Alternative Protein Industry Gathers in Berlin to Debate Supply Chain Resilience and Economics

The New Food Conference in Berlin hosted by ProVeg International brought together over 260 participants from 17 countries to discuss the resilience of the alternative protein industry. Discussions centered around the need for everyday-usable products, optimized recipes, and reliable contracts for farmers to ensure a crisis-resilient protein supply chain. Scaling through familiarity rather than novelty was highlighted as a key factor in crossing into the mass market, with an emphasis on consumer practicality and relevance over innovation.

Nutrient density and building food security into protein strategy were also key topics at the conference, with a focus on easily digestible protein and dietary fiber found in plant-based foods. The importance of credible communication in emphasizing long-term health and prevention as well as the potential of hybrid products combining animal and plant-based proteins were highlighted as strategies to reach consumers who may not be open to fully plant-based options. Overall, the conference emphasized the need for collaboration between industry stakeholders and policymakers to ensure a sustainable and resilient protein supply chain.