Discover three ways to keep one step ahead of the plant protein market

The global plant protein market is soaring. Some, like Bloomberg Intelligence, expect it to surpass $162 billion by 2030.

In many Asian countries, plant protein has served as a staple for thousands of years. Whereas much of the West only discovered its many forms and facets relatively recently – currently focusing on creating products with plant proteins, like burgers that taste similar to the meat original.

This reflects pressing concerns about the environment, animal welfare and our health. As a result, demand for and awareness about plant protein are growing fast. This highly dynamic market is constantly moving, and it can seem hard to keep up. Therefore, it is essential to master the risks of lagging behind. Brands and companies of any size have every reason to avoid making mistakes and seize the exciting opportunities on the horizon. Let’s take a closer look at the market from every angle.

Consumers of plant and alternative protein
1. Know your consumers
and proteins
Consumer culinary trends
2. Dive into
culinary trends
Plant protein innovation ecosystem
3. Innovative
ecosystems

1. Get to know your consumers and proteins

Consumers expect a lot and feel more than a little mistrust when it comes to plant protein. With good reason. In the past, some plant alternatives failed to fulfil their health (and taste) promises. And it continues today. Complex regulations and an array of labels can create confusion. All the more reason to reach out and really listen. This could mean online surveys, following social media trends or organizing product tasting sessions. The more insights, the better.

As well as anticipating consumer trends, we can also use high-quality sensory research to get to grips with taste drivers for your product. As artificial intelligence and advanced modeling progress in leaps and bounds, extraordinary possibilities exist to dive deeper and even predict how customers will react. And, when combined with sensory expertise, develop actionable solutions.Dr. Katja Tiitinen, Director Sensory and Consumer Insights EAME, Flavor Division

2. Deep dive into culinary trends

When developing a plant protein, it is easy to forget the bigger picture. So, take a step back and look for inspiration beyond your brand. The culinary world represents a great place to start. For example, by connecting with chefs who are influencing customers and creating demand for plant protein alternatives. Resources and platforms for culinary professionals, like StarChefs, nurture upcoming talent, and also offer the opportunity to glean more insights and understand taste trends.

Our Global Trend Report explores and condenses the latest culinary inspirations across different categories through field interviews in global food hotspots. This kind of collaborative tool is a great way to create new “on-trend” products via collaborative workshops. Working with consultant chefs and developing an internal chef network also brings culinary expertise and experience into the mix.Dylan Thompson, Sr. Marketing & Consumer Insight Manager, Flavor Division

3. Capitalize on an extraordinarily innovative ecosystem

The plant protein market brings together a multitude of talents and technologies. Upstream, solutions, like ProtiScan™, make it easier to identify the right proteins for each application and balance off-notes. Further downstream, ambitious startups looking for new ways to mimic animal products are flourishing.

Our startup hubs in Israel, Germany and Singapore are designed to support exactly this kind of innovation. Such a diverse, innovative, and dynamic ecosystem creates exhilarating opportunities to stay ahead and reach the market more quickly. This may mean teaming up at an earlier stage in the design process and developing two-way relationships drawing on the expertise and experience of different partners. Or even co-creating the next generation of plant-based protein.Florian Herkner, Global Growth Platform - Plant Based, Flavor Division

If you feel ready for the challenge, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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