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Ingredion’s plant-based protein specialist, Declan Rooney, will join a panel of experts to discuss the meat alternative market at this year’s Gulfood Innovation Summit. Titled, ‘Is hype driving the future of alternative meat consumption’ the panel will address delegates on the current viable solutions for consumers in meat alternatives on Tuesday February 18th.
The panel will look at the challenges faced by consumers and manufacturers when formulating high-quality foods that can replace conventional meat. Drawing on Ingredion’s market and technical expertise in plant-based applications, Rooney will address manufacturers on how they can improve the texture of meat alternatives and overcome formulation challenges to deliver consumer-winning taste and mouthfeel.
Declan Rooney, Business Development Manager (Plant-based Proteins), Ingredion EMEA, commented: “With 25% of the global population cutting back on animal-based products or avoiding them completely[1], the plant-based market is a growing category and is only set to rise as new consumers opt for a flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan lifestyle." The panel will discuss what is driving this booming trend and what it means for food and beverage producers.
Mr Rooney continued, “We are also looking forward to discussing various other issues such as sustainability – a key concern among consumers – with 47% of Europeans not believing there is a sufficient choice of animal welfare-friendly food products in shops and supermarkets[2]. What is clear to see already, is the fast-paced growth of the trend. Manufacturers need to be efficient and innovate with speed in order to stand out. We’ll be explaining how manufacturers can capitalise on new innovations and understand the advantages of pulse-based meat alternatives versus soy-based options to develop high quality, nutritious food.”
Taking place from 16-20 February at Dubai’s World Trade Centre, panellists will aim to leverage the event’s theme of ‘rethinking foods’ by showcasing how food manufacturers can play a part in steering the food and beverage industry towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
Gulfood’s Innovation Summit will bring together the world’s most influential chefs, food scientists, government officials and industry leaders at the forefront of innovation to discuss and shape the future of food and gastronomy.
[1] Source: Ipsos MORI Global Advisor Survey. N=20313 28 countries; Innova; Food Ingredients; Sep. 2019
[2] Special Eurobarometer Wave EB91.3, Food Safety in the EU, European Food Safety Authority, June 2019
Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR) headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in more than 120 countries. With annual net sales of nearly $6 billion, the Company turns grains, fruits, vegetables and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing and industrial markets. With Ingredion Idea Labs® innovation centres around the world and more than 11,000 employees, the Company co-creates with customers and fulfils its purpose of bringing together the potential of people, nature and technology to create ingredient solutions that make life better.
