How Plant-Based Meat Is Driving India's Shift Towards Sustainable Protein

India, the most populous country in the world, is eating more meat than at any other time in history.

- Mansi Virmani

With rising incomes and a demographic dividend in sight, the country’s insatiable appetite for meat is only going to soar further, with demand looking to double by 2050. To sustainably feed this demand without breaking the planet, a sizable share of the supply must be fulfilled through a next generation of plant-based meats - those that smell, sizzle, cook, and taste the same or better than conventional meat.

There has been unprecedented growth in the smart protein sector (also known globally as alternative protein) over the last few years, particularly in the category of plant-based meats. With public and planetary health at the core of this transformative area of food technology, it is primed to become a critical pillar of India’s new green economy.

In 2022 alone, 30 new smart protein companies were launched, joining an impressive ecosystem of 55+ companies in India dedicated to offering Indian consumers more sustainable, nutritious, and most importantly, delicious sources of protein. Bolstering this startup ecosystem with better technologies, ingredients, and logistics, are 100+ supporting companies comprising co-manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers, consultants, and more.