The business of sustainable 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.
Building the roadmap to sustainable 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 sustainable 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 sustainable 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.
Sustainable protein manufacturers and brands
Use this database view to identify European companies producing plant-based, cultivated and fermentation-made meat, eggs, dairy and seafood.
Sustainable 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 sustainable protein applications are a key focus of the company.
Global company database
Visit GFI’s global company database to explore sustainable protein companies around the world, add companies that aren’t on our list, or request updates to our data.
Resources for investors and industry
Seafood State of the Industry report
The plant-based and cultivated seafood industry’s commercial landscape, investment, US sales data and consumer insights from January 2020 to June 2021.
One-page explainer on the science of sustainable protein
A resource for journalists, companies and other communicators on how to explain the science of plant-based, cultivated meat and fermentation to the public – in just one sentence, or giving…
Fermentation State of the Industry report
Fermentation in 2020: the competitive landscape, innovation opportunities, product and ingredient applications, investment trends, regulatory status, and more.
Cultivated meat State of the Industry report
Cultivated meat in 2020: the commercial landscape, investment statistics, regulatory and industry developments, scientific progress, research priorities, and more.
Plant-based State of the Industry report
Plant-based in 2020: new product development, investment analytics, scientific and technical advancements, consumer insights, regulatory developments, and more.
Techno-economic assessment of cultivated meat
Study of the cost of producing cultivated meat at scale, conducted by independent researchers CE Delft.
Our industry expert
Carlotte Lucas leads our corporate engagement work, connecting with companies and investors across Europe to encourage investment and innovation in sustainable proteins.
Latest industry news
UK government invests in cultivated meat commercialisation
The UK government has invested £1 million to develop and commercialise stem cell lines, helping companies produce cultivated meat.
Almost half of European flexitarians want more plant-based options
Nearly half of European consumers who want to eat less meat by switching to plant-based products think not enough options are available.
COP26: Why world leaders need to be talking about sustainable proteins
GFI will be on the ground in Glasgow, encouraging national governments to include sustainable proteins – making meat from plants and cultivating it from cells – into their national plans.
Collaboration, capacity and craveability – building the roadmap to a sustainable protein future
GFI Europe’s new market research reveals the key challenges facing plant-based and cultivated meat in Europe
Infrastructure investment vital for plant-based and cultivated meat industries, according to new research
A study of Europe’s plant-based and cultivated meat industries has found infrastructure investment is required to help the sector expand.
Nomad Foods partners with cultivated seafood startup BlueNalu in ‘huge moment for our oceans’
GFI Europe welcomes collaboration that will “supercharge progress towards the commercialisation of cultivated seafood, and a truly sustainable seafood industry”.
McDonald’s UK launch of McPlant will ‘introduce more people than ever to sustainable food choices’
The Good Food Institute Europe responds to McDonald’s UK launch of a plant-based burger.
Record €2.6 billion invested in sustainable proteins in 2020 – 3x the amount invested in 2019
New data released today by the Good Food Institute reveals that globally, 2020 was a record period of investment in companies creating sustainable alternatives to conventional animal-based foods.
GFI’s global corporate engagement
GFI’s business experts work with investors and entrepreneurs across the private sector to advance the sustainable protein industry and enable market breakthroughs. Learn more about their work.