GFI State of the Industry Reports 2023: A Roadmap for Alt. Protein Job Seekers
Curious about what is happening in the Alternative Protein world? The Good Food Institute’s 2023 State of the Industry Reports provide a comprehensive look into the rapidly evolving landscapes of plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-derived proteins.
It is clear that with substantial investments flowing into the sector and significant technological advancements being made, a dynamic job market is emerging – full with opportunities for professionals across various disciplines. If you're passionate about making a tangible impact on food sustainability and climate change, this industry offers promising career paths.
Let's take a closer look at the reports and find out what it means for you.
Plant-Based Proteins: Expanding Horizons
In 2023, the sector attracted investments totaling $907.7 million, supporting new ventures and expansion, which in turn could create numerous high-skill jobs in innovation, research, and development. Technological advancements continue to drive the demand for expertise in food science and engineering, essential for enhancing the taste, texture, and nutritional quality of plant-based foods. With new facilities like SunOpta's large plant in Texas and Bunge's investment in Indiana, the manufacturing capacity is increasing, suggesting a surge in job opportunities across production, operations, and facility management.
Why should you be excited about this? The increasing variety and availability of plant-based products in retail and food service show that this sector is thriving. It means there's a wide range of job opportunities available, from sales and marketing to supply chain management. Plus, with plant-based foods going global and regulations changing, skills in international business, regulatory affairs, and compliance are in high demand.
The variety and availability of plant-based products in retail and food service are growing, indicating a robust sector that requires a broad range of professional roles, from sales and marketing to supply chain management. Furthermore, the global expansion of plant-based foods and evolving regulatory frameworks underscore the need for skills in international business, regulatory affairs, and compliance.
Cultivated Proteins: Pioneering New Frontiers
The report for cultivated meat and seafood highlights significant advances and emerging trends critical for shaping the sector's future. Regulatory milestones in the United States and Israel have facilitated the sale of cultivated meat in restaurants, demonstrating a growing global acceptance and support. Technologically, the sector has made strides in improving the taste, texture, and nutritional quality of products, nearing parity with traditional meats.
Despite a downturn in broader venture capital, the cultivated meat industry attracted $225.9 million in funding in 2023, underscoring sustained investor interest. However, consumer engagement remains low, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and acceptance as these products become more widely available.
And why should you be excited about this? There is a robust demand for professionals specializing in bioprocess design, cell line development, and cell culture media optimization. The expansion of production facilities worldwide is creating significant needs for operational roles, including facility managers, quality assurance specialists, and production technicians. Additionally, the evolving regulatory environment requires skilled regulatory affairs professionals to navigate new legal landscapes effectively.
Don't have a science or legal background? No problem! There's a high demand for marketing skills too. Marketing efforts are crucial in raising consumer awareness about the products, and skilled professionals who can articulate the benefits of cultivated meat will play a big part in this. The sector's international expansion also opens roles in global business development, requiring expertise in market entry strategies and partnership management.
Moreover, as companies strive to underscore the environmental and social governance (ESG) benefits of their products, there will be increasing opportunities for sustainability officers and ESG specialists. This growing industry presents an array of opportunities for impactful careers that contribute to sustainable food production advancements.
Fermentation: The Innovation Powerhouse
The fermentation-enabled Alternative Proteins sector experienced a 16% increase in the number of companies specializing in fermentation for Alternative Proteins in 2023, alongside significant expansions by industry leaders such as Meati Foods and Liberation Labs. Financially, the industry secured $514.7 million in investments over the year, reflecting strong investor confidence despite economic challenges.
Technological innovations have led to the development of key products like animal-free dairy, mycoprotein-based meats, and bioengineered proteins through precision fermentation. These advancements underscore a growing market that's adapting to an evolving regulatory landscape, which is increasingly supportive yet demands scalable and cost-effective production methods.
Why is this good news for you? From the talent point of view, there is a high demand for expertise in bioprocess design, microbial genetics, and fermentation technology, essential for driving product innovation and efficiency. The expansion of facilities, particularly in the US, necessitates a range of operational roles, including plant managers, process engineers, and quality assurance specialists. Moreover, the complex regulatory environment calls for skilled regulatory affairs professionals to ensure compliance and facilitate market entry.
Professionals in business development and sales are also crucial as they manage expanding market demands and customer relationships. Additionally, ongoing R&D efforts require skilled scientists and developers to pioneer new fermentation processes and enhance product offerings.
Future Outlook
The Alternative Protein industry is at a crossroads of technological innovation and global sustainability efforts. As we uncover more about the link between food production and climate change — with food production accounting for a third of all human-caused emissions — the role of Alternative Proteins becomes increasingly crucial. For those like you who are passionate about making a difference, the Alternative Protein sector not only offers a chance to be at the forefront of food innovation but also to engage in work that has a profound environmental impact.
Want to take the first step to be part of this industry? We’re here to help!
If you're looking for a role where you can contribute to shaping a sustainable future, the Alternative Protein industry may be your calling. Whether in plant-based, cultivated, or fermentation technologies, the opportunities to drive change and innovation are boundless. Whenever you're ready, here's how we can support you:
Whether you're an experienced professional looking for a career change or a recent graduate – at Tälist, we connect you with opportunities that match your skills and passions in the sustainable food industry. Sign up now and get matched with job opportunities that create the future of food!
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