It’s not just a vegetarian/vegan niche anymore. These days it seems like everyone from the big brand names to small local businesses are launching their own line of alternative meat products. While the invention and entire mock meat market isn’t exactly new, it’s been on an indisputably meteoric rise in the last decade.
The first notably recorded plant-based meat to be manufactured was in 1877 by the Kellogg brothers called “Protose”. However, many of the leading plant-based meat brands you know today made their start back in the early 2000s – Gardein, Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat, you name it.
So what’s changed in the last few years? How did plant-based meats get catapulted into the mainstream in only less than half a generation?
In this analysis, we’ll examine the key factors as to why more businesses are launching their own plant-based meat (and how you can too).
Why More Consumers Are Choosing Plant-Based Meat Over Traditional Meat
People Are Looking For Healthier/Plant Protein Alternatives
There's always been a health-conscious consumer market. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more consumers want trusted foods with transparent supply chains and diligent food safety records. Concerns about cross-species disease spread and immunity building have become common focuses aswell.
With increased chronic diseases and rising allergies that can be traced to antibiotic and hormone-injected farmed animals, these issues have only become a greater priority. Overall, plant-based substitutes contain fewer calories, less saturated fat, more fiber, and ZERO cholesterol.
More government programs for increased plant-based accessibility are being implemented to improve cardiovascular health and lower cancer risks among citizens. Such policies have been and will continue to be key in creating the large-scale systemic changes necessary for alternative protein commercialization – making it more attainable for both businesses and consumers.
More Consumers Want Planet-Friendly Products (and are willing to pay for them)
The impact of sustainable food choices has become a major priority for consumers. Research shows plant-based meat has 89% less environmental impact than traditional meat across all categories - 91% lower than beef, 88% lower than pork, and 71% lower than chicken. Consumers are recognizing the severe unsustainability of these traditional meat practices.
Bar Chart Summary Of Traditional Meats vs Plant-Proteins Climate Impact
It’s also been found that consumers are primarily concerned about global warming (61%), deforestation (60%), and carbon emissions (58.4%) – reshaping purchasing decisions. Additionally, the annual Veganuary campaign has played an integral role in inspiring millions to try vegan diets, highlighting health, environmental, and ethical benefits.
The Ethical Concerns Surrounding Animal Rights
Animal welfare awareness has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. As technology connects people globally, consumers are increasingly exposed to the troubling realities of the industrial food complex, particularly in factory farming operations. Organizations like PETA, Mercy For Animals, and Anonymous For The Voiceless continue gaining online traction as this information spreads.
Additionally, the consciousness of social advocacy has been embraced by the current generation like never before. This ethical awakening, combined with greater media coverage of animal exploitation, has bolstered consumer demand for more compassionate meat alternatives.
Thus, offering people the ability to make food choices that match their ethical principles without compromise is critical to building a food system that respects what matters to today's consumers.
New Innovations Are Making It Faster & Easier Than Ever
Innovation in food processing technology has unlocked the possibilities in plant-based meat production at a mold-breaking scale. Currently, five key technologies lead alternative meat production: HPP, PEF, precision fermentation, 3D extrusion, and ultrasonic technology - each capable of altering protein structures that explore cutting-edge innovations in food design.
Digital integration and Industry 4.0 technologies have also accelerated product development cycles dramatically. While creating a new beef product might require two years, plant-based producers can adapt to changing consumer preferences within months or even weeks.
This presents a significant competitive advantage to plant-based meats, allowing manufacturers to respond to market trends, introduce new textures and flavors, and continuously improve meat substitute product formulas based on consumer feedback at an unprecedented speed.
The Blossoming Billion-Dollar Market Opportunity
The global plant-based protein market is projected to exceed $22.7 billion by 2031, especially in South and East Asia. Soy protein particularly dominates the market, accounting for 64.4% of the global value share, equating to approximately $14.63 billion.
Industry experts make it a point that meat substitutes aren't just for the minority population of vegetarians or vegans. Instead, the real opportunity in meat substitutes lies with mainstream consumers that are willing to try plant-based options so long as they're tasty, affordable, and nutritious.
Leading retailers have also begun creating "protein aisles", shelving both animal and plant-based products together rather than separating them. This reflects a profound shift in consumer demand and provides businesses a profitable path forward to accomplish the Triple Bottom Line.
How Can You Integrate Plant-based Meat Into Your Business?
Meet Cremer Sustainable Foods
Ciabatta Sandwich with Cremer Beef Patty
Navigating the competitive plant-based market requires a strategic approach. Cremer Sustainable Foods is an OEM manufacturer creating comprehensive plant-based protein solutions to offer everything your business needs to succeed in this rapidly growing sector.
Their plant-based meat substitutes feature a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits. With the latest in food innovations, Cremer offers customizable options that can be molded into patties, meatballs, or crumbles, providing the versatility your business demands.
Cremer’s state-of-the-art facilities in Singapore utilize advanced extrusion technology to create protein-rich products with authentic meaty textures. They've invested in sustainable production methods that reduce environmental impact while maintaining top-tier quality.
Key Benefits for Your Business:
• Cost-effective pricing, at nearly half the industry average
• No minimum order requirements
• Highest safety certifications, including Halal certification
• Both ready-to-use recipes and customizable formulations are available
• Personalized consultation services
How Can You Get Started?
Schedule your consultation today! Cremer’s experts will help you identify the perfect alternative protein solutions for your business needs, whether you're a restaurant looking to expand your menu or a brand developing new retail products.
Ready to create your plant-based meat that delivers on taste, texture, or affordability? Contact Cremer now to join the plant-based meat evolution!
References:
Plant-based protein Market | Global Industry Report, 2031 (no date). https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/plantbased-protein-market.html.
Pritchett, L. (2024) 'Plant-Based meat cuts environmental impact by 89%, study finds,' Plant Based News, 23 November. https://plantbasednews.org/news/environment/plant-based-meat-cuts-environmental-impact/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20plant-based%20meat%20uses,89%20percent%20less%20air%20pollution.
Alasi, S.O. et al. (2024) Exploring recent developments in novel technologies and AI integration for plant-based protein functionality: A review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154324000735.
Top Plant-Based Processing Technologies food Companies need to know | Steakholder (no date). https://www.steakholderfoods.com/blog/top-plant-based-processing-technologies.
