Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation - Unilever
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Contents 1 Introduction | 5 A key lever to reduce environmental impacts is a dietary shift to more plant-based foods 7 What is protein? 8 2 State of the world and outlook for plant protein production and consumption | 9 3 Hurdles and levers to scaling up plant proteins globally | 13 1. Supporting a healthy and sustainable transition to plant protein production 13 2. Increasing global demand for diverse plant proteins 13 3. Reorienting policies and regulations 14 4. Reflecting the true value of food with a long-term perspective 14 4 Mapping of existing initiatives | 16 5 Solution spaces | 24 ENABLE: Engage investors, businesses and policy-makers to support dietary shifts 24 PULL: Create the market conditions to increase plant protein demand 24 INSPIRE: Develop and promote a global narrative to positively position plant proteins 25 CULTIVATE: Build a thriving, sustainable supply of plant proteins from the ground up using sustainable agriculture 25 6 Conclusion | 26 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 3
About FReSH Food Reform for • Healthy and sustainable, from This report is a call for action Sustainability and Health fork to farm; for the business community (FReSH) is a project of the • Food loss and waste; and beyond to understand that Food & Nature Program business as usual is no longer of the World Business • True value of food; an option and to find ways to Council for Sustainable • Policy and advocacy. scale up plant proteins to deliver Development (WBCSD). healthy, enjoyable diets for all. The healthy and sustainable We will complement these We take a ’fork to farm’ from fork to farm workstream documents with a FReSH approach, starting with what accelerates the development roadmap to be launched at the people consume and focusing of business-led solutions with Global Nutrition Summit in Tokyo on the dietary and production the biggest positive health and containing a concrete action plan shifts that are required, to environmental impacts – as for positive nutrition, protein and develop, implement and scale outlined in FReSH’s sustainable plants. transformative business solutions and healthy diets report that are aligned with science- published in 2018, as well as based targets. FReSH emerged international publications issued from the WBCSD and EAT the following year. We do this by Partnership. focusing on the following topics: FReSH facilitates the pre- • Accelerating the delivery of competitive collaboration of positive nutrition by the food over 30 member companies industry; to accelerate transformational change in the food system • Scaling-up healthy and in order to reach healthy, sustainable protein enjoyable diets for all, produced production and consumption; responsibly within planetary • Stimulating the healthy and boundaries. We focus on areas sustainable production and where business can have consumption of a diversity of the most impact, along four nutrient-rich plants. transformational goals: Defining key terms: • A plant-based diet is a diet comprised of foods mainly sourced from plants. • A plant-based food is a food coming from any part of a plant; an animal-based food is a food sourced from animals, including meat, fish and dairy products. • A plant-based product is a processed product derived from plant ingredients. • A plant protein is a protein found within a plant-based food or product. • A plant-based protein is a protein derived from plants that can be isolated and added to another product. 4 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
1 Introduction A KEY LEVER TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IS A DIETARY SHIFT TO MORE PLANT-BASED FOODS The global food system provides agriculture (see figure captions Thus, rebalancing diets with billions of people with energy, for more details). more plant-based foods protein and other nutrients to – especially in countries support daily life. Yet it is also a Animal-based foods tend to have dominated by Western diets major source of greenhouse gas higher environmental impacts where animal proteins are emissions, it is depleting natural than plant-based foods.12,13,14 overconsumed – provides resources and fails to secure Regardless of the production an opportunity to reduce healthy diets for all communities system, livestock are major greenhouse GHG emissions, around the world.1,2,3,4 We have emitters of greenhouse gases. the amount of land required for an urgent need to transform They represent about 14.5% agriculture, natural resource our food system to achieve the of all human-induced GHG consumption, chemical input Sustainable Development Goals emissions (which would use and biodiversity loss.19, 20 (SDGs). be roughly equivalent to To ensure the realization of this 7.8 gigatons carbon dioxide opportunity and a balanced and Consensus is increasing on the equivalent (CO2e) in 2018) and diverse market of plant-based best pathways to transform the about 50% of emissions from foods will require both farm- global food system to ensure a agriculture.15,16 As discussed level (e.g., to improve nitrogen sustainable and healthy future. in the FReSH “People, Planet, conversion efficiency from Thought leaders from the Protein – What’s the Plan?” fertilizer to plant protein) and scientific community and civil Science to Solutions Dialogue,17 system-level interventions. society highlight the opportunity these high GHG emissions to improve health and promote are attributable to the fact global sustainability by shifting to that it is necessary to feed plant-based diets.5,6,7,8,9 animals throughout their life and ruminants such as cows Figure 1 presents in graphic release large quantities of enteric format the respective impacts of methane, a potent greenhouse potential of business solutions to gas.18 mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from land-use and Figure 1: Mitigation potential of business solutions on land and agriculture GHG emissions in GtCO210 2010 IPCC/FAO Government action Total GHG emissions from land and agriculture (GtCO 2e) 9 8 2010 FAO Business leadership 2030 Zero land 7 FABLE expansion A orestation 6 Diets Waste Crop Ruminant productivity Arable land 5 productivity Animal regenerative precision practices Pastureland feeding 4 (incl. SOC regenerative “On-farm “On-farm sequestr.) practices insetting” insetting” (incl. SOC ruminant 3 sequestr.) biogas enteric and fermentation 2030 biofuel 2 Target 1 0 6 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
WHY FOCUS ON PLANT PROTEINS? Central to the discussion on In developed countries, there is As such, any strategy to achieve a transforming the global food a clear need – and a tremendous transformational shift in the food system is protein. Proteins are opportunity – to reach the system provides an opportunity essential for the human body; right protein intake levels and to address social issues such therefore, consuming adequate rebalance the protein mix by as access to healthy foods and protein is vital to ensuring basic promoting the production and securing farmer income and human health. Moreover, foods consumption of plant proteins. livelihoods. In the transition to containing proteins are an Increased plant protein offerings a more diverse plant protein important part of what makes can help balance and diversify offering, it is essential to include food appealing in terms of aroma, diets, thereby fostering good farmers to ensure there is no risk taste and texture. The amount health and nutrition, decreasing of income instability. of protein an individual person environmental damage and requires depends on many improving social factors such A sustainable global food system factors (e.g., gender, weight, as food security and farmer will require work to ensure the physical activity) but generally livelihoods. accessibility and availability of falls in the range of 40-70 grams a variety of high-quality and per day for adults across the Pathways to achieving optimal nutritious plant proteins for globe.21 In Europe, North America protein intake and balance differ people across different cultures and an increasing number of according to the development and incomes. developing regions, many people level and sociocultural habits of different regions. In many In the plant protein today consume more protein developed regions, like the workstream, we identify and than biologically necessary. This Europe and United States, support the best solutions overconsumption of proteins balancing protein intake requires to scale-up a variety of plant parallels a greater consumption a reduction in animal protein proteins globally, promoting of animal proteins instead of plant consumption. In other regions, a sustainable and healthy proteins. such as Africa and India, which balance of plant and animal In Europe, the share of protein have a high plant protein intake,26 proteins. Together with from animal sources (meat, eggs, the challenge is to ensure the our members, we focus on dairy) compared to total protein population can maintain or driving the specific solutions increased from 48% in 1960 improve access to an optimal where we can achieve the to over 60% in recent years.22 mix of protein sources along with highest potential impact Rising levels are also occurring in socioeconomic growth. through collaboration. China, with an enormous global impact.23 Generally, the dietary From an agricultural perspective, share of animal protein – and data shows sufficient global specifically meat protein – grows protein production to satisfy in step with increasing GDP; the basic needs of the world’s the various socioeconomic growing population; however, explanations for this are related important issues remain, to higher per person income, including diversity of available urbanization and accessibility.24 foods, food waste across supply With this increase in protein chains, maintaining farmer consumption, and specifically livelihoods in rural areas, as well proteins from red meats, come as equity and access to high- higher environmental impacts – quality protein in low-income on climate, land and biodiversity populations.27,28,29 – and can have a detrimental impact on health.11,25 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 7
WHAT IS A PROTEIN? A protein is a molecular structure absorption by the body. Plant extract and purify isolated plant- built out of amino acids that products can be complete based proteins and then use them is fundamental to life. Protein proteins on their own (e.g., quinoa as an ingredient in a plant-based provides nitrogen, energy and or soy) or act as complementary product. Extracting proteins amino acids that are essential protein sources. This is important from plants can help facilitate to building and maintaining the for diets high in plant proteins digestibility and absorption functioning of cells, tissues and because different types of plants by the body. organs. There are 20 amino acids have different amino acid profiles that are the building blocks for all and digestibility. Thus, consuming A trade-off to protein isolation is proteins. There are nine essential diverse plant foods can help that, depending on the food that amino acids that the human body to obtain complete amino acid receives the protein, it may not cannot make and thus that we profiles, for example by combining provide other nutrients contained need to obtain from food. Both legumes with cereals, such as in whole plant-based food, animal and plant proteins provide lentils with rice.30 Whole plants such as fibers, antioxidants all 20 amino acids, including the (e.g., whole grains, nuts and seeds, and micronutrients. nine essential ones. fruits, vegetables and legumes) In the recently published can also offer beneficial fibers, A “complete protein” refers to a Food and Land Use Coalition phytonutrients, antioxidants and source of protein that contains report (FOLU),33 health aspects other micronutrients; diets high in all essential amino acids that related to food consumption these whole plant-based foods are the human body can adequately and food production dominate associated with decreased risks of digest and absorb to meet its externalities (see Figure 2). non-communicable diseases.31,32 needs. Plant products have However, environmental aspects different amino acid profiles Another way to consume proteins related to biochemical flows and different digestibility and from plants is as plant-based of phosphorous and nitrogen protein isolates. Food companies exceeding planet boundaries surpass the externalities associated with GHG emissions. Figure 2: Hidden costs of global food and land use systems34 USD Trillions, 2018 prices The importance of nitrogen for the future of sustainable crops To produce proteins, plants need nitrogen. Nitrogen availability is a main limiting factor for crop growth, which is why fertilizers are key to increasing crop yield. Some plants (like most legumes) can also obtain nitrogen from the air through a process called nitrogen fixation, where microbes near the roots are able to convert nitrogen gas to a form usable to make proteins.35 There are a wide range of ways to make nitrogen available to crops, including: organic or synthetic fertilizers, plant engineering, and rotation with nitrogen- fixing plants. Diverse socioeconomic and environmental externalities can determine the methods used. Thus, to make plant proteins widely available and accessible, and to ensure environmental protection, careful consideration of nitrogen cycling and improving nitrogen efficiency is essential.36 8 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
2 State of the world and outlook for plant protein production and consumption Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 9
2 State of the world and outlook for plant protein production and consumption To understand the current Globally, maize, rice, soy, and 10% growth between 2019 global state of plant wheat make up nearly two-thirds and 2025, reaching a nearly protein production and of crops and human calorie USD $10 billion market size.39,40 consumption, it is important consumption.37,38 Producers In Europe, plant protein intake to pay attention to the types have scaled up soy, wheat, is on the rise in many regions, of plant protein foods and maize and rice production for especially in western and products, as well as their technological efficiency and to northern regions. Particularly regions of production and deliver processed foods with promising is the market for consumption. relatively long shelf-lives, resulting plant-based products positioned in generally high availability and as meat and dairy alternatives, Plant products, such as legumes, accessibility, along with high with annual growth rates of 14% cereals, roots, nuts and seeds, awareness and economic value and 11% respectively between contain plant proteins, as do across various markets. Moving 2013 and 2017.41 There has plant-based products made with beyond these primary global been a dramatic improvement protein isolates or concentrates. crops, there is an opportunity in the quality, nutritional profile Developed regions such as to diversify plant production to and appeal of these plant-based Europe and North America tend widen the range of ingredients, products in the last five years to consume more processed promoting nutrition, health and due to increased investment.42 plant-based products made the environment. Other relevant This growth in the plant-based from soy, wheat and corn, while sources of plant proteins product market represents new less industrialized areas often include nuts, pulses, roots, business opportunities for food consume a more diverse protein seeds and cereals. To scale up companies as well as for farmers, mix, with a higher consumption a more diverse array of plant agri-food industry players, food of plant products. proteins globally – especially service providers and retailers. in developed regions – there To achieve more sustainable Still, plant protein growth is a need to promote demand, food systems, there is a need projections show that they will availability and accessibility to scale-up healthy plant-based not be sufficient to meet the within the market. Today many products as alternatives to demands of a growing global of these plant proteins still have products sourced from animals population and socioeconomic relatively limited global production in more developed regions. development, which will and consumption, as well as At the same time, it is important place greater pressure on the a lack of markets, distribution to ensure that developing environment, human health and networks and, in some cases, regions maintain or achieve a society. Therefore, it is necessary manufacturing facilities able to healthy and sustainable balance to promote a sustainable process them for large-scale of nutritious plant-based and balance in the production and consumption. animal-based foods. consumption of a wide variety There are signs of growth of the of plant proteins. plant protein market in many developed countries. Market research predicts that plant protein sales, as alternatives to animal proteins, in the United States and Europe will achieve 10 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
3 Hurdles and levers to scaling up plant proteins globally Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 11
3 Hurdles and levers to scaling up plant proteins globally Adjusting protein intake and 1. Supporting a healthy and These correspond to five of the balancing its consumption sustainable transition to plant seven pathways identified in present tremendous social, protein production our CEO Guide to Food System environmental and business Transformation:43 opportunities. Nevertheless, 2. Increasing global demand there are a range of hurdles to for diverse plant proteins; • Transform agriculture while overcome in order to achieve restoring the environment; success, ranging from social 3. Reorienting policies and and regulatory to technological • Equitable value distribution; regulations; and financial. They impact the availability and accessibility of • Shift diets to be healthy 4. Reflecting the true value and sustainable; diverse plant proteins globally. of food with a long-term Over the past months, we perspective. • Accelerate policy and have been working alongside financial innovations; our members and others • Launch new business stakeholders, to identify four main models and value chain hurdles related to plant protein collaborations. development where joint action could unlock the food system:43 Figure 3: Seven pathways to Food System Transformation44 PRODUCTION CONSUMPTION Direct pathways 1 Transform agriculture while restoring the environment 3 Shift diets to be healthy and sustainable 2 Enhance equitable distribution of value 4 Minimize food loss and waste Enabling pathways 5 Build end-to-end transparency 6 Accelerate policy and financial innovations 7 Launch new business models and value chain collaborations 12 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
1. SUPPORTING The lever: Technology, 2. INCREASING A HEALTHY AND innovation and training can help support a food system GLOBAL DEMAND SUSTAINABLE that provides an optimized, FOR DIVERSE PLANT TRANSITION TO healthy and sustainable protein PROTEINS PLANT PROTEIN mix. Precision agriculture, censors, plant protein isolates, Shift diets to be healthy PRODUCTION processing technologies and and sustainable product fortification are all Transform agriculture while examples of technologies that The hurdle: While in developed restoring the environment, can help promote plant protein countries awareness of the equitable value distribution production and consumption benefits of plant proteins is and new business models at scale – if properly introduced growing, the overall demand and to farmers and food value chain appeal of diverse plant proteins in The hurdle: There is a need to foods, ingredients and products produce a wide variety of plant employees. Innovative business models, focusing for example remain limited compared to protein crops, ingredients and those made with animal proteins products that are sustainable on regenerative crop rotations that favor agrobiodiversity, can – particularly meat, eggs and and nutritious, as well as available dairy. Notwithstanding the critical and enjoyable to eat. Although help promote low-tech solutions to scaling up plant protein cultural role that animal-based businesses, manufacturers and foods play in many countries, retailers are investing in research production and consumption. But farmers require access to the still too slow shift to more and innovation in alternative plant-based food consumption protein product development, information and training, as well as to microloans and credits, is partially attributable to the fact from novel recipes and marketing that today’s food environment to advances in food processing to be able to adapt farming practices to achieve sustainable and regulations currently do not and biotechnology, much work favor plant protein options; for is still necessary throughout the plant protein production.46 Finally, better supply chain example, isolated retail placement plant protein value chain. Training, and labeling restrictions often pilot projects and resources are organization can contribute to improving competitiveness and lead mainstream consumers to emerging45 but many growers and believe plant protein foods and manufacturers still have limited the development of plant-based food innovations that overcome products are “niche foods” only knowledge and experience for particular consumer groups. in developing and producing texture and taste hurdles. a variety of sustainable plant Internally aligned strategies to The lever: To increase protein crops and products. build up capabilities, awareness demand for plant protein foods, Production cost variability and and education throughout ingredients and products, access to investments are also the whole value chain, from stakeholders should encourage major barriers to consider when farmers to retailers, are crucial the development of and transition dealing with growers. Moreover, to achieving this. Shifting to a food environment that there is a lack of processing businesses’ training priorities, as promotes plant proteins. This knowledge and capacity among well as pre-competitive action to must encompass social, physical technological, nutrition and meet the skills gap, will be key.47 and socioeconomic factors marketing teams for a wider that influence the availability variety of plant protein foods and accessibility of foods, as and products. well as people’s perceptions of which foods are acceptable and appealing. There is a need for regulators to develop clear, accessible guidelines, such Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 13
as revised dietary guidelines considering labelling regulations The lever: There is a need to on the benefits of eating more (e.g., fortification of organic plant- invest in the future of food and to plant proteins. Furthermore protein product). harness both ancient and cutting- governments, retailers and edge knowledge to improve foodservice companies The lever: It is necessary to the sustainability of agricultural have an important role to refocus policies to support production. Thus, it is necessary play in order to drive a shift in the transition to healthy and to consider the true value and perception and behavior. Finally, sustainable plant proteins that are true cost of food with respect food companies should be sensitive to regional economies to both positive and negative driving social change through (e.g., impact on livelihoods), externalities of the food system.51 product innovation, marketing health needs and environmental Investment may partly come from campaigns, appearance and taste considerations (e.g., water improving willingness to pay for improvements, labelling and sales scarcity and greenhouse gas foods produced more sustainably placement.48 For example, studies emissions). Governments can in countries where consumers show consumers are more likely revisit and realign policies are willing and able to do so. to buy a “vegetarian meal” if it is specifically related to fortification, Nevertheless, in order to reach not labelled as “vegetarian” and food labelling, taxes and the necessary global scaling is positioned as another tasty subsidies, with a shift to diets rich up of plant proteins, it is crucial option – in a restaurant or retail in a diverse array of plant proteins. that the financial sector directs shop.49 Policies can also help change investments to supply chains, the direction of investments in technologies, foods and products education, business and social 3. REORIENTING programs to promote plant made with plant proteins while concurrently realizing the benefits POLICIES AND proteins. Finally, governments of reduced risk and more stable REGULATIONS should redirect funding and subsidies to the production and long-term returns. Wherever the investments come from, when Accelerate policy and distribution of more sustainable transitioning to new production financial innovations and healthy plant protein foods systems, supporting farmers and products, enabling them to is crititcal. Farmers should not The hurdle: Regulatory and compete more fairly with animal- risk losing their livelihoods economic policies do not always based products on the market. if they change practices or support healthy and sustainable shift away from commodity proteins. Some organizations have introduced sustainable 4. REFLECTING THE crops – otherwise this replaces protein public procurement TRUE VALUE OF one problem (environmental degradation) with another policies, but progress is still FOOD WITH A LONG- (unemployment or poverty). slow overall and clear guidance is not yet available. Subsidies TERM PERSPECTIVE This is especially true when transitioning to regenerative and investments to expand Accelerate policy and practices that may reduce short- sustainable protein innovation financial innovations; launch term yields but improve yields still do not sufficiently support new business models and over the long term.52 mechanisms to encourage all value chain collaborations farmers to deliver a diversity of nutritious food and environmental The hurdle: Today’s economic benefits.50 Moreover, plant-based system focuses on short- product definitions and labelling term returns on investment regulations are inconsistent and commodity markets. across markets and often hinder Processing crops for use in the visibility and placement of plant protein-based products these products, such as meat or requires significant capital dairy alternatives. The need to investments and focus from both fortify many plant protein-based manufacturers and governments. products can also put these products at a disadvantage when 14 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
4 Mapping of existing initiatives Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 15
4 Mapping of existing initiatives INITIATIVES Considerations Title Author Partners Social/health RESEARCH INSTITUTES Breaking habits for Wageningen University Unilever; Wageningen Research to support the change of existing food the better: Behavioral University Research, Noldus habits or generate new food habits (e.g. from a change towards more Information Technology, meat to a plant-based diet) sustainable foods Kikkoman Europe Sharp Wageningen University Unilever, DSM, Friesland Development of a data platform to build models Campina for dietary shifts and collect case study on the role and impact of plant and dairy based meat replacers Plant Meat Matters Wageningen University Meyn, Avril, Givaudan, saturn Develop new technologies for the production of petcare, Nutrition&Nature, plant-based products with a texture and taste DVS, Unilever, Ingredion that would reach the next generation consumer expectations Alternative Meat Lab The Sutardja Center Research on “better” plant-based meat for Entrepreneurship & alternative products, providing consumers Technology (Berkeley similar taste and texture and high nutritional University) products Menus of Change The Culinary Institute Bring attention to protein, both animal- and of America (CIA) and plant-based and make plant-forward dining a Harvard T.H. Chan mainstream concept in the culinary profession School of Public Health and foodservice industry Better Buying Lab World Research Institute Google, Panera, Standford Develop strategies and a communication (WRI) University, Trinit, Quorn, Hilton, narrative to enable consumers to purchasing Sodexo, Sainsbury’s, Wrap, more plant-based foods Unilever, Pulse Canada, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council The Cool Food Pledge World Research Institute UNEP, Carbon Neutral Cities Support signatories to provide plant-based (WRI) Alliance, Health Care Without foods Harm, Practice Greenhealth, Climate Focus Meat: the Future World Economic Forum Accelerate the agenda for alternative proteins dialogues (WEF) with healthier and sustainable solutions such ase plant-based proteins a mainstream food Future Food Initative Bühler, Givaudan, Nestlé, ETH Zürich, EPFL Lausanne, Expand research and education in the area - A Swiss Research coordinated by the Worls Food System Center of food and nutrition sciences; the fellowship Initiative programme within the initiative aims at bringing together competences from academic and industrial research in this field. 16 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
A wide range of research projects and public-private partnerships on developing plant protein solutions and driving demand for plant-based diets, menus and products among consumers are already available. We have benchmarked the following ones in order to identify gaps and areas where further collaboration could drive a food system transformation. Focus Link Environmental Economical Global EU National Develop new and reformulated https://www.noldus.com/projects/ (sustainably sourced and breaking-habits-better X produced) food products https://www.wur.nl/en/project/ Scientific-knowledge-base-and- X data-platform-for-modelling- SHARP-Diets-.htm Develop new techologies for Develop new techologies for https://www.wur.nl/en/Research- the development of plant- the production of more cost- Results/kennisonline/AF16011- based analogues with a lower effectively plant-based proteins X Plant-Meat-Matters.htm environmental impact than animal-based products Provide the food industry new https://www.foodnavigator.com/ meat alternatives, including plants, Article/2017/08/22/Berkeley- insects, in-vitro meat X researchers-seek-actionable- solutions-at-alternative-protein- lab Support foodservice industries and http://www.menusofchange.org/ the culinary professions to develop long-term strategies on plant-based proteins, integrating optimal nutrition X and public health, environmental stewardship and restoration, and social responsibility concerns Develop science-based Develop strategies to support https://www.wri.org/our-work/ metrics, targets and methods companies, restaurants, food project/better-buying-lab/ to help the food industry retailers, bars to communicate measuring and monitoring the about plant-based proteins; X environmental impact of the develop new techologies to foods they source and sell to formulate completely plant-based consumers dishes Support signatures to make Develop a platform to help https://www.wri.org/our-work/ responsible choices and to facilities to track the environmental project/cool-food-pledge reduce their environmental impact of the food they serve X impact through the integration of more plant-based foods Highlight the environmental Encourage multistakeholders to http://www3.weforum.org/docs/ costs of animal-based collaborate, combining the public White_Paper_Meat_the_Future_ proteins vs. plant-based and private sector to co-create Time_Protein_Portfolio_Meet_ proteins in order to provide new alternative proteins and to X Tomorrow_Demand_report_2018. sustainable and healthy set regulations on the definition of pdf; http://www3.weforum.org/docs/ proteins to a growing alternative proteins WEF_White_Paper_Alternative_ poulation Proteins.pdf The overarching goal is to develop solutions that address grand https://www.futurefoodtalents.org challenges, including sustainable packaging (for example the elimination of plastics) and affordable nutrition (for example Switzerland combatting deficiencies and starvation globally). Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 17
INITIATIVES Considerations Title Author Partners Social/health ALLIANCES Green Protein Alliance Alliance between 25 retailers, the catering industry, food Restore a sustainable and healthy balance in producers and 10 knowledge partners in the Netherlands, protein consumption focusing on the education supported by the Dutch Government and engagement of consumers in order to increase plant proteins’ demand The Protein Challenge Forum for the Future GAIN, Ahold Delhaize, Develop with chefs affordable plant-based 2040 Danone, Unilever, ingredients in menus, culinary training about Baxterstorey, Calysta, plant-based and rebalanced meal, good in taste Firmenich, Hershey’s, WWF, and texture. Support stakeholders to highlight the M&S, Evonik, Environment importance of plant proteins for health, nutrition Agency, Impossible, Nestlé, and environmental sustainability: create positive University of West London, messages, share stories and use the power of Volac, Waitrose, Tulip, Unilever food brands to empower consumers to make positive choices The Chef’s Manifesto The SDG2 Advocacy Engage in education, public relations, and media Hub outreach to increase visibility for plant-based foods and boost consumer acceptance The Protein Cluster Global platform for ingredient suppliers, food manufacturers and other stakeholders EIT Food Euopean initiatives collecting partners around Euope from Reduce plant-proteins “antinutritional factors” the industry community, academia, retailers (ANFs), develop a novel technology platform to improve the texture and taste of plant-based foods based on extrusion technologies Future 50 Foods Initiative led WWF and Knorr with the support of Bioversity Scale-up more vegetables, more plant-based International, Crops For the Future, EAT Foundation, sources of protein, more variety in grains, cereals Edelman, Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), Food and nutrient rich sources of carbohydrates; Reform for Sustainability and Health (FReSH), GAIN, Global design of plant-based recipes for schools and Crop Diversity Trust, Gro Intelligence, Oxfam GB, SDG2 canteens (e.g. Sodexo) Advocacy Hub, Wageningen University and Yolélé Foods INSTITUTIONS QualiFabaBean The German Federal Reduce the anti-nutritive substances and Ministry of Food and produce meal and concentrates based on field Agriculture beans The Eucleg Multidisciplinary European Union (Horizon Research Unit for 2020) Grasslands and Forage Crops (URP3F) Good Food Institute Team of scientists, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and lobbyists Mobilize millions of supportive consumers to encourage plant-based foods’ sale in stores, restaurants, and foodservice outlets UN (WHO,FAO, WFP, The UN leads researches on the healthy and UNGC) sustainable intake of proteins, with also a focus on plant-proteins (e.g. Global Agreement on Sustainable Diets) OTHER European Plant Based The Village by CA North Partners Protein Award of France and by CA Champagne-Bourgogne 18 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
Focus Link Environmental Economical Global EU National Scale up sustainable protein Engage businesses to make the The http://greenproteinalliance.nl/ alternatives such as plant transition happen Netherlands homepage-2018-engels/ proteins Lead industries to take action on https://www.forumforthefuture. key areas to scale up a sustainable org/protein-challenge; https:// and healthy production and www.forumforthefuture. consumption of protein org/Handlers/Download. X ashx?IDMF=026a4509-ecf6- 400a-b176-7e33ad649813 Promote and support the plant-based http://www.sdg2advocacyhub. foods industry to a fair and competitive org/chefmanifesto X marketplace for alternatives to animal ingredients and products Enable stakeholders to expand https://www.theproteincluster. their business and meet changing com/ consumer demands towards healthier and more sustainable plant-based products Develop projects and technologies https://www.eitfood.eu/eit-food- to provide economically viable projects/ and environmentally sustainable products from fava bean as well as to increase the texture and taste of plant-based foods Create products that will be sold https://www.knorr.com/uk/ through retail and food service future50report.html channels with programmes to scale-up X plant-based foods through inspiration, education and increased access Scale up sustainable protein Provide food industry with high http://greenproteinalliance.nl/ alternatives such as plant quality and nutrient faba beans Germany homepage-2018-engels/ proteins http://www.nouvelle-aquitaine- X China poitiers.inra.fr/en/All-the-news/ Eucleg Promote sustainable plant- Educate grant-making institutions, based foods with a lower corporations, and governmental environmental impact bodies about plant-based foods’ R&D X and support companies producing clean and plant-based products X meet tomorrow’s challenges in the http://plantbased-protein-awards. field of plant-based proteins and ca-norddefrance.fr/#awards closely support start-ups offering France innovative solutions in the field of plant-based products Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 19
INITIATIVES Considerations Title Author Partners Social/health ASSOCIATIONS, FOUNDATIONS AND NGOs Alternative Protein Fund PBFA (Plant Based 147 company members Take a public health approach to getting and Foods Association) educating people to eat more plant-based foods while ensuring that great-tasting plant- based foods are widely available, convenient, and affordable EUVEPRO (European ADM Specialty Ingredients Vegetable Protein (Europe) B.V, Beneo GmbH, Association) Cosucra Groupe Warcoing SA, Dupont, Ingredion Germany GmbH, Roquette ENSA (European Association of plantbased Contribute to mainstreaming plant-based foods Plant-Based Foods foods manufacturers (Alpro, for healthier and more sustainable diets Association) Sojasun, Liquats vegetals, Nutrition et Santé, Valsoia, Amidori, Gold&Green, Quorn) Less is More Greenpeace Member cities Education program for cities and universities around the world to promote plant-rich meals and meat reduction Protein Highway Industry, academia and government Starch Europe Trade association of 27 EU starch producing companies GEPV (Groupe Association of 10 members Inform the general publicon the development of d’Etudes et with a plant protein plant proteins de Promotion production, distribution or de Protéines marketing activity in France Végétales) Protéines France Consortium of French Support communication and information related enterprises, cooperatives, to market introduction of innovative products distribution, innovation and research centers active in the plant-based and alternative proteins sector Sojaxa Association of soyfoods Support the production and promotion of of healthy manufacturers in France and sustainable soy based products Pulse Canada National association of growers, traders and processors of Canadian pulses 20 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
Focus Link Environmental Economical Global EU National Invest leading start-ups working to create https://agfunder.com/invest/ X plant-based meat alternatives protein-fund/ Outreach to retailers to expand shelf https://plantbasedfoods.org space for plant-based foods, as well as help food service directors offer more plant-based options. Change the debate X on important public policy issues such as the dietary guidelines in order to elaborate practices that support plant- based products’ scale up Support manufacturers and distributors https://euvepro.eu of vegetable proteins for human consumption in the European Union, X increasing recognition in European, national and international legislation, of vegetable protein products Raise awareness about plant-based http://www.ensa-eu.org products amongst policymakers and advocate for fair treatment for the X emerging plant-based sector Engage cities, local governments, or https://lessismore.greenpeace. public institutions (like universities, org/cities/ X schools or hospitals) to include at least one vegetarian meal per week Promote partnership in research, business https://proteinhighway.wixsite. Canada development and innovation for the com/protein-hwy/about-us and development of the alternative protein USA sector Promote and protect the reputation of https://starch.eu starch products and the interests of EU starch producers to EU and international institutions and stakeholders, in order to X assure a reliable and sustainable supply of safe starch based ingredients in a fair competitive environment Promote the development of plant http://www.gepv.asso.fr/ proteins by participating actively in a Default9e79.html?lid=7 better knowledge of these products; provide professionals of the food- France processing industry of the informative, technical and educational tools Federate, promote and represent the http://www.proteinesfrance.fr French plant-based and alternative proteins value chain; ease the development and public support of France innovation projects; facilitate investment in industrial plants; encourage the creation and development of start-up https://www.sojaxa.com Contribute to the profitability of the http://www.pulsecanada.com Canadian pulse industry through programs designed to deliver innovative Canada solutions that improve efficiencies and increase value of plant proteins Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 21
INITIATIVES Considerations Title Author Partners Social/health Protein Industry Canada Global Plant-Based Cooperation between the Raise the bar on sustainability, nutrition, taste, Food Eco-System industry community and value chain, more eco-friendly production public partners methods and regulation BMGF (Bill & Melinda Deliver nutritious, appealing, affordable, and Gates Foundation) accessible proteins ingredients to consumers underserved by markets, with a focus on affordable plant based protein Terres Univia Organisation representing French oilseed and oil fruit sector (oil seed rape, sunflower, soya, linseed, olive) and French legume seed sector (field pea, faba bean, lupin, lentil, chickpea, alfalfa) interests Barilla Foundation Fosters change towards healthier and more sustainable diet, by promoting a higher consumption of plant-based food Eat Plants. For a Change The Alpro Foundation Platform for academics, health care professionals and key Support research and innovation on plant- stakeholders based nutrition and its nutritional and environmental values The Soy Nutrition Collaborative organization of the United Soybean Board Provide evidence-based information on the institute and soy industry leaders, including global corporations and impact of soybeans and soy components on national associations human health through a variety of education and outreach efforts 22 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
Focus Link Environmental Economical Global EU National Work with private sector Challenge Canadian businesses to industry partners to create co- collaborate with other businesses, investment projects that have and post-secondary and research the potential to transform institutions to create new projects the agriculture and food on high-quality plant-proteins production sector Focus on R&D, innovation, production, quality with food brands, food ingredient brands, X technology brands, and research background https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ X what-we-do/global-development/ nutrition Facilitate interactions between France http://www.terresunivia.fr/terres- producers and processors to univia-en promote the development and the use of oilseeds and associate products and undertake activities of collective interest action Provide recommendations to public https://www.barillacfn.com/en/ decision makers and maintains magazine/food-and-sustainability/ an ongoing dialogue with its do-healthy-diets-protect-the- X stakeholders by providing food planet/ related multidisciplinary studies and highlighting best practices https://www.ciwf.com/your-food/ plant-based-alternatives/ X https://www.alprofoundation.org X Identify and determine soy and https://thesoynutritioninstitute.com/ health research priorities and about/ facilitate the development and USA funding of targeted research projects The table lists a wide range of the taste and texture of plant and supporting farmers overall initiatives led by associations, protein products and consumer in the production of crops as a alliances and institutions focused appreciation of these products. source of proteins. on the development of plant Yet, there are only a limited number proteins in foods and products as of initiatives addressing the This benchmark analysis is an well as on increasing consumer following critical solution areas: important contribution to the awareness and demand for a promoting a supportive regulatory identification of the most urgent variety of protein sources. In environment; stimulating the and impactful business solutions addition, a number of activities production of diverse plant crops that FReSH can support to focus on ways to improve through sustainable agriculture; accelerate the scaling up of plant proteins. Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 23
5 Solution spaces In order to overcome the main hurdles related to plant protein scaling up and to fill in the gaps among existing initiatives, FReSH supports company transformation efforts to across the following four solution spaces: 1 2 3 4 CULTIVATE: ENABLE: PULL: INSPIRE: Build a thriving, Engage investors, Create the Develop and sustainable businesses and market promote a supply of plant policy-makers to conditions to global narrative proteins from support dietary increase plant to positively the ground up shifts protein demand position plant using sustainable proteins agriculture ENABLE: Engage investors, of a global plant protein a whole set of changes in the businesses and policy- production and consumption food environment – or the context makers to support dietary shift, in particular by: in which we produce, provision shifts and consume food. • Developing a set of supportive policy asks to Food value chain companies, Business should not and cannot advocate for in key events; within FReSH and individually, act alone to promote more should create the market sustainable and diverse plant • Communicating to other conditions enabling plant proteins. It is essential to reform businesses, suppliers or protein consumption, in today’s policies to support customers of individual particular by: more diverse and sustainable companies about the need agricultural systems while to scale up plant proteins; • Investing in innovative promoting marketing of the and plant-based protein next generation of nutritious products with positive and sustainable plant-based • Engaging investors through nutritional and sustainability foods and products. In addition, various individual and profiles – creating product investors will be instrumental in multistakeholder channels. appeal and options; driving this shift to plant proteins, both through direct financial • Sharing knowledge and support of emerging plant-based PULL: Create the market case studies on consumer products as well as by prioritizing conditions to increase plant behavior change in relation more sustainable food system protein demand to plant proteins, including investments. For example, the communication and introduction of carbon and Creating the conditions for marketing tools; and water pricing could help identify success goes beyond building investment opportunities that • Implementing changes awareness of the benefits of support a shift to plant proteins. throughout supply chains, plant proteins. It is necessary from fork to farm – i.e., from to understand the drivers of Food value chain companies, retail and restaurants to consumer behavior and demand within FReSH and individually, farm, to facilitate consumer with respect to plant proteins should engage policy-makers, access to plant-based in different markets. Nudging businesses and investors to foods. consumers towards healthy and support the development sustainable food requires 24 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
INSPIRE: Develop and CULTIVATE: Build a thriving, Food value chain companies, promote a global narrative sustainable supply of plant within FReSH and individually, to positively position plant proteins from the ground should support farmers in proteins up using sustainable scaling up the sustainable agriculture production of diverse plant- To promote plant protein based proteins, in particular by: production, transformation and To transform the food system • Sharing best evidence of consumption, it is necessary to and shift to more sustainable sustainable plant protein positively position them using a and healthy outcomes, there production practices and renewed collective narrative, both must be on-the-ground efforts impacts across members within and beyond industry. An to transition and support farmers and relevant business units; internal business communication with a more equitable system that plan can help ensure managers creates longer term solutions. • Coordinating messages and executives within relevant A key lever of success for any to existing influential industries are aware of the need to sustainable dietary shift is to groups (business, policy- promote diverse diets high in plant move away from agricultural makers, extension services proteins. Among growers, food systems that degrade land and structures) to orient producers and food manufacturers, ecosystems, overconsume research and extend and this global narrative will be resources, and offer a limited advance efforts to promote instrumental in raising awareness number of crops for global plant-based proteins; of the benefits of plant proteins consumption. Promoting the and will drive a sense of urgency to growth of diverse plant crops • Adapting business produce and promote plant protein through sustainable agriculture strategies and decision- foods, ingredients and products. can be a way to readdress and making to prioritize the Finally, to raise awareness among adapt to consumer needs and to production or sourcing of the population, the narrative help create a more resilient food sustainable plant-based should position plant proteins as system that is less dependent on proteins. an appealing and attractive option, fossil resources and enhances part of a healthy, fun and social the equitable distribution of lifestyle. The role of policies is value across the value chain. fundamental here to support public More specifically, regenerative education campaigns and the agriculture can be a way to build, integration of such a healthy and from the ground up, a revived sustainable diet into the national food system able to provide a school curricula. diverse array of plant proteins. For example, legumes can play a Food value chain companies, key role thanks to their capacity within FReSH and individually, to naturally fix nitrogen from the should develop a strong narrative air, increasing soil fertility and on the positive role played reducing fertilizer use. by plant-based products and amplify its outreach, in particular by: • Building synergies with existing global initiatives53 on various communication tools and events; • Integrating that narrative into brand positioning and communication/marketing efforts. Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 25
6 Conclusion 2019 has sounded the alarm for In order to achieve a successful To that aim, society at large must the need to urgently transform food system transformation, we accept and implement the shift the food system to sustainably must develop a comprehensive to the wide-scale production and feed a growing population set of credible, high-impact consumption of plant proteins. expected to reach over solutions across these pathways In particular, business must 10 billion by 2050. Consumers, in relation to proteins – with urgently take bold action along stakeholders and even careful consideration of the the following four axes: creating governments are increasingly different sociocultural and the market conditions to increase expecting business to take economic environments. On plant protein demand; developing action, yet none of the scientific one side, we must deliver more and promoting a global plant or economic reports produced nutritious foods from a healthy protein narrative; engaging to date highlight why and where and sustainable mix of plant and policy-makers, businesses and business should lead. animal sources to the 2 billion investors; and building a thriving, people living in moderate or sustainable supply of plant In WBCSD’s CEO Guide to severe food insecurity. proteins from the ground up using Food System Transformation On the other side, in most sustainable agriculture. launched in October 2019,54 developed countries, we need seven pathways were identified to significantly reduce and partly More generally, societies need for business action on food replace the production and to reinvent the food environment system transformation, including: consumption of animal protein- and food-related businesses agricultural transformation while based foods and products in ways that deliver accessible, restoring the environment; – particularly red meat – with affordable and enjoyable, healthy enhancing the equitable plants and plant protein-based and sustainable food to everyone, distribution of value; dietary shifts alternatives. while contributing to thriving to be healthy and sustainable; communities. We will provide accelerating policy and financial concrete suggestions on how innovations; and new business to achieve this in the FReSH models and value chain Roadmap that we will publish at collaborations. the end of 2020. 26 Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation
Plant proteins: a key lever to accelerate food system transformation 27
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