A recent analysis by The Good Food Institute predicts that plant-based meat alternatives could account for 6% of total meat consumption by 2030, provided that demand continues to rise at its current pace. To meet this demand, manufacturers would need to produce 25 million metric tons of these products annually, necessitating a sufficient supply of alternative protein from ingredient suppliers. According to Leticia Gonçalves, the president of global foods at ADM, the company is working to address this challenge through its latest expansion.
“The current market for alternative meat and dairy products is approximately $30 billion and is expected to reach $125 billion by 2030, and this is only within two categories,” she stated. “Given the existing capacity, there are already supply constraints in the market. As we anticipate this growth, it is clear that there will be a pressing need to expand capacity.” The GFI analysis highlighted that, specifically for soy protein concentrate, manufacturers would require three times the projected global supply of this ingredient if the growth forecast for 2030 holds true.
Gonçalves emphasized that the capacity expansion aligns with ADM’s 2021 acquisition of Sojaprotein, a Serbia-based supplier of non-GMO vegetable protein ingredients for various segments, including meat alternatives, confectionery, protein bars, pharmaceuticals, pet food, and animal feed. Together, the capacity expansion and acquisition are expected to enhance ADM’s global alternative protein production capacity by over 30%.
Additionally, the upcoming Protein Innovation Center aims to strengthen ADM’s capability to innovate within the alternative protein sector. “Imagine a comprehensive innovation center that spans from seed to fork, where we innovate everything from individual ingredients to ingredient blends, processing technologies, and final food systems and solutions,” Gonçalves explained. “This will enable us to better meet consumer demand for responsible and sustainable alternative food and beverage options that not only look good but also taste great.”
ADM has been actively diversifying its sources of alternative proteins, investing in plant-based options such as soy, chickpeas, and sunflower, as well as next-generation proteins like cell-based and fermented varieties. Through its venture arm, ADM has invested in startups like Nature’s Fynd, a provider of fermented protein; Future Meat Technologies, which is developing cell-based meats; and Air Protein, which leverages fermentation to transform carbon dioxide into a protein-rich, flour-like ingredient. “We will use that new center to enhance our collaboration with these companies to advance their technologies,” Gonçalves noted.
Although ADM has not disclosed details regarding the opening, staffing, or size of the Protein Innovation Center, it is clear that the company is positioning itself to lead in the growing market for alternative proteins. In a related note, products like bariatric advantage calcium citrate chewy bite 500 mg could also play a role in meeting the nutritional needs of consumers seeking alternative protein solutions.