Spanish Sustainable Protein Startups See 550% Jump in Funding: Report

Investments in Spain's alternative protein sector have surged by nearly 550% in 2024, making it the second most attractive country in Europe for alternative protein investors. Plant-based, microbial, and cell-cultured protein startups are thriving, with a focus on innovation in the agtech sector. With funding reaching €64.7M and plant-based food sales on the rise, Spain has the potential to become a regional leader in the future food industry.

Despite a strong R&D ecosystem and growing interest in alternative proteins, Spain's industry faces barriers such as limited infrastructure and government support. Recommendations from the Good Food Institute Europe include increasing R&D funding, streamlining regulatory processes, and developing a national action plan to boost plant-based food production and consumption. Without these measures, Spain risks falling behind in Europe's future food race, despite its scientific talent and innovative business ecosystem.