rate of 80 million cells per milliliter.
Additional Industry Highlights
Sustainable seafood startups, such as Bluu Seafood and Aqua Cultured Foods, are gaining attention from investors as they work to address sustainability challenges in the seafood industry.
Maolac combines AI technology with breastmilk to improve infant digestion, offering a promising solution for parents seeking better options for their babies.
New Culture has successfully scaled its fermentation process to manufacturing volumes, marking a significant milestone in the production of dairy alternatives.
Omeat, a cow plasma extraction farm, has emerged from stealth mode, sparking interest and questions about its innovative approach to the cattle industry.
The food tech industry continues to evolve rapidly, with innovative solutions and products aimed at addressing both consumer preferences and sustainability challenges.