The Future of Plant-Based Meat: Opportunities and Challenges in Asia

 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, plant-based food has emerged as a significant global trend. This movement is driven by the growing awareness of how plant-based diets can improve personal health while contributing to sustainability.

As a result, the market has seen a surge in plant-based products, with a wide variety now available in market. From plant-based meats and seafood to plant-based burgers, virtually any food can now be made from plant-based ingredients. The plant-based meat industry has seen remarkable success stories with companies like Beyond Meat, Quorn, Impossible Foods, and Harvest Gourmet.

So, what exactly is a plant-based product? Essentially, it is a food product that contains non-meat-derived ingredients, relying solely on plant-based ingredients. These can include vegetables, beans, legumes, and even fruits – anything that isn't sourced from animals’ origin.

 

Now, you may be wondering: Is plant-based food just a passing trend or the future, especially in Asian countries? When plant-based foods first emerged in Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic, they had already become firmly established in European countries, thanks to early recognition of global sustainability issues.

 

From my perspective, the plant-based trend represents a significant future food movement, especially in light of recent health concerns, such as the influenza outbreak in Japan. Such events often prompt consumers to seek healthier dietary options, focusing more on nutritional value and ingredients. Moreover, the meat industry is facing supply challenges, making plant-based alternatives an attractive option for consumers looking for sustainable food sources.

However, the plant-based trend in Asia has yet to fully mature, primarily due to several challenges: 

• Dependence on Imports: Many raw ingredients for plant-based products, such as methylcellulose and fava bean TVP, are sourced from Europe, where there is greater expertise and advanced production technologies.

 

• High Production Costs: The manufacturing of plant-based products requires specialized equipment, like bowl choppers, to achieve the desired texture. This adds to the overall cost, making plant-based options more expensive compared to traditional meat and vegetables.

 

• Consumer Preferences: Due to these costs and sensory quality, many consumers in Asia may still prefer conventional meat or fresh vegetables over plant-based products.

 

As conclusion, while plant-based products have the potential to become a major food trend, especially as the world prioritizes sustainability, the Asian market will need time to develop. Local investments in production and sourcing could help overcome current obstacles.

Question is, are you ready to embrace plant-based products when one day they become primary accessible food in the market?