The Mission brings together government, industry, and science to build a sunrise smart protein sector boosting economic growth and benefiting public and planetary health
The Good Food Institute India (GFI India), the central expert organization, thought leader, and convening body in the ‘smart protein’ sector has called for a National Mission for Smart Protein on World Health Day 2022.
Varun Deshpande, Managing Director, Good Food Institute India said, “With the support of key government agencies such as NITI Aayog, FSSAI, and the Ministries of Agriculture, Science & Technology, and Food Processing Industries, a National Mission for Smart Protein would build a globally competitive, strategically important pillar of India’s new green economy. With a concrete road map and strong partnerships, GFI India will continue working with government and industry partners to realize this mission.”
Companies like Neeraj Chopra-endorsed Good Dot, Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma-endorsed Blue Tribe Foods, and Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh-founded Imagine Meats are producing delicious plant-based kebabs, keemas, biryanis, sausages, and samosas, driving consumer fascination with the category, and enabling conscious consumption at large scale.
A burgeoning ecosystem of over 70 players across ingredients, manufacturing, and agri-integration is also coming together to support these fast-growing categories. But while the global smart protein sector has attracted over $11 billion in investment over the last decade, only a tiny fraction of this has come in India – indicating a major opportunity for homegrown startups to grow into a global market valued at over $1 trillion over the next decades.
Varun added, “We need strong support for R&D, entrepreneurship, infrastructure investment, regulation, and talent development, to accelerate this sunrise sector.”