A Whole New World

This article has been provided by the team at Nestle.

Whilst this trend began in fast food, these products are becoming widely accepted in different channels around the world. Here in Australia, plant-based meat generated $31m in foodservice sales in FY20 and is projected to be a $3B opportunity by 2030 [1].

But why is this trend growing so rapidly? Although plant-based presents a whole new world for foodservice, that’s exactly what we don’t have. Relying solely on current meat production systems, two planets’ worth of resources would be needed to meet the world’s projected demand for meat by 2050 [2].

The rise of Flexitarian Eating

The need for changes to traditional meat production based on population growth and demand isn’t the only driver behind this trend. According to the Food Frontier 2020 State of the Industry Report, 42 per cent of Australians are actively reducing the intake of animal products in their diet [3]. This is seeing a rise in ‘flexitarians’, those people who are choosing to reduce their meat consumption for some or even all their meals.

Health is also a key motivator driving increased interest in plant-based eating as more Australians seek to reduce their meat consumption. In response to this rising demand for healthy ways to eat, plant-based proteins are popping up on menus all over the world.

We Love an Occasion 

So why can’t people who want to eat less meat just eat more vegetables? As the hospitality industry has seen with the rise in proper non-alcoholic spirits, people still want to have their ‘occasion’. We crave social interactions and so the popularity is soaring for products that enable occasions to still happen, meaning you can have a burger that is meat-free or a G&T that is alcohol-free.

These products are also ones that work for venues and staff. With non-alcoholic spirits, bartenders can mix the drinks they have always mixed, in the same way, understanding those techniques and flavours. And this is hugely important for chefs as well, being able to offer meat-free items on the menu, without having to radically change kitchen operations is of paramount importance. It needs to be a simple switch.

The Plant-Based Opportunity

It all adds up to create an exciting opportunity for out of home menus across the country. Whether consumers are changing their eating habits out of concern for their health, the environment, animal welfare, or other reasons, people are actively looking for options. As venues begin to finally reopen, a global study shows 33 percent of consumers will prioritise their health after the pandemic crisis, which may lend to future growth of plant-based protein sales [4].

Put simply, if a menu doesn’t cater to these consumers seeking to reduce meat, regardless of the reason for their choice, then venues are closing themselves off to potential revenue and incremental sales. Don’t get left behind.

FUNCTIONAL SUPERIORITY, NO COMPROMISE

Introducing the HARVEST GOURMET® SensationalTM Ground Mince – made from simple plant-based ingredients, it is the perfect protein substitute in all your menu’s mince dishes. With no compromise on texture or taste, it has never been easier to cater to the increasing number of flexitarians and meat reducers in Australia.

The HARVEST GOURMET® SensationalTM Ground Mince matches beef in terms of versatility and functionality offering up to 20% better yield than regular mince (doesn’t shrink). Tested in over 90+ applications and in 8 difference foodservice equipment types it performs how you need it to [5]. It achieves maillard reaction and browns just like regular mince, so your dishes quality and flavour are not compromised. Easily formed and shaped without falling apart, there is no end to the creativity. The SensationalTM Ground Mince looks and cooks like regular mince allowing it to be pan fried, grilled, boiled, steamed, baked, grilled and means no change to operations in the kitchen.

MADE FROM PLANT-BASED INGREDIENTS YOU KNOW

Made with non-GMO soy and wheat protein to provide firm bouncy texture. Coconut and canola oil for rich taste and to maintain moisture, natural plant extracts such as beetroot, carrot, paprika to give vibrant colour like regular mince and vinegar to ensure the mince stays fresh and delicious.

CLAIMS YOU CAN TRUST

• Vegan/plant-based
• High in Fibre
• High in Protein
• Healthy Kids Registered
• No artificial colours or flavours
• Halal
• 4.5 Health Stars

HARVEST GOURMET Sensational Mince Launch – YouTube

Visit www.nestleprofessional.com.au/harvest-gourmet for more information or contact your local foodservice representative to place an order.

[1] Food Frontier 2020 State of the Industry Report (Feb 2021)

[2] Willett W, Rockström J, Loken B, Springmann M, Lang T, Vermeulen S, et al. Food in the anthropocene: The EAT Lancet Commission on healthy diets for sustainable food systems. Lancet [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2021 Feb 17];393(10170):447-92. Available from: Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT–Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems – The Lancet

[3] King T, Weber J. Hungry for plant-based: Australian consumer insights [Internet]. Brisbane: Colmar Brunton; 2019 Oct 29 [cited 2021 Feb 17]. Available from: https://www.foodfrontier.org/reports. Highlights report jointly published by Colmar Brunton, Food Frontier and Life Health Foods.

[4] Firmenich Global Covid 19 Food & Beverage Tracking Study. [Company presentation] Firmenich: Switzerland; 2020 Jun

[5] Internal kitchen tests October 2021