Unleashing Aotearoa New Zealand's next protein revolution
FoodHQ Innovation Limited recently released a report - ‘Unleashing Aotearoa New Zealand's next protein revolution’. The intention of this report is to identify opportunities to diversify protein offerings within the emerging protein supply market. The report is based on an in-depth analysis of the emerging protein market using a matrix to understand which protein source could be world-leading based on the capabilities and infrastructure available in New Zealand. Based on findings, FoodHQ has identified four emerging proteins that New Zealand may be well placed to explore further or advance: leafy greens, fungi, hemp and seaweed.
“The emerging protein supply market is growing rapidly and there is a ‘race’ happening globally to find the next scalable, sustainable source of protein”, says Dr Victoria Hatton, CEO of FoodHQ based in Palmerston North. “The time is right to move beyond the defensive positions that have existed for a long time and explore how we can diversify our protein offering. “If we do not diversify New Zealand not only risks losing the opportunity to develop new export markets but also the chance to do what we do best, which is to grow food and innovate across the food system”, adds Hatton. Aotearoa has been at the forefront of producing high-quality protein from grass-fed meat and milk for many decades, but with changing climate and growing conditions, shifting consumer preferences, and anticipated population growth FoodHQ believes it is time to diversify. As a small country and current resource constraints, FoodHQ’s report emphasises the need to evaluate the role New Zealand plays in the emerging protein market to foster opportunities presented in the sector.
Justin Lemmens, CEO of Sustainable Foods uses Hemp to make a plant based hemp chicken product says, “to be successful on a global scale we must have a unique value proposition, grow and produce delicious foods from emerging proteins in New Zealand that deliver on taste and texture without compromise.” He believes that is only achievable “with a strategy that supports deep partnerships with growers, processors, research organisations and industry bodies alongside support from government as the industry develops and matures at scale.” FoodHQ is a partnership of AgResearch, Fonterra, Massey University, Palmerston North City Council, Plant and Food Research, Sprout Technology and the Riddet Institute.
Dr Victoria Hatton victoria@foodhq.com 0275385338 www.Foodhq.com