Alternative proteins can play a key role in the transition to a more secure food system but only if the government works to support the sector, according to new analysis.
Sales of plant-based meat products have stalled of late and the UK risks losing the reputation it has established as a world leader in the sector, Green Alliance said in a new briefing paper.
The environmental think tank highlighted a number of reasons why the UK Government should support the plant-based meat sector, including affordability, health and investment.
Historically, meat alternatives have commanded a price premium over their meat equivalents. In the past year, however, the price of meat has increased faster than plant-based options in every category, besides bacon, at a major retailer (Tesco) studied by researchers. Some plant-based products are now cheaper than their meat equivalents, particularly those like beef for which the market price has spiked signicantly in the past year.
On health, Green Alliance said replacing 20% of meat eaten weekly by the average person with plant-based options would increase fibre intake by 4% and reduce saturated fat by 2%, without increasing salt or sugar intake.
Inward investment is another benefit that can be unlocked with analysis showing every £1 of government funding for the plant-based food sector has stimulated £1.92 of private investment. This means more private investment has been stimulated per pound of government investment into the plant-based food sector than in AI or in commercialising university research projects, according to the research.
There is also an opportunity for British farmers to grow the inputs needed to manufacture plant-based meat. Demand for peas could increase 23% if the government is successful in attracting more companies to the UK who use domestically grown inputs.
Among a series of recommendations, Green Alliance said the government should make growing the alternative protein sector a priority in delivering the goals set out in its recent food strategy, and also urged ministers to develop a growth plan for the horticulture sector.
To support future innovation, the government was urged to secure an exemption in the new UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary agreement so the UK retains the ability to approve new products containing novel ingredients which could enhance the taste and texture of plant-based meat products.
