The Golden Bean Award

The Golden Bean celebrates those shaping the protein transition. Recently, Paul van Zanten was honoured for his impactful contributions at Inveja’s dry-processing factory. Alongside him, nine others received a Golden Bean in 2023, thanking them for their significant efforts in the Protein Transition!

Established in 2022 by The Protein Community, The Golden Bean recognizes people making great strides in accelerating the Protein Transition. The Protein Transition experts at Foodvalley NL select winners based on criteria like impact, collaboration, personal engagement, and innovation.

The symbolic Golden Bean pin serves as a catalyst for innovation and raises awareness, fostering collaboration within the protein industry. By linking the Golden Bean with positive change, it motivates individuals and organizations to explore inventive approaches. The award spotlights the significance of the Protein Transition and the achievements of those driving change.

The Golden Bean awardees excel in key aspects of the Protein Transition:

• Becoming protein self-sufficient: establishing sustainable protein systems in specific regions, making locally produced goods desirable and accessible, and fortifying self-reliant ecosystems.
• Shortening the time to market: introducing novel alternative protein products in evolving markets, positioning companies as innovators, and meeting the growing demand for sustainability.
• Redefining the protein industry: embracing alternative protein choices, diversifying sources, and reshaping mindsets and operations from animal-based to plant-based in meat, dairy, and fish production.

In 2024, additional frontrunners in the protein transition will be honoured with The Golden Bean, further acknowledging remarkable contributions.

Take a look below at some of our Golden Bean Awardees!