FPP Amsterdam Speaker Spotlight: Jens Tuider, Chief Strategy Officer, ProVeg International

Jens Tuider from ProVeg International, one of +100 speakers at The Future of Protein Production Amsterdam on 23/24 October, explains the role this NGO plays in fostering progress in the alternative proteins marketplace and joining up the diverse range of players that share the same overarching aim

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Describing what drives his work at global NGO ProVeg, Chief Strategy Officer, Jens Tuider, says, “I am fascinated by the global food system as it can evolve to become not only a multi-problem solution to some of the most pressing issues of our time (climate change, sustainability, world hunger, food security, public health), but also a multi-benefit opportunity (sustainable growth, innovation leadership, future-proof jobs).”

The vast potential is clear. However, achieving it will certainly take some work. Tuider is taking part in a panel discussion at The Future of Protein Productin Amsterdam on State of the industry – navigating challenges and opportunities. He’s perfectly detailed the opportunities above, but what about the challenges? “Consumer acceptance, avoiding polarization of the food topic, better products (in terms of price parity, taste parity, clean label); involving farmers, public support (with ecosystem creation, and national protein diversification strategy),” are the primary challenges he can currently reel off – while acknowledging that, for such a nascent sector, it’s likely that several other challenges will arise as the market develops.

We have a comprehensive network spanning the entire value-creation chain, which enables us to identify and work on the most pressing challenges of a huge, complex system

Networking opportunity

Tuider and his colleagues at ProVeg regard the NGO as playing an enabling role in driving forwards progress in alternative proteins. The organization’s stated mission is to reduce the consumption of animal products by 50% by 2040, to be replaced by plant-based or cultured alternatives. One of its main strengths in accomplishing this aim is the vast number of stakeholders it can help to get better connected. “We have a comprehensive network spanning the entire value-creation chain, which enables us to identify and work on the most pressing challenges of a huge, complex system,” explains Tuider.

One of the jewels in the NGO’s crown is the ProVeg Incubator, which it describes as ‘the world's first and leading accelerator for plant-based, fermentation and cultivated food startups’. Over the past five years, the ProVeg Incubator has supported more than 100 startups by providing them with the industry knowledge, resources and contacts they need to bring about food system transformation.

We undertake a great deal of policy consulting work. Other success stories we have been involved with include the EU-funded Smart Protein Project, the Food for Climate Pavilion at COP, and the APAC Food Innovation Challenge

Outside of the Incubator, ProVeg is also proving to be a force for good in several other important areas. Highlighting further recent examples of its work, Tuider details: “We undertake a great deal of policy consulting work. Other success stories we have been involved with include the EU-funded Smart Protein Project, the Food for Climate Pavilion at COP, and the APAC Food Innovation Challenge.”

Get the public on-side

From these examples it’s clear that ProVeg’s defining ethos is that better communication and collaboration between the various stakeholders in the alternative proteins sector is necessary – a view that’s shared by many players across the world. And it’s organizations such as ProVeg that will enable a more collaborative approach. But what else does Tuider feel is required to encourage faster commercialization of new alternative protein products? “More public support and involvement can help complement the VC funding model to ensure faster growth of the entire sector and reduce siloed work,” he emphasizes.

And what can the startups themselves do to pave the way for a smoother path to commercialization? “Focus on solving the key challenges of the sector: price parity; taste parity; clean label; and ideally identify solutions (such as functional ingredients) that help the entire sector,” advises Tuider. “And don’t just come up with yet another burger patty or chicken nugget with a funny name and fancy packaging,” he adds wryly.

Jens will be taking part in a panel discussion, State of the Industry - Navigating Challenges and Opportunities, at The Future of Protein Production Amsterdam. Book your place today to hear another 100 speakers, network with +400 industry leaders, and visit the exhibition stands of more than 45 participating companies