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.
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 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
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
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…
Plant-based sales boast 21% growth since 2020
GFI Europe’s new analysis of NielsenIQ data from 13 countries finds sales of plant-based foods grew to a record €5.7 billion…
Investment in sustainable protein up 24% in Europe for 2022 despite global economic turbulence
New data reveals sustainable protein companies across Europe raised €579 million ($622 million) in investment last year – nearly 24% more…
Alt Protein Project: join the students driving sustainable protein research across Europe
Our Science and Technology Community Coordinator Martina Helmlinger on the exciting work of the Alt Protein Project and how students…
Money, mycelium and micronutrients: the most predicted sustainable protein trends for 2023
The predictions business is a tricky game, so we leant on collective wisdom to help us. Here are the top…
Building a sustainable protein future: GFI Europe’s Managing Director reflects on 4 years of impact
GFI Europe’s Managing Director Richard Parr MBE looks back on GFI Europe at four years old, all that has been…
Bio Base Europe – visiting the bridge over the innovation valley of death
The ‘valley of death’ is the name given to the dangerous early period for innovations and startups after seed funding…
10 times sustainable proteins won big in 2022
2022 has been another momentous year for plant-based foods, cultivated meat and fermentation.
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.
