In Singapore, investments in alt proteins multiplied to US$169.8 million by 2022, from just US$5.9 million in 2019, according to think tank Good Food Institute (GFI). This was part of the US$562 million Asia-Pacific total in 2022, up from US$42 million in 2019.
Arin leads GFI APAC’s efforts to expand the community and scientific talent pool in Asia’s alternative protein sector. Combining his passion for science, education, and visual communication, Arin builds effective resources and pathways for those who want to enter and grow in this emerging industry. Prior to joining GFI, Arin worked in biomaterial startups for over four years developing scaled-up products, patents, and publications with applications in alternative plastics, textiles, and food. Arin holds a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Tufts University. Arin lives in Singapore.
How to unlock the potential of what it describes as “one of Asia’s most underutilised crops.”
Despite the fact that regional demand for plant-based foods is surging, most are not yet made from locally grown crops. Last year, 77% of plant-based meat products launched in Southeast Asia used soy or wheat as their protein source --ingredients primarily grown in the West.
Year over year, investments into APAC-based alternative protein companies increased by 43 per cent, reaching US$562 million in 2022. Remarkably, in some categories like cultivated foods—grown directly from animal cells, rather than raising chickens or pigs—regional investments not only surpassed the previous year, but all past years combined.
Investments into alternative-protein companies in China rose more than sixfold in 2022, showing strong market interest as Beijing encourages innovation to enhance food security and curb greenhouse-gas emissions in support of its 2060 carbon-neutrality goal.
New analysis released today by the Good Food Institute APAC shows that investments into alternative protein companies in Asia Pacific rose substantially from 2021 to 2022 in all three pillars of alternative proteins: plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated.
Maanasa is GFI APAC's SciTech Specialist for cultivated meat. Prior to joining GFI, Maanasa worked as a scientist at Ivy Farm Technologies in the UK, spearheading research into multi-species cultivated meat products. Maanasa is passionate about science communication and has volunteered for various initiatives aimed at increasing engagement between researchers and the general public. She holds a Ph.D. in stem cell glycobiology from the National University of Singapore and a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from the University of Sheffield. Maanasa lives in Singapore.
