Plant-based ingredients producer COSUCRA and meat producer Vlevia have joined forces to create a new company in Wallonia, Go4Plant, hoping to tap into increasing demand for plant-based alternatives to meat.
“Wallonia has a favourable climate and the know-how to establish a local agricultural chain for plant proteins,” said CEO Eric Bosly.
Demand for plant-based and local food is on the rise, and Bosly says “we have the necessary knowledge and ingredients in Wallonia to meet that demand.”
Belgian appetite for vegetarian options growing
Almost half of European consumers have reduced their meat consumption in the past year, according to a recent study, and just under 40% plan to consume less meat in the next six months.
Vegetarianism is also “no longer niche” in Belgium, where more and more people are making the switch for a variety of reasons, not least among them concerns about the environmental impact of meat production.
Go4Plant plans to bring together local farmers and Belgian processing companies to produce vegetable proteins, focusing on pea protein and rapeseed. The joint venture hopes to support the local economy while reducing its environmental impact.
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They plan to invest €5 million by 2026 and create some 50 jobs, including 20 direct ones. The company markets its plant-based products, including burgies and nuggies, under the name YOUPEA.
Go4Plant is the result of a public and private partnership including the Walloon innovation pool Wagralim, the investment fund Sogepa and SRIW, the investment company of the Walloon Region.
