A report by Bloomberg Intelligence made rosy forecasts for the plant-based market in 2021. Specifically, it stated that the value of this market will soar from $29.4 billion in 2020 to $162 billion in 2030, accounting for 7.7% of the global protein market within a decade.
The importance of this trend is reflected in the number of new products entering the plant-based market, some of them, by the way, very surprising. Below we take a look at some of the new launches in this sector, which may also have a great place in the run-up to the Christmas period.
Nestlé develops a vegetable alternative to foie gras
Foie gras is a classic in many European households and Nestlé did not want to miss the opportunity to launch its own analogue. Just six months after its inception, Nestlé is starting to market Voie Gras in Spain and Switzerland under its Garden Gourmet vegan brand, albeit in very limited units. In a 180-gram format and priced at around 8 euros, it is made with vegetable fats, soya protein and a combination of ingredients such as miso, yeast, toasted sesame and mushroom powder, as well as oil with white truffle aroma.
MeliBio is preparing to conquer the European market with its 100% plant-based honey
US-based MeliBio has partnered with organic food producer Narayan Foods to introduce its bee-free plant-based honey in Europe under the Better Foodie brand.
MeliBio’s approach to making bee-free honey is complex. To begin with, the start-up set out to understand how different plants affect different parts of honey. They took those plants and turned them into starting ingredients.
In terms of composition, it contains 30% glucose and 40% fructose.
Plant-based hybrids and cultured meats
It seems that the lines between meat analogues are becoming blurred and it is increasingly common to find proposals that mix different processes and ingredients. In this sense, consumer acceptance of certain products is being tested. One of the latest surveys was carried out in the United Kingdom to check the willingness to consume hybrid meat between cultured and plant-based. According to the results, around a third of respondents would be willing to try them, mainly millennials and gen Z.
Cheese is also reinventing itself
Some supermarket chains have added the classic and convenient cheese board to their offer, but adapted to the plant-based market.
Plant-based brie, vegan cheddar, and fruity Wensleydale are among the dairy-free delights offered by Aldi on its cheese board. Morrisons, on the other hand, has added Wensleydale & Cranberry, Cheddar with Jalapeno & Chilli, Smoked Cheddar and Mild Cheddar.