According to China Food Exhibition, in recent years, the food industry has faced a multitude of challenges, including severe climate conditions, the global pandemic, food safety concerns, the rising cost of raw materials, and geopolitical tensions.​

These issues have exerted significant pressure on the entire food supply chain to continue its operations smoothly. Businesses have started to adopt sustainable practices in response to the pressures, for instance, developing innovative preservation techniques to reduce food waste.

In addition, upcycled food also addresses food waste by repurposing discarded food production elements into quality products, promoting resource conservation. On the other hand, adopting eco-friendly food packaging helps to attract consumers’ attention. Furthermore, alternative protein and plant-based products are continuing to impact the food industry.

Growing consumer interest towards plant-based products is significant and the plant-based sector shows positive growth, especially in Asia which has experienced the fastest growth rate of 85% CAGR. This growing consumer demand is steering the industry towards innovative product development, especially in the areas of plant-based and alternative protein offerings. The emphasis is on products that deliver on both taste and health benefits while positively impacting the environment. Many businesses have embarked on a journey towards more eco-friendly production methods, and the food industry in Taiwan is also putting many efforts to echo the trend.

Plant-based trend in Asia and Taiwan​

The vegetarian consumer accounts for around 14% of the population in Taiwan. Plant-based products are commonly accepted: in recent years alternative protein and plant-based products are booming in the Taiwanese market. Leading livestock producer, DaChan Great Wall Group, sees the potential of the plant-based market and has launched its subsidiary Neo Foods Company which develops alternative protein.

The major plant-based protein producer, Hoya continues to develop its plant-based products with a variety of flavors and textures, such as the vegan fish snack or truffle-flavored vegan jerky. In addition, the plant-based milk market continues to grow.

China Food Exhibition learned that the oat milk manufacturer AGV has collaborated with Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI) and established the ‘AGV Plant Milk Technology R&D Center’, leveraging research, techniques and a production line in order to promote sustainable food systems in Taiwan.