Page 54 - Ameft Journal 2021-III

I IN NG G R RE ED D I I E EN N T TS S Laïta Nutrition shifting to plant-based ingredients The COVID-19 pandemic has further ac- celerated the transition of consumers to a plant-based diet. While, dairy compa- nies are driving new strategies for the nu- tritional and food transition, Laïta Nutrition - the nutrition division of the Laïta dairy cooperative – affirms its strategic focus on plant-based ingredients. Carving a niche in the plant-based beverage industry In these days of increased aware- ness of plant-based alternatives, the market in plant-based beverages is looking more promising solutions than ever. Interest in plant-based foods and drinks is growing, eating habits are changing as plant-based products come to be seen as of primary impor- tance, and consumers have a keen eye for health claims. Booming new market The market for plant-based proteins represents nearly €10 bn around the world, with expected growth of about 7% over the forecast period. The FAO estimates a 40% increase in world protein demand by 2030. Plant-based food sales are outpacing total retail food sales (35% faster than total re- tail food). This plant-based trend is challenging for dairy companies. They need to reinvent themselves to inno- vate and offer new solutions for their customers. Unlocking new possibilities Laïta Nutrition’s plant-based bever- age solution unlocks possibilities for the clinical, child and sports nutrition market. This strong trend in food is neces- sarily being felt in the specific markets of Laïta Nutrition in protein inputs, through the rebound effect. The dif- ference between plant-based proteins is the taste and quality of the proteins added to the formulas. With vegetable proteins, the field of possibilities is infinite (soya, lupin, lentils, rice, corn, hemp, etc.). The company applies a European origin policy for the vegeta- ble proteins in its range. Laïta Nutrition offers a complete range tailored to the specific needs of all areas of the nutrition and health sector, from dietary and sports nutri- tion to specialized medical and infant nutrition products. The company cur- rently offers a range of plant-based products for clinical nutrition and is developing a plant-based formulation for sports nutrition by 2022. “We are a dairy cooperative, first and foremost. We do have several markets, however, and the expertise of our Health Division lies in formulating complex products. We must therefore explore every available ingredient. As a formulator, we have developed strong expertise in adapting to any ingredients. 54 AMEFT 3 2021 www.ameft.com (Source: Laïta Nutrition)