Increasingly widespread, the inclusion of plant-based foods in our diets is a key factor in achieving a sustainable diet. Plant-based proteins are one of the key products. 92% of French people believe they are good for their health, and 73% believe they are high-quality products.[1]
Nutritionally rich and providing an adequate response to environmental challenges, plant proteins are part of an underlying trend that should gradually modify our food system by balancing the animal/plant protein ratio.
The structuring of French sectors is underway
Today, there is a real challenge regarding the production of plant proteins on French soil and the structuring of the sectors.
Showing great ambitions as part of the recovery plan presented in September 2020[2], France wishes to become the “ leader in plant protein in human nutrition ». This recovery plan aims to expand plant-based protein production in France to reduce dependence on imports and secure supplies, improve support for livestock farmers, and address climate challenges by combating deforestation. Several components make up the national strategy, which sets a ten-year ambition to fundamentally change the food system.
The Cluster Bio Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, which promotes the leading French region in organic farming, has begun an inventory study on the use, methods of use and supply of organic vegetable proteins in 2022.[3] He will unveil part of this study at Natexpo 2022.
The success of plant proteins
In ten years, the number of products containing plant proteins has more than doubled (GEPV). Wheat and soy remain the most widely used protein sources in France, but pea protein is showing a significant increase due to its digestibility and richness in amino acids.[4]
Thanks to the different forms produced (flours, seeds, flakes, textured proteins, etc.), Plant proteins are incorporated into many food itemsThe three most popular plant-based protein products are plant-based steaks, plant-based drinks and desserts, while new products are appearing, particularly in the deli and cheese section.
Companies in the agri-food sector also use them for their functional properties, particularly as alternatives to certain additives such as texturizers.
Initiatives under the microscope
Companies active in the development of plant-based protein ingredients and products are a hotbed of offerings and innovations.
- UFAB (French Union of Organic Agriculture) continues to develop its range of textured vegetable proteins based on peas/beans. After launching the first French textured vegetable proteins from peas and beans three years ago, UFAB has now developed two new textured proteins produced by mixing its pea and faba bean proteinsThis historic player in organic farming also offers tailor-made developments for its customers.[5]
- Agrofün, founded by agricultural engineer Frédéric Poujaud, has been working since 2016 as part of the Chia de France sector. The latter seeks to democratize chia from France (ORURO variety) among consumers. Originally from South America, this superfood presents a unique nutritional concentrate with multiple health benefits. For example, it contains 6 times more Omega 3 than salmon, 5 times more calcium than milk and 3 times more antioxidants than blueberries. Also exceptionally rich in omega 3 fatty acids (24%) and proteins (17%), chia seeds come from a spring crop that requires few inputs and water, and no fungicide or insecticide treatment. Another positive point: it is very melliferous, which helps the reintroduction of bees. Chia seeds can be incorporated into a multitude of food products: biscuits, sauces, breads, etc.
- Worlee is also working on another Chia sector in France, in association with the start-up Grain which has its own variety called Monca. The objective: to offer a 100% French, ethical and organic chia seed. A Biopartenaire® labeling process is underway for the 2021 harvest.[6]
- Bariatrix Europe, an expert in plant-based nutrition, was one of the first food companies to prioritize vegan compositions. The company develops meal replacements as well as preparations based on pea, hemp, soy, and pumpkin proteins. Its products are aimed at both the sports and dietetic markets.
- Agribio Union, which brings together 6 cooperatives located in the South West of France bringing together 1000 farmers, offers a wide range of certified organic cereals and legumes.
- Organic Farms brings together three 100% organic cooperatives located in the northern half of France, whose production amounts to more than 75000 tonnes. Their catalog includes green lentils, black lentils, chickpeas, millet, etc.
These companies will all be exhibiting at the next edition of Natexpo, which will take place from September 18 to 20, 2022 at Eurexpo Lyon.
An Organic Ingredients Discovery Tour launched at Natexpo 2022
The dynamism of organic ingredients is displayed through a search for sustainability and naturalness. Ingredients and Raw Materials Division Natexpo is a remarkable showcase of the diversity of current offerings and innovations in the sector. To go further, Natexpo is launching a Organic Ingredients Discovery Tour in partnership with IngrébioTwo tours are planned. They will begin with a presentation of the sector at the Organic Ingredients Forum. Gaëlle Frémont, founder of Ingrébio, will then offer a guided tour of around ten exhibitors.
[1] GEPV-Protéines France barometer published on September 17, 2020,
[2] National Strategy on Plant Proteins https://www.economie.gouv.fr/plan-de-relance/profils/entreprises/strategie-nationale–proteines-vegetales
[3] Organic plant proteins – Cluster Bio : https://www.cluster-bio.com/fr/ecosysteme/les-filieres-du-bio/proteines-vegetales/
[4] Plant proteins: a sector to be developed and structured in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region – https://www.cluster-bio.com/fr/le-cluster/blog/proteines-vegetales-filiere-a-developper-et-structurer-auvergne-rhone-alpes/
[5] UFAB is making a name for itself in organic plant proteins with two new references: https://ingrebio.fr/2022/01/28/ufab-tire-epingle-du-jeu-proteines-vegetales-bio-2-nouvelles-references/
[6] Worlée and Grain. are banking on organic, French, and fair-trade chia seeds: https://ingrebio.fr/2021/09/16/worlee-grain-misent-graine-chia-bio-francaise-equitable/