New report launched by the plant-based food sector: “The Plant-Based Opportunity”
This report has been launched by a coalition of sector partners, European Alliance for Plant-Based Foods (EAPF), Plant-Based Foods Europe, EUVEPRO – European Vegetable Protein Association and the FoodConNext Foundation, setting out the key research and innovation priorities needed to unlock the full potential of Europe’s plant-based food sector.
The plant-based foods and protein industries are calling for a €3 billion investment budget over 10 years (2026–2035) under 7 different innovation pillars for 75 projects, each with a budget: Investments by the EU, national and regional governments, as well as industry.
The report provides a holistic, value-chain view of the plant-based sector, identifying where additional support is needed — from crop production and ingredient development to food technology, manufacturing scale-up and consumer uptake.
It structures these needs around seven innovation pillars:
- Consumer engagement & food environments
- Health & nutrition
- Sustainable products & circular bioeconomy
- New roadmaps, supply chains & ecosystems
- Better crops & raw materials
- Harmonised methods & regulation
- Digital innovation, AI & smart food systems
Across these pillars, the report:
- identifies concrete research and innovation gaps,
- highlights areas where current funding is fragmented or insufficient,
- and outlines priority topics where coordinated public and public-private investment could deliver the greatest impact.
The report offers a practical framework for aligning research priorities with Europe’s objectives on competitiveness, food security, sustainability and public health.
