During the Intrafood fair, on 27 October there will be a seminar about protein transition. Experts shed light on the topics from various angles.

During the Intrafood fair, on 27 October there will be a seminar about protein transition. Experts shed light on the topics from various angles.

Protein transition in a nutshell

The protein shift is geared towards an environmentally responsible and healthy diet for consumers. A protein shift also implies economic opportunities that are up for grabs with the considerable potential for innovation in Flanders. The Government of Flanders is aiming for 60% of our protein needs to come from vegetable protein sources and 40% from animal protein sources by 2030. Currently, the ratio is the other way round. In short, there is work to be done for the Future Food Factory, as explained by An-Sofie Pinket, Cluster Manager Food at POM West Flanders. Lore Knaepen from Flanders’ FOOD presents their Protein Transition Research Roadmap, the objective of which is to support the acceleration of protein transition in Flanders.

Researchers have their say

Jonas Claeys, an Insect Cultivation Researcher at Inagro, will delve deeper into the benefits and opportunities of insect cultivation, although there are still a great many stumbling blocks to overcome before insects can become mainstream and the chain can develop.

Ann Callens, Researcher at VIVES, will answer this and many other questions about water lentils. What are water lentils and why should we eat them? What benefits can water lentils offer us and what are currently the most significant challenges? How can water lentils be used as a food ingredient? What is the best way for research institutions to help the industry to launch water lentils and water lentil-based products onto the market?

Ilse Fraeye, Head Lecturer at the Meat Technology & Science of Protein-rich Foods Research Group, KU Leuven, Ghent Technology Campus, will tell the fascinating story of meat today and in the future. Arguments for and against meat consumption addressed. Why should we eat meat and what are the alternatives? Insects? Farmed meat?

Retailer has his say

Frederic Vermeiren, Head of R&D and Innovation at Colruyt Group, will provide an insight into the opportunities within retail and the challenges of the European Farm to Fork strategy. Colruyt Group recently signed the Flemish Green Deal Protein Shift with Colruyt Lowest Prices, OKay, Bio-Planet, Solucious and Smart with Food.

POM has its say

Lieven Tack, Managing Director of POM West Flanders will explain why POM West Flanders co-signed the Green Deal Protein Shift and what this will mean for businesses in West Flanders.

You can view the seminar programme via this link.