The Plant-Based Opportunity

“The Plant-Based Opportunity" - A clear plant-based foods and proteins outlook for 2026-2035, with an investment budget of €3 Billion under 7 different innovation pillars for 75 projects, each with a budget. 

The industry outlook is a coalition of sector partners, European Alliance for Plant-based Foods (EAPF), Plant Based Foods Association, 

At FoodConNext Foundation, we have done the groundwork to collect all 75 projects and to get input from major food and protein manufacturers, research institutes, and universities. We are very grateful for their energy, commitment, and input. 👏 

The report sets out the key research and innovation priorities needed to unlock the full potential of Europe's plant-based food and protein sectors. 

The partners call for a coordinated effort to invest together at the European Commission, national, and regional government levels. Finance public-private projects together, choose and divide projects, focus, and get results! 

 The report provides a holistic, value-chain view of the plant-based sector, identifying where additional support is needed - from crop production and ingredient development to food technology, manufacturing scale-up, and consumer uptake. 

It structures these needs around 7 Innovation Pillars:

1. Consumer engagement & food environments

2. Health & nutrition

3. Sustainable products & circular bioeconomy

4. New roadmaps, supply chains & ecosystems

5. Better crops & raw materials

6. Harmonised methods & regulation

7. Digital innovation, AI & smart food systems

Across these pillars, the report:

 • identifies concrete research and innovation gaps,

 • highlights areas where current funding is fragmented or insufficient,

 • and outlines priority topics where coordinated public and public-private investment could deliver the greatest impact.

The report offers a practical framework for aligning research priorities with Europe's objectives on competitiveness, food security, sustainability, and public health. 

Download your copy of the report here: https://bit.ly/4rs1rIb

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