Despite the increasing interest of consumers and the need to searchmore sustainable alternatives to food production Currently, the market of meat analogues represents a minimum share of less than 1% in the world market.

That’s why today’s consumers are worried about the shortage sustainability systems of food production and consumption in general, and those of animal origin in particular, has fueled a sense of urgency throughout the world to develop plant-based meat.

However, there is a visible increase in research, technological development and innovation activities driving this market that attracts all conventional consumers, not just certain segments such as vegetarians or flexitarians.

Technological development in favor of this sector

• Wet extrusion to improve texture: Texture is one of the main technological challenges to overcome with plant-based meat analogues. In this sense, extrusion technology is presented as one of the technological lines with the greatest impact and potential for overcoming this problem.
• 3D printing for making complex structures: On the other hand, optimization of organoleptic and functional properties of plant proteins, development of supply chains of plant proteins for specialized crops and development of new personalized crops and varieties. In this sense, 3D printing stands out as an example of innovation.
• Microbial proteins, Single Cell Protein, improve the nutritional profile: Furthermore, the rise of plant meat analogues promotes the production and use as raw materials of some microorganisms that have a high percentage of protein in their cellular composition. It is the so-called “microbial protein” or single-cell protein.

Meat or plant-based analogues

Meat and meat products of plant origin They are actually a segment within the “plant-based food” market that also includes fish, eggs and plant-based milk, as well as products derived from them.

Products such as hamburgers, nuggets or meatballs entered the market earlier since ground meat has a simpler texture and is easier to imitate. meat of animal originunlike larger cuts like chicken breast and pork or beef chops which are made from intact muscle tissue.

In accordance with AINIAFrom a market perspective, 2020 was a record year for sales and investments in “plant-based meat” worldwide; increase global sales 23% to reach $4.2 billion, with the United States accounting for 33% of sales. Some notable international companies are Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat in the United States, Plant&Bean in the United Kingdom (the largest plant in Europe), and Natursoy, Heura and Novameat in Spain.

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