The Dutch market for alternative proteins is poised for significant growth, with projections suggesting it will surpass €10 billion by 2030. Despite the Netherlands’ global reputation for expertise in agriculture and biotechnology, startups and scale-ups in this sector encounter substantial scaling challenges. Foodvalley NL and Invest-NL have pinpointed these issues and proposed solutions for cultivating a robust Dutch ecosystem for alternative proteins. Their report, ‘Enhancing the ecosystem for alternative protein innovation: Strategies for scaling success,’ identifies several key barriers, including limited facility access, high operational costs, intricate regulations, and funding gaps. Through national collaboration, targeted infrastructure development, and innovative financing models, the Netherlands can bolster its position as a leader in food innovation.

Challenges in Scaling Up

Advancing the protein transition necessitates innovation, but startups and scale-ups in the alternative protein sector face numerous hurdles when moving from lab to commercial production. Existing pilot and demonstration facilities are insufficient to meet the growing demand, and restricted access to shared facilities causes delays in market entry. High operational costs, encompassing expenses for equipment, personnel, and raw materials, impose a heavy financial burden on shared facilities. Navigating the regulatory landscape for new food products adds another layer of complexity for these companies. Additionally, the critical funding gap between R&D and commercialization, often referred to as the “Valley of Death,” obstructs innovation and market penetration.

Recommendations for Advancing the Alternative Protein Sector in the Netherlands

To address these challenges and unlock the full potential of the alternative protein sector in the Netherlands, Invest-NL and Foodvalley NL have made several recommendations. Developing a national strategy that fosters innovation clusters and streamlines regulations is essential for stimulating growth. Government policies should support this initiative with consistent funding and infrastructure development.

Moreover, strategic investment in shared facilities is vital. Creating regional hubs with advanced shared facilities, backed by public-private partnerships, can expedite company growth. Implementing flexible access models will make these facilities more accessible and affordable for startups and scale-ups.

Additionally, expanding financial support mechanisms with vouchers, subsidies, and innovative financing models is crucial. Introducing bridge financing programs can also help to bridge the gap between the R&D phase and commercialization.

Download the report via the Foodvalley website by clicking the button below. 

PLANT FWD 2024, a two-day event dedicated to advancing the shift towards plant-based protein consumption, unfolded on April 23 and 24. Bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders including startups, brands, retailers, foodservice professionals, policymakers, investors, and emerging talents, the event was jointly founded by The Protein Community (TPC) and prominently featured on the agenda. Here are the key highlights:

International Debut of the Protein Transition Map NL
A highlight of Plant Forward 2024 was the global launch of the Protein Transition Map NL, an online platform designed to spotlight the myriad actors driving the protein transition in the Netherlands. With over 500 featured entities, this map provides invaluable insights into the dynamic landscape of sustainable food production.

“This time, our success in averting a food system crisis is not just an option, but a necessity. I have full confidence in our ability to succeed, and I believe you do too.” – Jeroen Willemsen, Lead Protein Transition, Foodvalley

TPC’s Presence at PLANT FWD
Foodvalley’s contribution at PLANT FWD 2024 featured a keynote by Jeroen Willemsen, Foodvalley’s lead on protein transition, who underscored the urgency of preventing a food system crisis. He highlighted reasons for optimism, including:

• Dutch Retailers and Catering Commitment: Many Dutch retailers and catering services have committed to transitioning to plant-based or hybrid products, with some even discontinuing fresh meat promotions, like Jumbo.

• Innovation in Hybrid Products: The emergence of hybrid products, blending plant-based and animal-based ingredients, promises to expedite the protein transition. This innovation is reshaping the concept of Plantification, introducing fully or partially plant-based alternatives to beloved animal-based recipes, ingredients, or brands.

• Your Role and Impact: Each attendee was emphasized as a pivotal player in averting a food system collapse by the end of the century. Jeroen stressed the significant individual and collective impact, urging attendees to unite in creating a resounding voice that resonates into the next era.

TPC Booth & Golden Bean Award
The event also featured a booth hosted by The Protein Community (TPC), a proud co-founding partner of Plant Forward 2024. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with industry experts and learn about initiatives promoting sustainable protein consumption. Moreover, the international Golden Bean awards were presented, with TPC community manager Leo Koning awarding the inaugural international Golden Bean to Tracye McQuirter, MPH, in recognition of her remarkable contributions to the Protein Transition in the USA and her advocacy for a vegan lifestyle.

See you next year?

Sign up now and discover how you can benefit from Shared Facilities, meet other TPC-partners & join the tour at NIZO’s new facility!

Date & Time: 29 May 2024, 14.45 – 17.30

Location: NIZO (Ede)

Programme:

• Strategic investments in shared facilities for scaling alternative proteins in The Netherlands: Join us to discover key findings from our study on scaling alternative proteins in The Netherlands. Engage in a stakeholder feedback session and explore opportunities for implementing your recommendations. Your involvement is vital in driving industry progress!
• Presentation by Fred van de Velde (NIZO):
  Avoiding the valley of death: Lessons learned in upscaling alternative proteins
• Get to know our newest TPC-partners: FoodHelden, Eurofins and Jonker & Schut
• A follow-up and engaging discussion on the buzzing topic of Hybrid Products
• Product Pitches: Present your new product/application/ingredient/technology!
• Join a tour at NIZO’s SPRINT Facility (TPC-partner): a unique combination of expertise and food-grade scaling up facilities for dairy and meat analogues without compromise (14.15 p.m.)
• Networking drinks & bites (17.00 – 18.00 p.m.)

TPC-partners can register via Foodleap. This meeting is only for partners of The Protein Community. Not a partner yet? Send us an email.