We are proud to announce Larive International has been trusted by Oost NL, RVO, Topsector Agri & Food, Foodvalley NL, and NFIA to conduct a sector study on the Dutch ecosystem of alternative protein. The goal is to map the Dutch sector and its international ambitions, focusing on trade, innovations, and foreign direct investments.
Consumer interest in non-animal products, (meat substitutes or meat successors), has been increasing globally. The Netherlands is one of the frontrunners in providing innovative solutions. The total consumption of alternative protein in the Netherlands has grown from EUR 114.9 million in 2018 to EUR 180.5 million in 2020.
Alternative proteins can be divided into three major product categories, based on their production process:
- Proteins cultivated on land or sea, including beans, nuts, pulses, seaweed;
- New protein sources (industrial), including mycoproteins, cultured meats, and algae;
- Insects.
Otherwise, alternative proteins can be categorized according to the consumer products, e.g. ‘meat substitute, ‘fish substitute, ‘dairy substitute etc.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic awareness of the impact of food on health and environment has increased globally. In the first 7 months of 2020, the global market for alternative proteins grew by 129%.
By 2035, the share of alternatives in the meat, dairy, egg, and seafood market is estimated between 10% and 22%, depending on technological advancements and the supportiveness of consumers. Consumption is expected to increase more than seven times, leading to 97 million MT in 2035, to an estimated market of USD 290 billion. The American, Chinese and European markets are considered the largest.
This booming sector is an important strategic focus for Larive. This study will focus on both the current status of the Dutch market as well as the key drivers and motivators for internationalization. Organizations interested in this field or open to contribute to the study, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].