Partnership to boost plant-based innovation in India
The majority-owned Indian joint venture of value-added vegetable oils & fats provider, AAK, has partnered with the Good Food Institute to drive plant-based innovation in India.
The partnership with see Good Food Institute (GFI) India collaborate with AAK Kamani on research and business promotion aimed at advancing the nation’s highly promising market for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives.
Through the partnership, AAK’s Customer Innovation Centre in Mumbai will host AAK Kamani Academy sessions designed to help businesses and entrepreneurs take advantage of the significant opportunities that exist in India’s plant-based foods category.
With support from the GFI India, AAK will also provide co-development expertise on how companies can accelerate the formulation of new products, with a focus on achieving optimal texture and appealing to local tastes.
The collaboration is closely linked to AAK’s global AkoPlanet initiative, which provides a platform for plant-based food innovations.
“This collaboration means we can provide more support to both established food producers and start-ups, promoting the fast-track development of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives for the Indian market,” said Dheeraj Talreja, President of AAK Kamani.
“We are particularly excited to work with the Good Food Institute India. As a non-profit organization, it is globally recognized for supporting the development of sustainable and healthy plant-based foods.”
Niall Sands, President Plant-based Foods at AAK, added: “Developing great-tasting plant-based foods is one of the main challenges today. There are a lot of good products on the market already.
“However, to maintain the growing interest in plant-based foods we must continue to improve the sensory experience. From a global perspective we also need to be mindful of the need to adapt to regional taste preferences. This is why I’m so pleased to start our collaboration with the Good Food Institute in India.”
Varun Deshpande, Managing Director at the Good Food Institute India, commented: “The challenges of climate change, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity presented by the world’s reliance on animal protein supply chains have been underscored by the COVID-19 public health crisis.
“Accelerating the development of the plant-based meat, egg and dairy sector is therefore imperative to building a more secure and resilient protein supply.
“Indian businesses and scientists have immense potential to be at the center of this development, driving affordability and sensory experiences as well as cultural appeal in transformative plant-based foods – but they need support on their journey.”