News for the global new protein industry

According to GFI’s “State of the Industry 2021” report, an in-depth study of the new protein segment. Overall, new protein is showing strong growth in 2021, with a notable increase in the number of cell culture and fermentation-based startups, and new protein seafood companies emerging as a major growth category. The global new protein industry is changing every day, here’s what you need to know:

1. Investment in cell cultured meat hits a record high
The global cell culture meat industry raised $1.38 billion in 2021. This represents 71% of the total raised ever raised. More than 36% ($507 million) of that amount came from Israel (six new cell-cultured meat companies were established in Israel in the same year).

2. Cell-cultured meat and seafood startups grow by nearly a quarter
By the end of 2021, there are 110 startups around the world looking to innovate in cell-cultured meat and seafood. This is a 24% increase from the end of 2020.

3. Cell cultured meat has become a global trend
While the U.S. and Israel are the undisputed leaders in the cell-cultured meat industry in terms of company numbers and investment dollars, other countries are not far behind. There are now at least one cell culture medium business in 25 countries.

4. A bigger fermentation-based industry is brewing
Globally, there are currently 88 fermentation-based companies fully or primarily focused on developing new proteins. This includes meat and dairy substitutes.

5. The amount of investment in fermentation base has doubled
In 2021, Ferment-based New Protein has raised a total of $1.69 billion. This is a 285% increase from 2020 and represents 60% of the vertical’s total cumulative funding.

6. Many countries are investing in fermentation bases and seeking opportunities
There are now at least one fermentation-based new protein start-up in 25 countries.

7. There are too many plant-based companies to count accurately
There are at least 780 companies worldwide engaged in the development of plant-based meat, seafood, eggs and dairy products. Note: This count applies to companies primarily focused on plant-based meat innovation, excluding large food companies that include plant-based protein lines.

8. Growing demand for plant-based products in the U.S.
The U.S. plant-based retail market is valued at $7.4 billion in 2021. In 2020, it was valued at between $5 billion and $7 billion (due to conflicting reports). According to the Kearney study, if the industry can achieve parity with its animal-derived counterparts, it will see more growth.

9. Plant-based investment reaches a new high
Plant-based meat, seafood, egg and dairy companies raised a combined $1.93 billion in 2021, or 30% of the industry’s total funding history.