A new analysis by GFI Europe reveals that alternative protein research in Europe is booming, with a threefold increase in the number of studies published and public funding received since 2020. Last year saw 798 academic research papers examining plant-based foods, fermentation-made foods, and cultivated meat, up 282% from 2020. Public funding for the field also surged from just over €80 million in 2020 to a record €320 million in 2024, marking a 296% increase.

Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK led the way in the number of publications, with the UK investing the most in research at €127 million since 2020. Denmark and the Netherlands were also significant investors in alternative protein research. Funding has primarily gone towards plant-based foods, but research into fermentation methods, such as precision fermentation, received over €100 million last year. The report authors anticipate continued growth in research and innovation in this rapidly expanding sector.