The rise in demand for plant-based foods and meat substitutes could unlock opportunities for UK food businesses, according to a new report.
Putting beans on the plate: Analysis of UK demand and supply of beans and plant-based proteins highlights how, despite growing UK demand for alternative proteins and plant-based foods, the 'meat-free' supermarket aisles are focused on highly processed offerings. The gap in the market to boost production and promotion of minimally processed pulses could unlock a range of dietary, sustainability and economic benefits.
Published by the BeanMeals project, the report reveals the potential for UK-grown beans to offer a sustainable alternative for consumers who want to turn their back on animal-sourced and ultra-processed plant-based foods. Increased bean production could also make an important contribution to agriculture due to the crop's role in adding nitrogen into the soil. Despite the many benefits, barriers to scaling up UK bean production include a current lack of focus on plant protein in the nation's farming and processing industries.
Will Nicholson, a senior consultant at sustainability consultancy 3Keel, co-authored the report. He says that the research highlights two key opportunities for the UK: "Despite the fact that we know beans are healthy and sustainable from a diet perspective, the evidence suggests that bean consumption remains relatively low in the UK," he said. "This is probably a missed opportunity for a shift to healthy and sustainable diets.
"From a production perspective, the report highlights that we don't grow much in the way of beans in the UK. The exception to this is fava beans, which do not make it onto our plates in large quantities so we import most of the beans that we eat. This means there are two missed opportunities – one on the demand side; the other in supply."
"The next phase of our research will focus on understanding the real-world perspectives of stakeholders involved in the value chain: caterers, wholesalers, processors and growers. The focus will be on understanding opportunities and barriers to growth and on innovations that might facilitate an increase in supply and demand of UK beans, in what format, and where investments might be necessary."
Dr John Ingram of the ECI is leading the BeanMeals project. "With our partners in Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council, we are testing how to promote bean-based meals in meals in six schools. We're starting with the consumer and working backwards through the supply chain to understand the opportunities and barriers – from 'fork to farm' – to getting UK grown beans into healthy meals.
"This report highlights the potential for beans and other pulses to play a role in helping us move to healthier diets derived from more sustainable food systems. However, it also underlines the importance of a more joined-up approach to ensure that demand and supply align – this will facilitate a much needed shift in the food system."
Download the report
