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First Ever Trade Association for Plant-Based Food

Kelly Marshall

Plant Based Food AssociationThe first ever trade group to represent plant-based foods has been launched.  The Plant Based Foods Association represents 23 food companies who support consumer health and the environment with a plant-based diet.  The purposed of the newly formed group is to educate, promote and advance policies regarding the fast growing sector of plant-based foods.

“Every other sector of the food industry – from sugar to organics – is represented in the policy arena,” said Michele Simon, executive director of The Plant Based Foods Association. “The time has come for the plant-based food industry to also have a collective voice.”

The association plans to educate retailers, food service professionals, and consumers about the myriad benefits of plant-based eating. Numerous health organizations such as the American Heart Association and international institutions such as the United Nations recognize the need to shift towards a plant-based diet, for both health and environmental benefits. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for a Livable Future recommends cutting back on meat not just for health and the environment, but also due to concerns for animal welfare, risks to workers, and antibiotic resistance. Consumers are increasingly heeding these recommendations.

Sales data suggests the total market for this sector (excluding data from Whole Foods Market) is around $3.5 billion.  The category includes tofu and plant-based versions of meat, milk, yogurt, cheese and cream.  These products have grown more than 8.7 percent in the last two years, compared to the general food sector with growth at just over 3.7 percent.  Plant-based milks are a major driver in the increase in total sales.

Founding board members include, Daiya Foods, Follow Your Heart, Miyoko’s Kitchen, The Tofurky Company, and Upton’s Natural.

Agribusiness, Food