The recent slowdown in sales growth for plant-based products has highlighted that simply placing these items on store shelves is not enough for success. Consumers require compelling reasons to make these purchases, which can include factors such as cost, nutritional benefits, sustainability, and familiarity. The Plant-Based Foods Institute (PBFI) can assist in developing and demonstrating these important reasons. According to a release from the new organization, it aims to “incubate, implement, and evaluate strategies that empower broad-scale change.”
Rachel Dreskin, CEO of the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and PBFI, stated in a written statement, “Through the work of PBFA and the Institute, our goal is to create a world where values and business interests harmonize to establish a plant-based food system that honors the dignity and health of all living beings and the planet.” One of the key initiatives by PBFI is the Domestic Sourcing Initiative, which seeks to connect every link in the plant-based supply chain across the United States. This initiative could potentially lower consumer prices since domestic ingredients typically have shorter transportation distances compared to imports. Additionally, it could generate more jobs and opportunities for farmers, encouraging them to cultivate crops for the plant-based food sector.
The PBFI also plans to advocate for plant-based foods in policy discussions, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the upcoming Farm Bill. The organization could push lawmakers to establish policies that favor plant-based products, such as agricultural subsidies for the primary ingredients or incentives for consumers based on recognized nutritional benefits. For instance, incorporating calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 during pregnancy could be key selling points, highlighting the nutritional advantages of certain plant-based foods.
Sustainability assessments of the end products could further clarify their environmental impact. These assessments would not only appeal to environmentally conscious consumers but also to retailers and foodservice providers committed to sustainability. By making plant-based options available in general foodservice settings like cafeterias, consumers will become more accustomed to these products, increasing the likelihood of their purchase in grocery stores.
While PBFI is poised to promote plant-based foods, it may take some time to fully establish itself, as it currently lacks dedicated staff focused exclusively on business and policy initiatives. Nevertheless, the organization is starting strong. PBFI will collaborate globally with the International Plant Based Foods Working Group and will host an in-person summit this week with similar plant-based policy organizations from countries such as Canada, Europe, the U.K., India, Mexico, and China. By championing these efforts, PBFI aims to create a more robust market for plant-based foods, emphasizing their nutritional benefits, such as those found in calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 during pregnancy, while simultaneously fostering a sustainable food system.