Plant-based foods movement gains international momentum

Plant-based foods movement gains international momentum with the formation of New International Plant Based Foods Working Group (IPBFWG) to support growth of the rising sector. Seven international plant-based food associations have joined forces in a working group with a mission to support the development of the sector as it surges in popularity around the world. Formed just months before the United Nations Climate Change conference COP26, The International Plant Based Foods Working Group (IPBFWG) is made up of like-minded associations representing companies and other organisations involved in producing plant-based foods in their respective countries and regions.

The working group members will align and coordinate on high level strategy and initiatives, with the goal of advancing the plant-based food sector around the world. The current food system is widely acknowledged as one of the contributors to many of the most pressing issues facing a global population. Plant-based foods can be a part of the solution to issues that are top of mind for many consumers, companies and governments and offer real advantages when it comes to water use, land use and carbon emissions. Despite its diverse global footprint, the IPBFWG is united in its efforts to bring about a more healthy, sustainable, and humane food system.

Siska Pottie, secretary general, European Alliance for Plant-based Foods said, “The European Alliance for plant-based food is pleased to join forces with other national plant-based food associations, creating a global network to exchange knowledge and insights, to join forces when working on global plant-based related dossiers and to support the creation of national plant-based organization accelerating the global transition towards sustainable plant-based food systems on the different continents.”

Marisa Heath, chief executive, Plant-based Food Alliance said, “The Plant-based Food Alliance UK is delighted to be part of this hugely important working group which demonstrates that the international plant-sector is coming together and collaborating to enhance its influence and effectiveness in changing food systems. We can all learn lessons from each other as well as share resources and that will help us further the plant-based movement within the UK. Plant-based diets are a key solution to climate change as stated within the recent IPCC report and joining up the plant-based sector means we can push the agenda through global forums and work to get real change.”

Sanjay Sethi, executive director, Plant Based Foods Industry Association said, “The Plant Based Sector is seeing exponential growth, and a lot of effort needs to be taken to provide a level playing field for this nascent but promising industry. With the debut of IPBFWG, we have initiated a coordinated development; spirits are high and magnificent, just like one big family.”

Larry Lee, president, China Plant Based Foods Association said, “We are very pleased to join IPBFWG and work together with other country associations in promoting the healthy and sustainable plant based diets. I truly believe this will be a huge push to build up the plant based foods ecosystem around the world. We will devote ourselves to helping the companies in China and from abroad as well develop in Chinese plant based food market.”

The IPBFWG aims to:

• Support the growth of the plant-based foods movement worldwide;

• Promote the creation of a level playing field for plant-based foods;

• Foster communication, share expertise to help support the growth of the industry; and

• Promote international standards, terminology, and certifications to aide in commerce and consumer acceptance of plant-based foods.

Currently, IPBFWG’s executive leadership is composed of the following organizations:

PBFC – Plant-Based Foods Canada

PBFA – Plant Based Foods Association (US)

EAPF – European Alliance for Plant Based Foods

ENSA – European Plant Based Foods Association

Plant-Based Food Alliance UK

China Plant Based Foods Association

Plant Based Foods Industry Association (India)

Beyond its seven launch partners, the IPBFWG will be expanding its membership around the world, with more organizations expected to join.