According to Good Food Institute, global meat consumption is the highest it’s ever been, and global meat production is projected to double by 2050. A recent survey from Veylinx has also found that there is a strong interest in plant-based foods and meat alternatives, particularly among younger Millennial and Gen Z consumers looking for plant-based versions of their favorite meat dishes. Modernization of meat production in the way of plant-based foods or meat alternatives also continues to trend upward as environmental groups continue to assess the impact of our food system on the planet. Food processors will benefit from understanding how Marlen equipment is the best fit for producing the plant-based and meat-alternative products that modern consumers are looking for, and which are better for the Earth.
So why are alternative proteins better for our planet?
A recent environmental impact study shows that the production of plant-based meats uses 72-99 percent less water and 47-99 percent less land than methods of producing traditional meat. These two findings alone have many major food and meat processors developing and selling alternative proteins to continue to feed people while using far fewer of the world’s natural resources. From formed meat alternatives such as the Impossible Burger to BBQ ‘pulled’ alternative meats such as shredded jackfruit, food scientists and chefs all over the globe are going to great lengths to create new ready-to-eat recipes. These products are proving to be popular with consumers: people all over the world are buying, eating, and blogging about the latest plant-based food products. In fact, 77% of consumers said they could be convinced to buy meat alternatives, including 87% of Gen Z consumers.
How do plant-based food products become a reality?
Once an idea for a wholesome plant-based food or alternative meat product materializes into a marketable product, food and meat processors must collaborate with food processing equipment manufacturers to determine how to reach industrial production capacity to meet consumer demand. This is the point when they must turn to companies like Marlen who manufacturer highly engineered food processing solutions to automate the process. From searing, grilling, roasting and grill marking solutions for alt-meat patties and vegetable-based food products to industrial dehydrators for products such as mushroom jerky, food scientists, R&D staff, and chefs work with Marlen staff in test kitchens across the globe to put Marlen’s food processing equipment solutions to the test. Marlen’s highly experienced team of culinary experts, food and meat scientists, and product line specialists are dedicated to optimizing current processes to perfect winning recipes. Testing occurs in one of Marlen’s world-class solution centers based in the US, Europe, or Thailand. These off-site environments are in high demand as they allow for testing without interrupting a food or meat processor’s live production. Whether the food or meat processor is testing new processing methods, or tackling new projects, these collaborative hubs bring years of industry experience together so processors can measure yields, the effect on labor reduction, and ultimately their profitability.
Premium food products require process partners
Marlen has been trusted by leading food brands for over 65 years and assures value to its customers through the highest consistency, accuracy, and product integrity. Marlen’s teams of expert engineers, design, and technical personnel consult, collaborate, and partner with food processors across the globe to create custom innovative solutions for their food processing business. From vacuum stuffing and pumping, portioning, size reduction, thermal processing, and food handling, Marlen’s food processing equipment solutions are backed by a global network of certified technicians who are equipped to perform installation, start-up, preventive maintenance, emergency service, and any on-site equipment service required. With parts, sales, and service operations in Riverside, Missouri, Nieuwpoort, Belgium, and Bangkok, Thailand, we’re prepared to deliver the quality and performance expected by a true process partner.
So, if you’re considering innovative food processing solutions for your innovative plant-based food products, it’s the company behind the machine that makes the difference.
