Meat alternative pressure boosts plant-based protein output

Consumers’ shift to sustainable eating has led to a 20% increase in Quorn’s sales in the past two years, which resulted in double-digit growth and a record turnover of £141M, said Tim Finnigan, head of research and development at Quorn.

Health was the main reason for the shift, but the horsemeat scandal, animal welfare worries and food safety concerns had also boosted demand, he added.

Quorn had always showed growth but, in the past couple of years, something else had driven consumers towards its products, said Finnigan.

‘Global transition’​

“What we’re seeing is a global transition to more plant-based diets,” ​he claimed.

Vicky Upton, marketing controller at Alpro UK, echoed Finnigan’s claims and said the meat-free plant protein sector had shifted from a niche market to one with mainstream appeal.

“One in five households now buys plant-based foods regularly,” ​said Upton. “There is now increased demand from shoppers looking for these healthy plant-based options.” ​

More than a third (35%) of UK consumers were attempting to eat less meat, according to a recent YouGov poll.

The same poll showed 20% of consumers were also eating less meat than a year ago.

Rising cost of meat​

As well as increased consumer demand, the rising cost of meat would drive more food firms and consumers towards plant-based proteins as a low-cost alternative, predicted Roger Roberts, food and drink industry specialist with PA Consulting Group.

“I believe the shift to plant-based foods will happen automatically, purely due to the economic and environmental benefits,” ​said Roberts.

“There’s no way we can continue eating meat and dairy products as we are. The transition will be an inevitable result of the gross inefficiencies of animal-based production.”​

Many companies have already developed convincing novel plant-based alternatives to tuna, minced beef and chicken. To find out more, read our Meat of the Future​ feature.