As a leader in food and nutrition, ADM plays a key role in industry conversations. What excites you most about participating in Bridge2Food Europe this year?
ADM is thrilled to be part of Bridge2Food Europe 2025 because we see it as a premier gathering for the alternative protein industry. This event provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with top R&D, technical, and innovation leaders, exchanging ideas that will help shape the future of food.
What excites us most is the chance to explore the latest advancements, emerging trends, and real-world applications driving the alternative protein sector forward. As the industry moves from hype to reality, we’re eager to contribute our expertise, share our latest innovations, and collaborate with partners to accelerate progress.
We look forward to insightful discussions, groundbreaking discoveries, and forging meaningful connections to help shape the future of alternative proteins.
ADM is continuously innovating in nutrition and sustainability. Is there any recent research, product launch or industry initiative you’d like to highlight?
We’ve recently completed two global studies on evolving consumer perceptions surrounding plant-based proteins. The big takeaway from our research is that protein remains in high-demand, with 66% of global consumers seeking to increase their protein intake (ADM Outside Voice℠). The reasons vary, but one thing is clear – alternative proteins offer significant opportunities across the food and beverage landscape.
In addition to our recent protein studies, we keep a finger on the pulse of the shifting macro forces that influence consumer decision making. Our 2025 consumer trend report features two global growth drivers that put alternative proteins in focus:
- Personalised Optimisation sees individuals striving to reach their peak potential with highly tailored interventions. A specific example is consumers engaging with anti-obesity medications (AOMs), including GLP-1 receptor agonists. Many of these consumers report significant changes in their eating habits, including seeking smaller portion sizes and reduced snacking. This influences their preference for smaller, nutrient-dense meals that maximise nutritional value without excess calories. Alternative proteins are uniquely positioned to meet these needs across an array of product offerings.
- Choice Explosion offers personalised spins on traditional forms of eating and drinking. The sheer variety of plant proteins available to product developers presents virtually limitless options to diversify product attributes and value propositions. These are crucial to creating enticing, stand-out products with unique flavours and formats that have higher potential captivate consumers in a crowded marketplace.
While these trends have exciting potential for the world of protein, product developers face a huge challenge in taking advantage of them. Gold-standard sensory experiences, balanced nutrition, environmental impact and cost are all center stage. Developers must meet these needs while maintaining product quality and navigating a range of market dynamics and regulatory requirements.
At ADM, we hold the keys to unlocking solutions for these challenges and more. By monitoring “what’s next” in the food and beverage space, refining our ever-expanding pantry of nutrition solutions and leveraging decades of formulation expertise, we lay a fantastic foundation for end-to-end product development for applications that go above and beyond the expectations of our customers and consumers alike.
ADM will be sharing insights on GLP-1 and its connection to alternative proteins. What key takeaways can attendees expect from your session, and why is this an important area of discussion?
The adoption of anti-obesity medications (AOMs), including GLP-1 receptor agonists, has fundamentally changed the functional food and weight management landscape. In fact, the global anti-obesity medication market is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030 (Goldman Sachs Research, October 2023), demonstrating the staggering growth this sector will have in the next five years.
Moreover, consumers taking AOMs state they’re intentionally looking for products to help increase their intake of plant-based proteins, fiber and probiotics/prebiotics (ADM Outside Voice℠, Anti-Obesity Medications Survey, September 2024). Concurrently, taste and nutritional value are noted as equally important factors that GLP-1 users consider when choosing food and beverage products. 3 To appeal to this new consumer segment, product developers must rethink formulations, focusing on low-sugar, high-protein and fiber-rich options while delivering an exceptional sensory experience.
What key trends or developments do you see shaping the future of alternative proteins, and how can ADM help our industry achieve that goal?
In 2025 and beyond, we anticipate continued refinement and purposeful use of blended proteins and hybrids and the exploration of new textures, flavours and formats – specifically in plant-based plus animal-based blends with both familiar sources like soy and pea and emerging ones like chickpea, quinoa and algae. Novel technologies like precision fermentation and cell cultivation are also on the horizon, and blends with more recognisable protein sources will be key for consumer acceptance and adoption. As the industry evolves and consumer interest continues, these offerings become more appealing, accessible and integral to consumers’ everyday lifestyles.
Cost and affordability remain significant concerns for manufacturers and consumers, impacting product development and purchasing decisions. New developments with different protein sources and blends can help deliver on performance and value. ADM’s aim is to continue refining the sensory attributes of our plant proteins while developing more solutions for optimized cost, sensory appeal and protein quality, content and diversity.
Through our ever-expanding library of plant-based ingredients and systems, we help manufacturers develop protein applications to support consumer trial, without asking consumers to radically change their diets and lifestyles.
ADM transforms natural products into high-quality ingredients and solutions. What sets ADM apart in the alternative protein space, and how do you support companies looking for innovative solutions?
The breadth and depth of our portfolio coupled with decades of plant-based protein innovation expertise sets ADM apart. Our quality soy, pea and wheat proteins provide the building blocks for solving an array of challenges in protein product development. We can also combine our plant proteins with wholesome ingredients or other animal-based proteins to tap into the synergistic advantages of blends.
While our portfolio is the foundation for end-to-end product development, ADM’s team of technical advisors and chefs bring it all together. Their protein prowess unlocks innovative solutions to meet the individual needs of our customers in unmatched every stage of product development. From costeffectiveness to taste, texture and nutritional value, their knowledge is imperative when it comes to creating craveable, delicious alternative protein products that win with consumers.
We really appreciate your insights. We’re looking forward to welcoming ADM to Bridge2Food Europe 2025. Any last remarks before we see you there?
We look forward to engaging with the alt protein community at B2F and are always glad to participate in this forum.
NOTE: This communication is only intended for business-to-business use. No statements are meant to be perceived as approved by regulatory authorities. NOTE: Local regulations must be reviewed to confirm permissibility of ingredients and claims for each food category