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
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 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
Most consumers in western Europe want alternatives to conventional meat, survey shows
Consumers are cutting down on conventional meat across major European countries while interest in plant-based and cultivated meat is growing, a new survey has found.
How sustainable proteins took centre stage at a meat industry trade fair
GFI Europe attended IFFA, the world’s largest meat industry trade fair, to encourage the sector to get involved with plant-based and cultivated meat.
Plant-based meat sales up 19% to record €2.3 billion in western Europe, report shows
GFI’s latest state of the industry reports show plant-based meat sales climbed to record highs across Europe in 2021.
Meet the researcher: Parag Acharya on building a one stop shop for sustainable proteins
Dr Parag Acharya from the University of Greenwich shares his advice for researchers interested in sustainable proteins.
European sustainable protein sector raises €2.2 billion as market matures
New data released today by the Good Food Institute reveals sustainable protein companies across Europe raised more than €2.2 billion throughout 2021.
Beyond Veganuary – what are this year’s sustainable protein trends?
As the range of delicious plant-based options available across Europe expands, we look at what this year’s Veganuary launches tell us about what to expect from sustainable proteins in 2022.
Our favourite moments from a breakthrough year
2021 was a breakthrough year for plant-based foods, cultivated meat and fermentation.
A cow’s worth of protein every two minutes – how fermentation could feed millions
It might get less attention than some of the latest plant-based and cultivated meat innovations – but its flexibility, low production costs and the sheer simplicity of its inputs mean…
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.
