Founder & Director | Global Qual Insight Specialist | Linguist | Passionate about Food, Nature and Kids
As always, buzzing after a day at the #PlantBasedWorldExpo last week. As well as some fascinating talks and culinary theatre, what was most heartening was how much heart and passion goes into creating the next generation of plant-based foods that strive to help with at least some of the challenges that our planet in peril is facing. And how much progress there has been in getting closer to the sought-after taste and texture profiles, that will satisfy consumers' demanding palates and translate into steady (not just one-off) sales. Some highlights: the beautifully presented and effective marbling on 'beef' by @millenialflavourtown. The 'just so' texture on Aromatech Group and Van Hees's 'tuna', as well as the huge range of meat-alternative products, including 'meat' snacks, now offered by BeanStalk Foods. As ever though, it's the people you meet and stories you hear, that stay with you. Like the great team on the SHICKEN Foods truck, who started their small family business from their kitchen table during lockdown, and were mobbed by repeat visitors, as they have clearly perfected their super tasty Shicken offer (I was one of them!). Or Shermin from FolinoFood who offered me a taste of her exquisite range of sustainable Italian culinary delights, such as the knock-out (in a good way) Chocorotto Dark Chocolate with Spicy Chili Pepper. You could just taste the crafsmanship and that had gone into its creation. If there's one big take-out, it's that it shouldn't be just about the food that is created though, but also what we do with any wastage. This is where initiatives like the great collaboration of Not JUST food redistribution x The Sandwich King, should be supported and celebrated as they've come together to tackle food waste and provide delicious frozen snacks made with surplus ingredients. Or how farmers are working with cultivated meat manufacturers to create a viable future. So in essence a wonderful combination of Plants and Parterships for the good of the Planet.
Founder InsightAsia
1moThanks for sharing