Special Session: SGS - Alternative Foods – A Safe, Sustainable & Nutritious Future?

The presence of alternative foods in the marketplace is increasing, from plant-based alternatives, to the upscaling of cultured meat and even the use of insects as an alternative source of protein.  It is estimated that the plant-based meat substitute sector will grow by approximately 7% annually to nearly $6.5 billion by 2023 and the global dairy alternatives market will reach $37.5 billion by 2025.

What is behind the rise of these initiatives? Is it the industry creating new markets and opportunities, or is industry simply reacting to changing consumer demands? If the latter, what has changed to make alternative food sources acceptable and palatable to consumers? Is it the planet’s changing environment, from increased population, to the lack of sufficient agricultural land, that are the key drivers for this change?

What are the food safety and regulatory challenges, given the clear consumer expectation that these foods should be manufactured, processed, stored and transported under safe and sanitary conditions?

Understanding the market place and how the drivers are inter-related, is key to predicting if alternative foods is a short-lived fad or a continuing trend, changing the future landscape of food production.

This session will provide an overview of the current market for alternative foods and discusses present and future sustainability, food safety and regulatory challenges and opportunities in plant-powered food innovation.