New Study Reveals Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Proteins in Asia-Pacific Region

What is the future for sustainable protein in Asia-Pacific?

• With demand for protein rising in Asia-Pacific, there is a corresponding need to scale up plant-based meat substitutes.
• With demand for protein rising in Asia-Pacific, there is a corresponding need to scale up plant-based meat substitutes.
• Public-private partnerships can holistically facilitate the protein transition

The protein transition – the move towards plant-based meat substitutes – offers some of the most dynamic and disruptive trends in food innovation around the world. As demand for protein continues to soar in Asia-Pacific (APAC), there are key actions to consider in the near- and medium-term that stand to most strongly benefit farmers, consumers and our planet against this evolving landscape.

 

One of the primary opportunities for the surge in demand in APAC is to unlock investment for innovation, research and business models for a sustainable protein sector. China and Singapore have emerged as capital hotspots, providing support and growth for entrepreneurs and businesses. Innovation plays a vital role in enabling the sector shift towards pathways including sustainable intensification of the traditional protein sector, alternative or additional proteins, and consumer behaviour change. However, it's important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different practices will be necessary to meet the diverse needs country to country and the preferences of consumers across the region.

 

“Substituting red meat with soybean or other beans and introducing plant-based meats offer sustainable alternatives.”

 

Alternative proteins can address these challenges effectively. Substituting red meat with soybean or other beans and introducing plant-based meats offer sustainable alternatives. Additionally, promoting seafood and poultry as substitutes for red meat can bring about structural changes within animal-sourced foods.

 

For comprehensive insights, the 2023 China and Global Food Policy Report analyzes various options tailored for China. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the implications and potential strategies for addressing these issues.

 

“Governments are investing in low-carbon, regenerative agricultural technologies to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.”

 

Efforts are underway to change consumer behaviour through education and awareness of the environmental and health impacts of dietary choices. Chapter five of the 2023 China and Global Food Policy Report provides valuable insights on effective actions to that end.

 

Governments are investing in low-carbon, regenerative agricultural technologies to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. Initiatives such as precision agriculture, organic farming and agroforestry aim to mitigate the environmental impacts of animal-source protein production.

 

Public support is shifting to support the production of healthy and sustainable foods instead of subsidizing grain production. This includes supporting whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and other plant-based alternatives to meet protein demand while minimizing the environmental footprint.

 

Governments are incentivizing the private sector to invest in sustainable and healthy foods through taxation, subsidies and regulations. By creating a favourable environment, governments stimulate innovation and increase the availability of environmentally friendly and nutritious options.