b'Alternative Protein Growth is Skyrocketing. Are You Ready for it?Within the decade, the plant-based proteins sector is expected to grow to $140 billion. The industry ramps up for change.Alex MartinTHERES A NEW AREAof agricul- Hill. The reason why were so excitedbased foods based on health, sustainabil-ture thats growing at an extremelyabout this space, aside from the sustain- ity and animal welfare.fast pace. Its sustainable, but contro- ability and environmental benefits, is theCrisp says theyve seen significant versial to the seed industry at the samefact that its growing so fast. growth in this area largely due to a grow-time Did you guess what it is? Crisp categorizes alternative proteinsing middle class.Alternative proteins are quickly grow- as a level of growth unlike many in theIts our belief that the demand for ing in the meat market, so much so that byfood industry have ever seen, whichprotein in a global sense will continue to 2027, Meticulous Market Research predictsprovides plenty of opportunity for seedgrow irrespective of the medium through that theyll reach $27.05 billion. But whycompanies and tech companies alike. which its consumed, he says. Feed mar-are food companies looking into alterna- kets that fuel animal protein solutions and tive proteins so much, and why is theFueled by a New Mindset plant-based markets are both growing.market continuously growing each year? Over the past two years, Nicole SopkoHowever, Crisp says when they look at Alternative proteins, be it made fromsays plant-based food sales grew 43% the meat alternatives, it was accelerated soybeans, yellow pea or other ingredi- a whopping nine times faster than totalby the pandemic. ents, are proving to be a more sustain- food sales, up to $7 billion. I think its accelerated because were able option in comparison to the typicalSopko, vice president of Uptonsbecoming more aware of what we eat meats youd find in the grocery store.Naturals and president of the board for theand where it comes from, he says. So, They reduce the environmental burdenPlant-Based Foods Association, was one ofwere looking for more nutritious, more with less water use, land use, feed use andthe panelists at the American Seed Tradesustainable food solutions and ingredient greenhouse gas emissions, the researchAssociations (ASTA) CSS & Seed Expo onsolutions.report continues.alternative proteins on Dec. 6.In addition, Sopko says that 57% orThe plant-based protein categoryPlant-based foods grew 27% in 2020,71 million households purchase plant-offers us a unique opportunity and timewhich was over two times the growth inbased foods, which is up 4%, and 47% of to link the consumer interest with farmer2019, Sopko says. Consumers indicateAmericans are identifying as flexitarians. benefit, says Matt Crisp, CEO of Bensonthat they are motivated to purchase plant- Those who are actively seeking to 42/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2022'