Meat-free products, laboratory-cultivated meat, seafood substitutes and insect protein – are they the future of food? Food giants, from Tyson to Cargill, are preparing for a future where the protein we eat is no longer just of animal origin. However, meat of animal origin still reigns supreme. It is estimated that 30% of calories consumed by humans are of animal origin – beef, chicken and pork. The industry is worth $1.8 trillion. According to the US Department of Agriculture, in 2018 US citizens ate 220 pounds of meat each. In 1960, this figure was 167 pounds. US meat production has reached a record high of 100 billion pounds. The industry is concentrated and consolidated by six companies in the US. However, many start-ups are trying to put a spanner in the works of the traditional meat industry. The most famous – Beyond Meat, maker of the Beyond Burger – produces laboratory meat or plant-based meat. It is now worth $1.5 billion. For its part, Burger King is already selling an Impossible Whopper made from plant-based meat.
Source: Agfunder