The business of alternative protein
Rocketing consumer demand is driving huge investment in Europe’s plant-based, cultivated meat and fermentation sectors.
As an international NGO, the Good Food Institute Europe supports the food industry to make delicious and affordable plant-based meat available across Europe, and prepares the sector for the arrival of cultivated meat.
Europe sales data 2020-2022
Our analysis of Nielsen IQ data across 13 European countries shows sales of plant-based foods grew by 21% between 2020 and 2022 to reach a record €5.8 billion. Explore the data with breakdowns by country and category.
Building the roadmap to alternative protein success
Europe’s plant-based, cultivated meat and fermentation companies are growing rapidly. But to keep up the momentum and maximise its potential benefits for the environment, food security and public health, the alternative protein sector needs to be strategic.
GFI Europe has spoken to 26 investors, entrepreneurs and other industry experts from 10 countries about where the challenges are. Our findings will help the sector chart a course to success.
European alternative protein company database
Explore the landscape of plant-based, cultivated meat and fermentation companies in Europe. Use the database to stay up-to-date on new companies and products in the space, find a manufacturing partner, or identify groundbreaking startups.
Alternative protein manufacturers and brands
Use this database view to identify European companies producing plant-based, cultivated and fermentation-made meat, eggs, dairy and seafood.
Alternative proteins ingredient and equipment companies
Use this database view to identify European companies producing ingredients or equipment for plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-made meat, eggs, dairy and seafood. While a wide variety of inputs can be used for these products, companies are only included in the database if alternative protein applications are a key focus of the company.
Global company database
Visit GFI’s global company database to explore alternative protein companies around the world, add companies that aren’t on our list, or request updates to our data.
Resources for investors and industry
State of the industry: Germany
Exploring recent developments surrounding plant-based, cultivated and fermentation-made proteins in Germany.
Plant-based state of the industry report
Plant-based in 2021: new product development, investment analytics, scientific and technical advancements, consumer insights, regulatory developments, and more.
Cultivated meat state of the industry report
Cultivated meat in 2021: the commercial landscape, investment statistics, regulatory and industry developments, scientific progress, research priorities, and more.
Fermentation state of the industry report
Fermentation in 2021: the competitive landscape, innovation opportunities, product and ingredient applications, investment trends, regulatory status, and more.
Seafood industry update
The plant-based and cultivated seafood industry’s commercial landscape, investment, US sales data and consumer insights from 2021.
Techno-economic assessment of cultivated meat
Study of the cost of producing cultivated meat at scale, conducted by independent researchers CE Delft.
One-page explainer on the science of sustainable protein
How to explain the science of plant-based, cultivated meat and fermentation to the public in plain, accessible language.
Industry consultants
Find consultants who can offer insights to help you evaluate plant-based, fermentation and cultivated meat companies you’re considering investing in.
Our industry experts
Latest industry news
How public-private partnerships are accelerating alternative proteins: a case study from the North East of England
We visited mycoprotein pioneers Quorn Foods and the Centre for Process Innovation, home to the UK’s National Industrial Biotechnology Facility,…
Over 50% of Europeans are eating less meat, but taste and price remain biggest barriers to plant-based uptake
More than half of European consumers are eating less meat, but taste and price remain the biggest barriers to wider…
Alternative proteins in European food culture – chefs offer a serving of wisdom at Good Food Conference
Last week’s Good Food Conference was a fantastic opportunity to take stock of how far the global plant-based, cultivated meat…
How to overcome hurdles for plant-based and fermentation scale-up: a case study from Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park
With economic headwinds facing the food sector, conducting sorely needed research and development into healthy, sustainable foods is harder than…
On the path to net zero: 9 ways the UK can build a ‘world-beating’ sustainable protein ecosystem
Government should invest £78 million annually in research between 2025-2030 as part of its science superpower mission.
Europe has almost 50% of global protein fermentation capacity: here’s how to unleash its potential
A new report has shed light on Europe’s potential to become a world leader in producing sustainable food through fermentation…
Neuer Report empfiehlt die Umrüstung von Produktionsanlagen, um die steigende Nachfrage nach pflanzenbasiertem Fleisch zu decken
Ein neuer Report rät Unternehmen, die Fleisch auf pflanzlicher Basis herstellen, Anlagen und Gebäude aus anderen Bereichen der Lebensmittelindustrie umzurüsten…
Could retrofit of existing infrastructure help solve plant-based scalability?
A new report says plant-based meat companies should reuse equipment and buildings built for other parts of the food industry…
GFI’s global corporate engagement
GFI’s business experts work with investors and entrepreneurs across the private sector to advance the alternative protein industry and enable market breakthroughs. Learn more about their work.
