John Hopkins College Studnents Alt Protein

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Protein

UC Berkeley & Givaudan Report Explores Opportunities for Greater Efficiency in Alternative Protein

The University of California Berkeley, in partnership with Swiss fragrance and flavor leader Givaudan, released its fifth annual research paper exploring insights into the alternative protein sector. Conducted by students in the Product Development Program, the whitepaper, titled ’10 Alternative Protein Pathways: Opportunities for Greater Efficiency,’ identifies primary challenges and opportunities in alt-protein and ten actionable pathways towards improved efficiency.  The whitepaper notes that as consumers gravitate toward alternative proteins, the industry sees both challenges and opportunities. Supply chain issues, sustainability concerns, and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic pose hurdles. However, opportunities arise for retailers and meat producers who adapt, seizing exclusive distribution rights and acquiring startups. The sector stands at a crossroads, and success hinges on turning challenges into opportunities, with efficiency being …

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UNLIMEAT and JUST Egg kimbap

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Market & Trends

Alt Protein Revolution in South Korea: Plant-Based Thrives & Cultivated Meat Receives Huge Investment

South Korea continues at the forefront of alt food developments as interest in alternatives to animal products soars. Several factors have been credited, including growing sustainability and food security concerns As reported by Korea JoongAng Daily today, Nongshim, the largest instant noodle and snack company in South Korea, has revealed plans to invest $7.4 million in venture funds to support food tech startups developing cultivated meat and smart farms. Nongshim believes cultivated meat will be a promising alternative as the demand for sustainable foods continues to grow, according to the publication. Two Seoul-based companies, Stonebridge Ventures and IMM Investment, will manage the new capital and conduct in-depth evaluations. Meanwhile, Nongshim techUP+, Nongshim’s program for food tech startups, will continue to run with other investments. Last year, the …

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A mushroom burger

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Politics & Law

Catalonia Makes Historic €7M Investment in Alt Proteins Research Center

Catalonia’s Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda, and the Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA) have revealed Spain’s first Center for Innovation in Alternative Proteins (CiPA). With €7 million in funding — believed to be one of the country’s most significant investments made in the sector — CiPA aims to become a leading hub in southern Europe for research and innovation, focusing on ingredients, food, and feed alternatives to animal proteins. Nonprofit think tank the Good Food Institute Europe (GFI) has praised the Catalan government’s historic investment in advancing alternative proteins and helping companies develop sustainable meat. Alex Holst, senior policy manager at GFI Europe, said: “This landmark announcement is a major step towards turning Catalonia into one of Spain’s leading hubs …

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A range of vegan dumplings and buns made by Haofood-

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Fairs & Events

New Food Conference 2023: Tasting the Future of Plant-Based and Cultivated Alternatives

Food awareness organization ProVeg International will host the fourth edition of the New Food Conference (NFC) from the 25th to the 26th of October in Berlin, Germany. Focusing on the future of plant-based and cultivated meat and dairy products, the conference will provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of the latest innovations in alt proteins driving change in the food industry. The NFC will feature presentations from industry experts and panel discussions, to delve into scientific developments and market trends surrounding plant-based and cultivated products. Additionally, the event will host tantalizing tastings of yet-to-be-released products to offer attendees a preview of future foods. Learn from the experts The event will serve as a platform for researchers, food technologists, and industry specialists to discuss key topics …

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GOOD Meat & Chef José Andrés debut cultivated chicken dish in historic US first-sale

Image courtesy of GOOD Meat

Studies & Numbers

GFI 2022 State of Global Policy Report: Policymakers Urged to Increase Funding for Alternative Proteins

The Good Food Institute (GFI) has released its annual State of Global Policy report covering the landscape of public investment, support, and regulations of plant-based, cultivated, and fermented foods in 2022, including global highlights from the first six months of 2023. Governments, understanding the positive impact that alternative proteins can have on the environment, economy, and food security, have invested and implemented policies that impact the alt protein industry’s development necessary to feed a growing population on a planet with limited resources.  The report’s most significant findings are summarized here. Global public support for alt proteins Public funding for alternative proteins increased significantly worldwide, with governments doubling their investments in 2022 alone, reaching a total of $635 million: approximately $180 million in R&D, $290 million in commercialization, …

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