Despite all the bad news surrounding fake meat , there remains untapped potential in the market .
with clearer communication on the distinction between vegan and plant-based foods . A vegan consumer who mistakenly assumes a plant-based meat product meets their dietary needs will need some convincing before they trust a similar product again .
Consumers may also be going cold on fake meat as a consequence of the negativity surrounding ‘ ultra-processed ’ foods . This issue became such a controversy that ‘ ultra-processed ’ was nominated as dictionary publisher Collins ’ word of the year for 2023 .
And , of course , it is important to clarify that not all ultra-processed foods are created equal . Food processing is more about the ingredients involved than anything else . A recent WHO-backed study found that some ultra-processed foods , including plant-based meats , are not inherently unhealthy . In fact , foods like bread and cereal reduce the risk of certain diseases , as they are high in fibre .
A recipe for success
Despite all the bad news surrounding fake meat , there remains untapped potential in the market . Exciting new developments are occurring daily , such as 3D-printed plant-based meat , which can help improve quality and cost efficiencies in the production process . And the exploration of pea proteins continues to deliver real results , with its excellent functional properties driving improved flavours , textures , and nutritional value in plant-based products . There is even talk of injecting animal fat into plant-based alternatives to help deliver on taste – a controversial topic , of course .
Despite its downcast recent past , solving these issues could lead to a brighter future for plantbased meat . By rethinking their supply chains , manufacturers can find efficiencies that unlock new possibilities , including finding alternative ingredients that may offer new benefits , such as a higher amount of protein per gram , a subtly different texture that can change the eating experience , or simply a lower cost .
This is where partnering with a distributor , which possesses indepth knowledge of ingredient properties and global supply chains , becomes critical to success . It will help manufacturers add flex to their supply chains through dual sourcing , and route around disruptions caused by extreme weather , geopolitical instability , and material shortages .
It can also help manufacturers find ingredients that better suit their sustainability goals . For European manufacturers looking for soy protein , they may feel their only option is to pay for expensive , locally-made soy products to lower transit emissions . However , alternative products may be available at a lower cost from Canadian or Brazilian suppliers that invest in carbon offsetting and renewable energy , offering a lower overall carbon footprint . This could involve using a different kind of soy product , or pea and wheat proteins , which are both proven alternatives . The options are out there – and a distributor can help find them .
Plant-based meat may no longer be the next big thing in the food industry . But that doesn ’ t mean it can ’ t be important , successful , and profitable . Consumers have shown they do have an appetite for the potential of fake meat – it just needs a little longer in the oven .
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