PLANT PLATTER

The plant-based food market is exploding at the moment across the world, including in India, owing to its health benefits and environmental implications. But will this boom last or will it be a passing fad?

- VAISHALI DAR

THERE IS A growing demand and acceptance for plant-based food products in India.

Even though the size is small - new launches in this category were only 0.7% of the total launches in November 2019, which, however, grew to 2.1% in October 2022- experts expect this number to further increase in the coming years.

"Our research shows that 34% of Indian consumers are motivated to completely switch to a plant-based diet. This increased interest is mainly driven by consumers' desire to improve their overall physical health, which took centre stage during the pandemic, and we expect that to continue," says Tulsi Joshi, senior food and drink analyst, India at market research firm Mintel.

Plant-based food can refer to an array of products made from natural plant ingredients. These products are usually made from fruits, vegetables, oils, whole grains, nuts,and legumes, with no animal-derived items such as meat, milk, or eggs.

Some examples of popular plant-based foods are tofu, tempeh, coconut and almond milk. Such items are globally known to address multiple issues such as health crisis, climate, and animal cruelty.

They have become a global phenomenon in the past few years owing to a convergence of trends in consumer behaviour, product innovation and investment.

Indeed, this surge has forced manufacturers and retailers to respond quickly to meet consumers' interest with a number of brands that encompass meat, cheese, milk, and protein alternatives.