Challenges and Opportunities for the Plant-Based Food Industry

Abstract

The plant-based food industry is at a decisive point, facing a set of problems interdependently with increasing opportunities. This chapter covers the complex nature of the industry and examines its challenges and opportunities. Today’s consumers are increasingly opting for plant-based products, but long-standing tendencies and doubts are still on the table and problematic. In addition, crop yields vary seasonally, as do regulatory issues, including diffculties in the sup- ply chain. However, these are some outstanding diffculties, and some possible opportunities are diffcult to fnd in this situation. Consumer trends in health and wellness are also factored into sustainability, where cheap but nutritious products are in demand. Through improved technology, plant-based products that are very similar to animal-based products are produced, making more people want to con- sume plant-based products. However, worrying about the destructive intrusion of cultures different from our own and seeking new opportunities in global markets are other untapped opportunities for development and creativity. These are some challenges the plant-based food industry has to deal with to evolve into a more sustainable and inclusive food system.