2022 is shaping up to be another big year for plant-based businesses. Some recent trends are continuing to accelerate, and a handful of groundbreaking developments are on the horizon.
The major themes expected for plant-based businesses and consumers in the coming year include:
- More retail options: Consumers will find an ever-widening array of products available in 2022, with a growing number of vegan seafood, plant-based bacon and chicken-friendly egg brands joining familiar plant-based burgers and chicken in grocery stores.
- More fast food options: Many of the top fast food and fast casual brands are expected to expand popular plant-based meat products from regional or test markets to nationwide distribution. Others are planning to enter the plant-based market for the first time. Either way, many consumers will have more quick, convenient vegan options available in 2022 than they did in 2021.
- More vegan franchises and chains: Several fast casual chains and franchises with fully vegan menus have popped up in recent years. Some are among the fastest growing operations in the country, having proven to be popular not just with those who eat exclusively plant-based diets but omnivores and reducetarians as well.
In addition to these visible trends, a breakthrough in any of these advanced game-changing food technologies could shake up the entire industry.
- Cultivated meat: Scientists are inching closer and closer to viable cultivated or cell-based meat technology, and 2022 could be the year. Cultivated meat, poultry and seafood are grown from animal cells, so its real meat, identical to what’s grown in animal agriculture without the cruelty or carbon impact.
- Cultivated dairy: A handful of startups are developing lab-based fermentation processes that can create essential proteins found in animal dairy — without the cow. Unlike plant-based dairy products, cultivated milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream are genetically identical to animal dairy but eliminate the environmental impact of dairy farming.
- Mycoprotein: This fungus is already popular in plant-based products. But a few startups think they’ll have full cuts of mycoprotein-based meat ready for the market soon.
With all this disruption headed our way, the guidance of an experienced plant-based public relations team can help founders and business owners build their brands and differentiate themselves in a crowded field.
At Orange Orchard, our team of PR experts will work closely to help you cut through the noise and build awareness with strategic media placement, content marketing and crisis management. Our commitment and values give us a unique perspective in the communications industry and position us to deliver real measurable results to our clients.
To find out more about how Orange Orchard can help you achieve success in the plant-based field, call (865) 977-1973 or contact us online.