sustainable future: meat and dairy alternatives to the rescue!
Imagine a world where delicious, satisfying meat and dairy don't come at the expense of animals and our planet. That's the future the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) is looking towards with alternative proteins!
Our growing population and rising incomes mean we'll need a whopping 374 million metric tons of meat by 2030! Thankfully, innovative solutions are sprouting like mushrooms (or perhaps being brewed in vats!).
Plant-based meats are on the rise!
These tasty meat mimics are taking the world by storm, and the UAE is no exception. Local companies like Switch Foods and IFFCO's THRYVE™ are joining the party, and the market is expected to keep growing at an impressive 20.6% per year! While things might have slowed down a bit lately, the report attributes this to the Gartner Hype Cycle says it's just a temporary dip, and even better plant-based options are on the way.
© IFFCO
Brewing up new possibilities!
A brand new technology called precision fermentation is bubbling with potential. This involves using friendly microbes to create protein-packed foods, and guess what? Over half of the companies in this space are just a few years old! Investment is flowing too, with a cool $5 billion poured in since 2016. The UAE is even getting its first precision fermentation plant in Abu Dhabi, thanks to Change Foods. This game-changer will produce enough animal-free dairy to rival over 10,000 cows by 2027! Talk about moving the future forward!
Growing meat in a lab? Why Not!
Lab-grown meat might sound like science fiction, but it's getting closer to reality.
Predictions say this technology could reach $25 billion by 2030, providing a small but significant chunk of our global meat needs.
Even better, Islamic scholars have given cultivated meat the thumbs up under certain conditions, making it a great option for the UAE market. However, the report cautions that affordability might still be a hurdle.
© Aleph FarmsBuilding a delicious and sustainable future
The DFF report doesn't just highlight cool new technologies; it also offers ways to make them flourish. They recommend more funding for sustainable production methods, engaging with consumers to ensure these foods fit their cultural tastes, and creating clear regulations to ensure safety and quality.
"This report is a springboard for discussions," says Abdulaziz Al Jaziri, Deputy CEO of DFF. "We want to explore the exciting possibilities of alternative proteins while addressing challenges like environmental impact. By embracing these innovations, we can create a more sustainable and resource-efficient food system for the UAE, aligning with our national food security goals."
So, the next time you crave a burger, keep an eye out for plant-based options or lab-grown alternatives. The future of food is here, and it looks delicious!