Hailing from South East Asia and described somewhat dubiously as a “soft, relatively flavourless food product made from soybeans”, tofu now enjoys immense popularity on either side of the globe.
As Western diets shift in response to the health and environmental effects of meat, tofu has become a plant-based, healthy food staple, with the UK’s market predicted to grow 15% over the next five years.
This is a trend mirrored across the plant-based food industry, especially in the UK, which provides a growing market for these products. In 2024, research found 4.7% of the UK population identify as vegan, while 5.8% identify as vegetarian.
While this has led to a strong plant-based sector in the UK, industry experts believe more can be done to support it to thrive globally, including more emphasis on trade.
Plant shift
Marisa Heath, Chief Executive of Plant-based Food Alliance, said there are “real opportunities” for “plant-based producers to export to other countries and grow their businesses”.
Conversely, the sector will also be instrumental in ensuring “food security”, reducing dependence on imported foodstuffs. However, she also noted that more government support is needed to boost the sector if it is to fulfil this capacity.
“We need a clear and coherent plan that gives the sector the security to invest themselves.
“We have the expertise and innovation within our businesses, we have a strong consumer base and now is the time to set a plan that can be part of a wider package of solutions.”
Leading the way
Heath cites Denmark as a prime example of a country we should be striving to emulate, investing in plant-based growth to the tune of €168m three years ago and creating the first known national action plan on shifting to a more plant-based food system.
Within its trade data, Denmark’s Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries has a plant-based category, enabling it to track the growth between 2010 and 2022 (DKK 23.5bn to DKK 44.5bn).
The plan includes a dedicated section on exports and internationalisation, with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and the Foreign Ministry continuing to support businesses by identifying sector-appropriate export markets.
The plan was praised by industry, with Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl, the Secretary General of the Vegetarian Society of Denmark, praising it for “focus[ing] on so many aspects – ranging from research, product development, and export of Danish products to the training of kitchen professionals”.
Export potential
Internationally, markets for plant-based product are growing. A number of countries that the UK has trade agreements with, including Australia, Chile, South Africa, Mexico and EU countries like Italy and Germany, boast high ‘Veganuary’ participation rates, with demand for plant-based products growing.
Bolst Global highlights plant milks and associated faux-dairy products as the most in-demand area. Items such as yoghurts, ice creams and other desserts also present export opportunities.
Other popular treats like cheese and chocolate follow closely behind, along with alternatives for less obviously animal-based products, such as alcohol.
UK brand Proudly Vegan Wines was in the spotlight for successfully exploiting a grey area in alcohol labelling, which often sees a lack of information about the product’s plant-based status.