07.31.12
Netherlands- based Innova Market Insights has released data highlighting the growing development of alternative protein sources. The market researcher found that the U.S. accounted for over 40% of recent alternative protein patent activity. While soy continues to dominate in terms of vegetable proteins, a range of new products is starting to appear, based on beans, nuts, seeds, grains and vegetables. New techniques are also being developed to enhance the texture, juiciness and flavor of meat analogs and proteins. Proteins, such as soy, are also being marketed on a health platform, functioning as part of the solution to tackle the obesity epidemic. Innova Market Insights reports that over one-third of the tracked launches marketed on an "added protein" platform in the 12 month period to the end of March 2012 contained soy.