The Plant-Based Opportunity (Plant-Based Foods Europe et al.)

This report contains an executive summary. As requested, it is reproduced exactly below.

Executive Summary

Europe's food system is at a turning point
A shift towards more plant-based foods and proteins is essential to address pressing challenges: public health costs linked to poor diets (€900 billion annually), climate change and biodiversity loss, unsustainable land and resource use, and the need to strengthen the competitiveness of Europe's agri-food sector.

Investing in plant-based food innovation delivers multiple benefits. It enhances food security by diversifying protein sources and reducing reliance on imports. It supports healthier diets by making sustainable options more accessible and attractive to consumers. It generates new markets and value chains for farmers, stimulates growth and jobs across the European food industry, and positions Europe to compete globally as other regions, including the United States and China, rapidly scale up their plant-based sectors.

A European Innovation Investment Agenda
This report presents the Plant-Based Foods & Proteins Innovation Investment Budget 2026-2035, developed through consultation with leading companies, researchers, and stakeholders. It outlines 75 concrete innovation projects requiring €3 billion over the next decade - a threefold increase compared to 2020-2024 funding levels.

The investments are structured around seven innovation pillars:

1. Consumer Engagement & Food Environments €720m
2. Health & Nutrition €455m
3. Sustainable Products & Circular Bioeconomy €995m
4. New Roadmaps, Supply Chains & Ecosystems €360m
5. Better Crops & Raw Materials €220m
6. Harmonised Methods & Regulation €195m
7. Digital Innovation & AI for Smart Food Systems €50m

Together, these pillars form a roadmap to accelerate the protein transition towards more plant-based foods consumption.

Key Outcomes by 2035
By 2035, the impact of this innovation agenda will be visible across Europe's food system. The share of plant-based foods in total protein intake is projected to rise from 40% to 50%, marking a significant shift in consumption. At the same time, a stronger European innovation ecosystem will emerge, with industry, governments, and research institutes co-investing in scalable solutions. These efforts will deliver tangible improvements in the affordability, taste, nutrition, and sustainability of plant-based products, making them more accessible to consumers across all markets. Crucially, new value chains for key European crops such as soy, pea, faba bean, sunflower, and oat will be established, securing farmer incomes, boosting regional development, and strengthening Europe's competitive position globally.

A call to action
To unlock these opportunities, Europe must act decisively. Scaling up investment in plant-based research and innovation to at least €3 billion by 2035 is essential to match the ambition of the sector. At the same time, policies and funding need to be better aligned across the European Commission's departments – from agriculture and research to health, environment, industry, and finance – to ensure coherence and maximise impact. Building strong partnerships between the Commission, Member States, industry, and civil society will be critical, following the successful model of initiatives such as the Circular Biobased Europe partnership. Finally, the transition must actively engage both consumers and farmers, ensuring that healthier and more sustainable diets are accessible to all while delivering fair and rewarding opportunities across the value chain.

This agenda is ambitious but achievable. By acting now, Europe can secure healthier citizens, sustainable food systems, and a globally competitive plant-based sector.