JAPAN – Japanese alternative meat company Next Meats has launched an accelerator program to serves as a platform to conduct worldwide open innovation among the players in the alternative protein industry.
Dubbed the “Next Meat Accelerator Program” the new initiative hopes to bring together experts, companies, and climate change-conscious individuals to cultivate worldwide business opportunities that benefit the planet and everyone involved.
Next Meats believes that the fight against climate change can be much more effective and swift if skilled, passionate entities came together and combined their technologies, expertise, network, and various other resources.
The company in its statement said that it welcomes all stakeholders interested in alternative meat to join the program regardless of whether or not they currently specialize in alternative meats.
The accelerator program is in line with the Tokyo-based company’s mission “Not letting the Earth End”.
A US$3.89 billion market
The program is being launched at a time when alternative protein is being embraced by consumers from all walks of life.
According to a recent report by Emergen Research, the Global Alternative Proteins Market is projected to reach US$3.89 billion by 2027.
Analysts at Emergen Research project that the alternative proteins market will be mainly driven by urbanization with new consumer aspiration.
Innovation in food technology, growing venture investments in alternative protein companies, and high nutritional value of edible insects are also other factors fuelling this growth, according to the analysts.
Beyond the associated health benefits, consumers across the world believe that plant-based proteins improve their overall health and help with weight management.
Thus, as consumer interest is growing in health, sustainability, and ethics; plant protein intake is on the increase in many regions, particularly promising is that the marketplace for meat and dairy alternatives.
A mission to replace all animal meats by 2050
Founded in June 2020, Next Meats is known for launching the world’s first plant-based Japanese BBQ meats “NEXT Yakiniku” series as well as the plant-based Japanese beef bowl, “NEXT Gyudon”.
In December of 2020 the company announced their partnership with Toyota-Tsusho Corporation, and was listed on the American OTCBB in January of 2021.
In addition to the facilities in Japan, Next Meats has a production line in Vietnam and has also signed a joint development contract with Hoya Foods of Taiwan.
It is also rapidly expanding its business to the United States, Singapore, Italy, and other countries and plan to research various types of alternative proteins in the future.
Its aim is to replace all animal meats by 2050.
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