Report: Bridge2Food Protein Summit 2018

Report Background:

Demand for dietary protein is increasing both to meet the needs of a growing population as well as to suit changes in consumer preferences. Concern over future food security and sustainability related to protein supply and demand is increasing for global governments, industries, and agricultural value chains. More consumers are embracing plant foods in their diets. Plant-based protein is the primary key opportunity in this emerging category, making up the majority of both online searches and sales for ‘plant-based’ products. The ‘plant-based’ trend isn’t exclusive to dietary supplements and includes everything from food and beverage, to personal care goods, to pet supplements and bioproducts.  As the demand for plant protein ingredients increases, so does economic opportunity.

The Bridge2Food (B2F) Protein Summit 2018 was held in Lille France (October 25-26, 2018). This was the 11th year of the summit which included both a trade show and an extensive conference. The Summit focused on ‘Shifting Protein Strategies’. Although the agenda was highly geared to a European audience, there were many lessons to be learned. The EU food and ingredient industry is very sophisticated and global in nature. Some companies (example Roquette) began developing and commercializing plant-based proteins in the early 2000s. Engagement with the research community has been critical to the success of the EU protein sector.

From the information and data presented at B2F, this report provides an overview of 1) key European companies and protein products; 2) Canadian proteins of interest to global protein ingredient companies; 3) key European research organizations; 4) European and global food and protein initiatives and clusters; 5) Challenges in supplying protein ingredients to the European food industry; and 6) Other observations. The objective of the report is to inform Ag West, Protein Industries Canada (PIC) and their membership as to the EU protein landscape including government, industry and research initiatives, centers and clusters.

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