ProVeg provides insight into the protein transition of 190 companies

The shift from animal-based to plant-based foods is steadily taking shape. With the launch of the new platform Eiwitstand.nl, ProVeg Netherlands shows which goals 190 Dutch organisations have set and how far they have progressed in moving towards a more plant-based diet. It is the first time that the protein transition has been mapped out in such detail.

Broad transition with strong engagement

Health, animal welfare and climate — three key reasons why the Netherlands needs to move towards more plant-based eating. The government, the Health Council and many food companies have been stressing this for years. Yet, about 60 percent of the country’s protein intake still comes from animal sources. The Health Council, however, advises turning that ratio around: 40 percent animal, 60 percent plant-based.

“The necessity of the protein transition is now widely recognised in society,” says Martine van Haperen, Food Industry & Foodservice expert at ProVeg. “For lasting change, we need a food environment where eating plant-based is the natural choice. That’s why it’s important that all companies offering or selling food make more plant-based and less animal-based products a key focus in their policies.”

Differences across sectors

Progress varies widely. More than 60 percent of the organisations surveyed are already taking action, according to data from Eiwitstand.nl. Nearly all major supermarket chains and contract caterers have set specific protein targets. Among restaurant chains, that number drops to 20 percent. Wholesalers? None have set a goal yet.

Ambitions also differ within the education sector. Universities lead with 71 percent having set a goal, while universities of applied sciences follow with 28 percent and vocational schools with just 4 percent.

Setting goals is one thing, measuring is another

According to ProVeg, ambition alone is not enough. Without insight into progress, intentions remain just that. “More than 60% of the organisations studied are already taking steps, but only 10% report on their progress,” says Van Haperen. “I expect more organisations will start showing their results in the coming year. That benefits society as a whole.”

Eiwitstand.nl