Over 40 businesses, retailers, and NGOs in the UK plant-based protein sector recently came together at the inaugural Plant-Based Proteins Workshop, hosted by Plant Futures. Participants included allplants, the Coller Foundation, Veganuary, Veg Capital, The Tofoo Co, and many more.
In a move described as “unprecedented”, the organisations made a clear commitment to collaboration and growth, strategising on ways to rejuvenate the sector. They identified seven critical areas to inform the development of a growth strategy:
- Unity — Collaboration could unlock the sector’s growth potential, and a shared roadmap will be developed as a guide.
- Leadership — A coherent narrative and governance are necessary, as too much is currently open to interpretation.
- Positioning — Most attendees agreed that there should be a focus on highlighting the benefits of plant-based proteins rather than comparing them to meat.
- Growth — A third of the population is open to trying meat alternatives, and work needs to be done to challenge the perception that animal meat is necessary.
- Price and taste — The taste of plant-based proteins should be improved where required, and plant-based products should be affordable.
- Farmer livelihoods — Plant-based agriculture should be presented as a way to enhance farmer incomes and improve the resilience and contribution of the food system to the UK economy.
- Campaigns — Over 70% of attendees believed that Meat Free Mondays should be revived, and a new creative idea (currently known as Project Checkoff) was brainstormed. Matthew Glover of Veg Capital and Vegan Food Group previously hinted at this project in a recent interview with vegconomist.
“The Plant-Based Proteins Workshop was a day of insightful collaboration and shared vision, thanks to Indy Kaur’s exceptional leadership,” said Glover. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute and excited for our sector’s future.”
“Red letter day for our industry”
The workshop attracted international interest and is said to be a “pioneering step forward” for the UK plant-based protein sector. Progress will be shared with the International Working Group of Plant-Based Alliances, including members from the US, Canada, Europe, India, Thailand, and China.
A first draft of the roadmap will be shared in the coming weeks, and a plant-based dairy roadmap will also be developed starting in April.
“A real red letter day for our industry – to get as many businesses in one room, debating, uniting, and agreeing a positive future direction for the Plant Based protein industry, allowing us to collectively communicate the huge benefits to society of more plant-based eating, is a huge step forward. This was day one of a bright new future for the industry,” said David Kibbs, Director of The Tofoo Co.
The second roadmap workshop has been announced for 5th April, details here.
