NEW TECH FOODS

The UK government has recognised alternative proteins as a strategic opportunity for economic growth and food system resilience in its newly published food strategy.

Published by Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs Daniel Zeichner, the strategy – Towards a Good Food Cycle – highlights the role of innovation, including plant-based meat and precision fermentation, in addressing a £14 billion productivity gap in the food and drink sector.

The report states the UK is well positioned to lead in alternative proteins thanks to its strong R&D and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Non-profit think tank the Good Food Institute Europe (GFI Europe) welcomed the move but called for more concrete support. It is urging the government to launch a £30 million innovation fund for plant-based food development, backed by UKRI and DEFRA.

GFI Europe also wants mandatory reporting on the proportion of protein sales that come from plant-based sources, aligning with wider health metrics set out in the government’s '10 Year Health Plan'.

Precision fermentation, already used in cheese production, is now being applied to develop animal-free egg and dairy proteins, as well as sustainable alternatives to palm oil and coffee.

Linus Pardoe, senior UK policy manager at GFI Europe, said: “Increasing the take-up of options like plant-based meat, which can provide people with a simple switch to reduce our current overconsumption of processed meat, is an excellent way of making the sustainable and healthy choice the default option for consumers".

“The food strategy represents a unique opportunity to capitalise on the expertise that has been developed in the UK over the last decade, and develop ambitious plans to unlock alternative proteins' potential to deliver food security, drive green growth and create new opportunities for food producers.”