Track I: Consumer & Market Insights

• Navigating Public Health Interest: Distorting Sugar Tax Impacts with Insights from the Netherlands  - Cecilia McAleavey, Oatly

The implementation of taxes to combat public health challenges is gaining ground world wide. In the face of a climate emergency, transitioning to plant-based diets is imperative for both environmental and public health benefits, and tax is a powerful tool to steer consumer behavior as well as market conditions. In the Netherlands, cow’s milk is exempt from a "Lemonade tax," while plant-based options face taxation. This tax contradicts government objectives of promoting healthy and sustainable food choices, distorting the market. Furthermore, it discriminates against consumers who rely on plant-based options for medical, health, environmental, and ethical reasons, sparking public outcry.

• Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Marketing Plant-Based Products - Katia Merten-Lentz, Food Law Science & Partners

This presentation will focus on:

- Exploring regulatory hurdles and strategies for effective marketing of alternative proteins within legal framework.

- How to navigate the approval processes

- Hands-on tips with timelines, costs, examples and studies needed

• Panel Discussion: How Can Companies Drive Down Price, Without Compromising On Taste & Texture? - Roselyne Chan - Sanygran, Jordania Valentim - revyve and Danielle Mol - The GreenUp Company

This panel will explore strategies for companies in the plant-based product industry to innovate in ingredient sourcing and formulation, aiming to lower costs while maintaining taste and texture. It will also address optimizing supply chains and reducing production expenses without compromising quality. Finally, it will discuss effective communication strategies for conveying the value of more affordable products to consumers and addressing taste and texture concerns.

• Untapped Opportunities in Alternative Protein Markets - Floor Buitelaar, Bright Green Partners

This session will highlight market opportunities across the plant-based, fermentation, cellular agriculture and molecular farming value chains. It will outline critical consumer needs yet to be met and share Bright Green Partners opportunity assessment framework to define various untapped opportunities across the alternative protein sector, combined with a case study diving into a detailed alternative protein market opportunity.