Growing demand for alternative protein sources in the UK

A new report from UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI’s) Transforming Food Production Challenge programme has revealed that there is a growing demand for protein sources for both human and animal consumption.

The report, Alternative Proteins: Identifying UK Priorities, explains that “consumers are increasingly looking for alternatives to traditional meat and dairy products for a variety of lifestyle choices, driving significant global market opportunities in this space. As a result, the alternative protein sector is predicted to reach $27billion by 2027, and the UK is well placed to access this global market through our world-leading science-base and industry capability across the agrifood supply chain.”

The report also highlights how food manufacturing and production has recently been dealt a number of disruptions including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, that are affecting both the availability and cost of many staple food products.

But in order for there to be a successful future of alternative proteins in the UK, the report identifies three key areas that will require investment and development: plant proteins; fermentation; and novel systems.

The report highlights the various changes that need to happen in order to meet the growing demand for alternative protein source in the UK, these include:

Developing eco-innovative technology for plant protein extraction and scale up as well as a shift to bio-processing
Overcoming the technical challenges of scaling up fermentation production to meet demand
Reduce the cost of production by scaling up and automating production processes

How will food manufacturing companies facilitate this change?

Food manufacturing facilities must therefore adapt their spaces in order to incorporate these types of new processes and production of new products.

At Westgate Global, we’ve worked extensively within the food and beverage sector, helping companies facilitate additional processes and changes to their manufacturing systems. We work with some of the biggest brands in F&B including; Birds Eye, Kerry, Arla, Kellogg’s, Marstons and Kingsland Drinks, providing various hygienic screens, partitions and walls.

Multiple solutions to help you adapt space in your facility