With more and more people adopting a vegan lifestyle, there has been a major shift in the food industry. The rise in popularity of veganism has of course added pressure on the meat industry. The numerous constraints on animal meat production have created a consumer preference for plant-based food products to be incorporated into their eating habits. The reasons for the paradigm shift towards plant-based products are environmental as well as animal welfare, ethical, and spiritual aspects.
New plant-based meat alternatives that aim to mimic the taste and texture of beef could have significant economic, environmental, and animal welfare impacts if they replace traditional animal-based meats and reduce livestock production.
Rise of veganism
In recent years, there has been a notable shift in consumer preferences and have seen tremendous veganism growth. The population of vegans in the U.S. alone increased by 600% between 2014 and 2017, according to GlobalData. This growing interest in veganism has prompted retailers to respond by offering more plant-based meat options. In fact, Forbes reported in 2018 that 95% of U.S. grocery stores now offer plant-based meat products.
The plant-based food market has experienced significant growth, with a 27% increase in 2020. This growth outpaced the overall retail food market, which only saw a 15% increase. The plant-based meat category, in particular, grew twice as fast as animal-based meat, indicating a substantial shift in consumer preferences.
Plant based food market growth
According to Globe Newswire, the worldwide plant-based meat market is estimated to reach $14.9 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% between 2020 and 2027. Some factors that could influence this industry’s growth are concerns about animal cruelty, increasing consciousness about the benefits of eating vegan meat, and more people who follow a plant-based diet.
The U.S. is one of the largest markets for plant-based meat alternatives, with sales totaling $939 million in 2021, according to Green Queen. However, other regions are also showing strong demand, such as Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
Prominent players in plant-based industry
Some of the most prominent players in the plant-based meat industry are Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, which produce burgers, sausages, nuggets, and other products that resemble animal meat. Beyond Meat has a larger market share than Impossible Foods, with its products available in 122,000 stores worldwide, compared to 20,000 for Impossible Foods, according to Reuters.
However, many other companies are innovating in this space, such as Quorn, Gardein, Morningstar Farms, Tofurky, Lightlife, Oatly, and more. Additionally, some traditional meat producers are also entering the plant-based meat market, such as Tyson Foods, Nestlé, Hormel Foods, and Smithfield Foods.
Pros and cons of plant based diet
A well-balanced nutrient-dense plant-based diet offers a host of health benefits that can improve health markers and quality of life.
One of the driving factors behind the rise of plant-based food is the growing awareness of the environmental and health impacts of meat consumption. Research conducted on farming’s impact on the environment concluded that adopting a vegan diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce an individual’s carbon footprint. Additionally, plant-based diets have been linked to lower risks of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. These findings have led health professionals to encourage plant-based eating as a means to improve overall well-being.
Benefits of reducing meat consumption for the environment
There are many benefits of not eating meat. Listed here are few that are helpful in overall health and wellbeing.
- Reducing the environmental impact of agricultural operations
- Improving health
- Improving animal welfare
- Supporting food security
- Catering to diverse dietary needs
- Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- Reducing antibiotic resistance
Challenges of plant-based meat alternatives
There are many benefits to plant-based diet, though there are few cons too
- Consumer acceptance and preference
- Regulatory and legal issues
The Impact on Farmers and the Meat Industry
While the shift towards plant-based food has positive implications for the environment and public health, it presents challenges for farmers and those employed in the meat industry. According to IBISWorld, there are currently almost half a million people employed in the U.S. meat processing industry. These individuals play a vital role in sorting, cleaning, grinding, and packaging meat for human consumption.
The animal agriculture industry supports millions of workers at various production stages. As per a research there are three groups that may be impacted most by exponential growth in the plant-based food market:
- Growers of soy and corn for animal feed
As many emerging plant-based foods boast soy-free recipes, often substituting soy for mushrooms, peas, and mung beans.
- Contract pork and poultry farmers
Animal feed crop farmers may have to switch to growing legumes and other plant proteins to support the growing plant-based meat market, which comes with geographic and climatic limitations. Contract farmers that build steel barns for chickens and pigs may have to convert them into hemp or mushroom-growing buildings. This expensive undertaking may not be possible for many vulnerable farmers.
- Meatpacking workers
Furthermore, plant-based meat processing is more automated than managing animal products, requiring fewer workers and eliminating countless slaughterhouse jobs.
Restructuring the Meat Industry Sustainably
Many studies illustrate the environmental and health benefits of adopting a plant-based diet but building a thriving alternative meat industry will take careful restructuring to avoid negative economic impacts. Helping livestock farmers restructure their operations to support the growing plant-based industry will likely take federal funding and new policymaking. Manufacturers should invest in research and development of plant-based alternatives for solid meat cuts to build a more robust alternative meat market that does not solely rely on ground beef substitution.
Organizations Supporting Farmers in Transition
There are many organizations like Mercy For Animals launched the Transfarmation project, which helps animal farmers convert their operations to animal-free alternatives.
The Role of Policy and Government Support
The Farm System Reform Act proposes a moratorium on new factory farm construction, a phase-out of factory farms by 2040, and financial support for farmers to transition to higher-welfare settings or alternative crops. With the support of organizations and the implementation of supportive policies, farmers can navigate the transition and contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate food system.
Future of plant based alternative
The rise of plant-based meat alternatives is transforming the food industry and creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. These products offer a range of benefits, such as reducing the environmental impact of agriculture, improving human health, promoting animal welfare, supporting food security, and reducing antibiotic resistance.
As the market for plant-based meat continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the industry evolves and what new developments emerge in the coming years.
