"Alternative Proteins" <\/span>are increasingly capturing the attention of health-conscious individuals, especially in European countries <\/span>as these products address health concerns, allowing for a reduction or avoidance of meat consumption. Currently, there is technology available to develop alternative foods that can replace traditional food production processes, which helps mitigate environmental impacts. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>

According to <\/span>the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)<\/strong><\/span>, the livestock industry, a traditional source of protein, emits methane equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from 650 million cars, contributing to approximately 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. <\/span><\/p>

A report from Globe Newswire <\/strong><\/span>indicates that the European alternative protein market is expected to grow significantly from 2023 to 2027, driven by consumer interest in alternative proteins. In 2021, the market was valued at approximately $1.9064 billion and is projected to expand at an average rate of 20.2% per year during 2023-2027. By 2035, the European alternative protein market is expected to account for two-thirds of global alternative protein consumption, supported by a growing population and increasing purchasing power, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers who advocate for sustainable development and prioritize health. <\/span><\/p>


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Mr. Poonpong Nainapakhorn, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTP), <\/strong><\/span>stated that the alternative protein market in Europe is developing rapidly due to government funding for research and innovation projects aimed at accelerating the production of alternative proteins to meet demand. For instance, Denmark has policies to reduce the environmental impact of large-scale meat industries and aims to become a leader in the global plant-based food market. This has led to investments in research and development of plant-based food products and the establishment of "The Plant Fund" to promote innovation and strengthen the growth of the plant-based food market in line with increasing consumer demand. <\/span><\/p>

In Thailand, the alternative protein market is also an interesting sector due to the country's diverse and abundant natural resources <\/span>that can be developed and processed into alternative proteins, such as plants like beans, mushrooms, algae, young jackfruit, and insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and silkworms. In 2021, the consumption of alternative proteins from Thailand's new food innovations was valued at approximately 4.5 billion baht, accounting for 12% of the total market valued at around 36.2 billion baht. This market value is expected to grow by 8% annually, reaching 5.67 billion baht by 2024. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>

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Certainly, plant-based and insect-derived alternative proteins represent the food of the future with a bright outlook, especially in international markets such as Europe, the United States, and Asia, where the demand for alternative protein products is expected to continue growing. This presents an opportunity for Thailand's exports in the future. <\/span><\/p>