The UK is positioning itself at the forefront of the rapidly expanding global alternative protein market with the launch of the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). This ambitious initiative aims to foster innovation across the entire alternative protein supply chain, helping the UK to become a global leader in this critical sector.
Alternative proteins offer several significant advantages over traditional animal-based proteins, including:
- Lower carbon footprint
- Reduced resource requirements
- Enhanced sustainability and resilience in food systems
Professor Anne Ferguson-Smith, Executive Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), emphasized the importance of this investment, stating that it “positions itself at the forefront of the global ambition to produce the next generation of alternative protein products, services, and technologies.”
Dr. Stella Peace, Executive Director for Healthy Living and Agriculture at Innovate UK, highlighted the role of NAPIC in “fostering international collaboration to ensure a more sustainable and secure food future for all.”
Professor Anwesha Sarkar, Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds School of Food Science and Nutrition and Project Leader for NAPIC, addressed the challenges facing the alternative protein sector. These include consumer acceptance, taste concerns, and the potential impacts on traditional farming. Sarkar stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to maximize the potential of alternative proteins.
The UK alternative proteins industry could be worth £6.8 billion annually by 2035, potentially creating around 25,000 jobs, according to an analysis by Green Alliance. NAPIC will play a crucial role in helping the UK realize this potential.
The centre is a collaboration between researchers at the University of Leeds, The James Hutton Institute, Imperial College London, and The University of Sheffield. With support from over 100 UK and international stakeholders—including small and medium enterprises, multinationals, academia, and third sector partners—the initiative has already secured £23 million in co-investment and support.
Funding for NAPIC commences in August 2024, with a five-year timeline to achieve its goals. The centre plans to grow further, attracting additional investment and engaging with new partners to develop a pipeline of alternative protein products that could revolutionize global nutrition and sustainability efforts.
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