Year in review 2020 - Food Frontier
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year in review 2020
Food Frontier
Dear friends, It’s abundantly clear: we must accelerate Our initiatives foster the partnerships and We look forward, like many, to turning the
emerging protein alternatives to future- investments essential to the accelerated calendar over to 2021. We have high hopes
This has been a year of challenges – and proof global food systems. growth of these solutions in our region. this new year represents a fresh (re)start to
change – as we’ve watched the virus heed no Through this activity, in a region projected to embolden our mission towards a safer, more
borders, reminding us how interconnected Alternative proteins – particularly meat represent the greatest proportion of sustainable and diversified protein supply.
our global ecological, economic and food alternatives made from plants and animal increased meat consumption, we are helping
systems are. meat cultivated from cells – are a critical part to catalyse a shift towards alternatives that And we say this with the utmost gratitude for
of the solution, here and around the globe. can better our global food system. the supporters who enable our work. It is your
COVID-19’s systemic disruption worldwide Governments, investors, businesses and meat collaboration, encouragement and sharing in
has increased questions of food system processors worldwide are already seizing this In 2020, our global-first report on the health our vision that fuels our efforts to drive
safety and security. In particular, the risks of multi-billion-dollar opportunity. In 2020, plant and nutrition of plant-based meats answered forward a brighter food future.
continuing our heavy reliance on industrial proteins saw investment from governments in an increasingly common question – are
animal agriculture are ever-more-acute in the the EU, Canada and Singapore, while plant-based meats a healthier choice? – with
minds of public health experts, climate Singapore and the EU’s European data and insights welcomed by prominent
scientists and agribusiness giants worldwide. Commission also invested in cellular leaders in nutrition and amplified across
While experts have long warned that agriculture. Powerful multinationals like national media. Our forums and direct
intensive meat production poses risk of Nestlé, Cargill and Kellogg’s launched new engagements strengthened the local
spurring pandemics of zoonotic origin, a plant-based meat brands. Down under, the alternative proteins ecosystem by fostering
report this year by the UN Environment alternative proteins ecosystem grew nearly conversations and collaboration within the
Programme and International Livestock threefold, from seven local companies selling food and agriculture sector. Our third industry
Research Institute, Preventing the next plant-based meat products early last year to roundtable (over Zoom, of course) united
pandemic, underscored the gravity of 20 in market today, while cellular agriculture 35 alternative protein business leaders, a
this issue. companies doubled from three to six. moment reflecting the industry’s growth. It’s a
journey we’ve travelled with them every step
Media headlines in 2020 continued to warn These investments and launches signal the of the way.
about the ecological consequences of emergence of a rapidly developing industry
industrial animal agriculture, which are testing set to transform the proteins we eat. I share these reflections with great pride in
the limits of planetary boundaries yet will fall the incredible work delivered by our team
As the independent think tank and expert amidst extraordinary events this year.
short of meeting increasing global demand. advisor on alternative proteins in Australia
Famed naturalist Sir David Attenborough We doubled in size in 2020, a move that
and New Zealand, Food Frontier’s work expands our expertise and will advance the
recently rang this alarm bell, imploring people demonstrates how these alternatives are
to eat less meat. Alongside traditional protein growth and impact of alternative proteins in
nutritious, sustainable and economically our region.
sources, less resource-intensive proteins are valuable solutions to diversifying our
essential to feeding our growing populations. protein supply. Thomas King
CEO
Food Frontier
Food Frontier
GLOBAL-FIRST DATA INFORMED HALF OF ALL
Informed and shifted the dialogue MEDIA COVERAGE IN AU/NZ
amongst consumers, health
practitioners and media asking
whether plant-based meats are a
healthier choice via a first-ever
report on the health and nutrition
of these products
ACCELERATED INDUSTRY
OUR
COLLABORATION AND Food Frontier quotes and/or
GROWTH insights from our 2019 and 2020
research were used in nearly half
Drove learning, discussion and
(49%) of all AU & NZ alternative
problem-solving around shared
proteins stories
DEEPENED OUR POLICY
industry challenges via initiatives
ENGAGEMENT
YEAR
including our third industry
roundtable involving almost every Aided the future growth of the
company across the industry, and alternative proteins sector with
the launch of our new focus groups expanded policy engagements in
new fora and topics, from input to
new free-trade agreements to
GREW AGRICULTRUAL representing the industry in the
AT A
ALLIANCES national labelling conversation
Poised the alternative proteins
100% TEAM GROWTH
GLANCE
industry to form partnerships with
the broader agriculture sector to Amplified the reach and impact of
accelerate research, investment our initiatives by doubling the size
and innovation in new protein of our team with the additions of
sources, by establishing the first Director of Strategy & Operations,
organised initiatives with peak Head of Industry Engagement,
agricultural bodies and Research & Content Manager
Food Frontier
12M +
442K 5,200 + +
OUR
media impressions social impressions people reached on stage
across TV, radio, print, podcast across Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter business leaders, policymakers,
and online channels – in a media and our website News page from farmers, scientists, investors
landscape overwhelmed by content featuring the latest global and consumers reached
pandemic news and local developments, along through on-stage and online
with an average of 40% growth in presentations
YEAR
followers across our social and
owned channels
AT A 175 +
65 +
100%
GLANCE
DIRECT conversations Introductions brokered AMONGST THE INDUSTRY
with influential stakeholders, introductions made for local industry roundtable attendees
from leading manufacturers alternative proteins companies, unanimously agreed ‘Food
and retail giants, to national facilitating tailored connections to Frontier plays an essential role
agricultural bodies and investors, retailers, government in supporting the growth of
government ministers and supply chain operators the sector’
Food Frontier
CONTENTS ABOUT FOOD
FRONTIER 1 driving
dialogue 4 Growing our
capability 17
Engage
with US 18
Supporting
Industry 10
Advising
policymakers 14
Food Frontier 1
Food Frontier is the
independent think tank and
expert advisor on alternative
proteins in Australia and
New Zealand
ABOUT FOOD
FRONTIER
Food Frontier 2
Our Purpose
initiatives, insights and ideas where they’re
most needed. In 2020, we focused on OUR FOCUS
—
shaping the emerging narrative about
plant-based meats, uniting the fast-growing
—
commercial ecosystem and educating Plant-based meat
Global economic, environmental and
public health authorities continue to urge government and incumbent industries on the Plant-based meats are a growing category of
for a reduction in both meat consumption sector’s value. We’ll advance this work in 2021 meat alternatives designed for people who
and our reliance on industrial systems of by addressing targeted barriers to growth and are seeking to reduce their meat consumption,
livestock farming and fishing. Their equipping the industry to leverage new but still want a burger to throw on the
message is clear: diversifying protein sectoral collaborations, better their retail barbeque, or mince for their bolognaise.
supply is essential to feed humanity into partnerships, reach investors and navigate Made from combinations of plant proteins,
the future. policy channels. oils, spices, seasonings and other plant Cellular agriculture
derivatives, plant-based meats aim to replicate
Cellular agriculture is the science that enables
A critical part of a safer and more the experience of cooking and eating
us to grow meat, seafood, dairy, eggs and
sustainable protein supply, alternative conventional meat – from preparation to
other products from animal cells, through a
proteins serve to meet evolving appearance, texture and flavour.
process that mimics the biological process
consumer demands, with a smaller We’ve supported Food Frontier Many (many new) plant-based meat ranges within an animal. Rather than raising and
environmental footprint and fewer public from its early days and continue from Aussie and Kiwi brands have rolled out in slaughtering animals, we can produce foods
health risks.
to be impressed by the team’s national supermarkets throughout 2020, with the same taste and functionality of
marking exciting progress for the local conventional animal products – but in a new,
disciplined, sophisticated and
Our Approach highly strategic approach, which
has achieved exponential influence
industry. From fast casual restaurants to
convenience stores, national foodservice
more efficient and safer way than industrial
animal farming or fishing.
outlets including Nando’s, 7-Eleven and Hunky
— for an organisation of their size. Dory added plant-based meat to their line-ups
The local cellular agriculture sector has grown
steadily in the past year, from three companies
As an educator and facilitator at the centre in 2020. There are now more than 200
of Australia and New Zealand’s alternative
We could not be prouder to to six, with new entrants pursuing a range of
plant-based meat products available in
proteins ecosystem, Food Frontier delivers continue our support of their work opportunities from fermenting dairy proteins
grocery and foodservice across Australia to
to cultivating meat to developing scaffolds.
data and insights on the benefits of plant- to accelerate essential progress meet increasing consumer demand.
Investment in the local sector has provided
based meats and cellular agriculture. These towards making our food systems millions in funding for ventures to further their
insights bring light to opportunities, while our
safer, and more sustainable. product development and grow their teams.
work facilitating connections, convening the
As markets such as the U.S., Israel and
industry and fostering positive policy Nick Chadwick
Singapore invest in the advancement of
pathways enables stakeholders to Head of Australian Ethical Foundation cellular agriculture research, regulation and
pursue them.
commercialisation, Australia and New Zealand
We have grown our capacity and expertise have a window of opportunity to become
to ensure Food Frontier delivers impactful genuine competitors in the field.
Food Frontier 3
OUR
PROGRAMS
Food Frontier’s strategy is executed through
three high-impact programmatic areas:
ac t urer s G ene r a l p ubl r n me n t s
uf
R e ta i l e
rs & Me d i
a ic der al gove R egu
& man foo & fe l at
ors
or s dse te
s s rv S ta
ce i
ce
o
Pr
Industry Thought Policy
Support Leadership Engagement
Fostering collaboration, learning Building knowledge, understanding Furthering the fair regulation
and problem-solving for shared and interest to increase engagement and investment necessary for
challenges and shape dialogue the sector’s growth
R& s
DC
ent o die Ind
res ra lb ust ak ers
of E x
c e l l e n ce Agric u lt u ry
In v e s t ors P ol icy m Gove
r n m e n t- r e l at e d b o d i e s
Food Frontier 4
We shaped the narrative
in an issues-rich environment,
providing data, insights and
new content channels
DRIVing
dialogue
Food Frontier 5
DRIVING
DIALOGUE
Alternative proteins were in the spotlight
down under as we entered 2020, fuelled by
Despite pandemic-induced event
cancellations, we sought new and targeted NEW CONTENT
exponential growth of the local industry, a
doubling of plant-based meat products on
opportunities to further these narratives. Our
team delivered presentations and joined
CHANNELS
shelves and the suite of research and insights
published by Food Frontier in 2019. Through
panels at a wide range of virtual events to
reach key stakeholders locally and globally
—
To reach our audiences more regularly with the
extensive media coverage and direct about market developments, consumer latest developments in alternative proteins in our
engagements, these data and insights formed demand, nutrition, international government region and around the globe, as well as updates
the foundation of many key conversations in investments, regulation, agricultural on Food Frontier’s work, we launched both a
our region about alternative proteins this year. engagements and more. monthly e-newsletter and a News hub on our
With greater consumer and market awareness Our major thought leadership project focused website in early 2020.
about the fundamentals of alternative on shifting the narrative about the health and In turn, Food Frontier’s email subscribers
proteins, our 2020 thought leadership nutrition of plant-based meat through a increased by 35% this year. This growth, coupled
focused on advancing the narratives about comprehensive, first-ever study, detailed on with consistently positive industry feedback, is a
their health and sustainability benefits. We the following page. reflection of our monthly newsletter providing
also drove solutions-focused dialogues timely and relevant content.
around how farmers can supply the raw
ingredients for plant-based meat, calling out
obstacles hindering the development of that
supply chain.
35%
INCREASE IN EMAIL
SUBSCRIBERSFood Frontier 6
DRIVING
DIALOGUE
First-of-its-kind The expansion of plant-based meat offerings
has attracted notable attention and seen a
Despite journalists being nearly all-consumed
by COVID-19, the report launch garnered
nutrition and rise in misinformation about these products in
the media and among consumers. Food
significant attention in Australia and
New Zealand with:
health report Frontier saw a critical need to address the
question posed by many consumers, • 1600+ downloads to date across both
journalists and health professionals: are publications.
plant-based meats really a healthier choice? • Coverage across 20+ television, print,
Released in August, our report, Plant-based radio and digital media outlets with an
Meat: A Healthier Choice?, offers a global estimated audience reach of 4.4 million+.
first-of-its-kind: an analysis of the health and Highlights include almost two-minute TV
nutrition of plant-based meats. It also news stories on 9 News and 7 News.
explores evidence on other factors that may • Circulation and promotion of the report by
influence health, from processing to leading nutritional professionals and
ingredients, and the health risks associated members of the public health industry.
with high production and consumption of One of Australia’s foremost nutritionists,
conventional meat. author and media personality Rosemary
Developed in conjunction with leading Stanton acknowledged the usefulness of
Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) Teri the report and its findings.
Lichtenstein, the report is a comprehensive The report has been widely acknowledged
compilation of in-depth research and provides within the food industry, and served as the
nutritional averages of 95 plant-based meat catalyst for numerous presentations to
products available across Australia and New nutrition, grocery and government audiences
Zealand, compared with the conventional (as seen in the Public Speaking section).
meat equivalents to which they are an
alternative: sausages, burgers, crumbed
poultry and more. To simplify the report’s
findings and help inform consumer choices,
1600 4.4M + +
we released an accompanying guide that
offers recipes and helpful tips.
DOWNLOADS media impressionsFood Frontier 7
DRIVING
DIALOGUE
PUBLIC
5,200 + Spotlight on:
Through keynote addresses, presentations
and panels exploring consumer trends,
SPEAKING health and nutrition, labelling and
regulation, retail strategy, investment and
Global Food Forum
— agricultural opportunities, we delivered
knowledge and insights to over 5,200 people reached on stage —
The Global Food Forum, run by The Australian
industry professionals, policymakers and
and The Wall Street Journal, provided a unique
consumers at events run by:
opportunity for Food Frontier to join executives
from some of Australia’s and the world’s largest
agribusiness and FMCG companies in a space
that aims to “set the agenda for the future of
Environment Agriculture Health Alternative Proteins agribusiness in Australia”. CEO Thomas King
& Sustainability & Industry & Nutrition in International Markets joined a robust panel discussion with Meat &
Livestock Australia MD Jason Strong and
Mandeville Meat CEO Tim Clarke on “the future
of beef in a low carbon economy world”.
Thomas shared insights on alternative proteins,
from consumer trends to investment. He also
spoke to the economic and agricultural
opportunities that alternative proteins offer,
FOOD INDUSTRY
highlighting the need to diversify our protein
NUTRITION GROUP
production with more sustainable options as
the global population rises.
CEO Thomas King speaking alongside the
Managing Director of Meat & Livestock AustraliaFood Frontier 8
DRIVING
DIALOGUE
Media Engagement
—
As Australia and New Zealand’s think tank for Stories in prominent agriculture Q&A profiled Thomas conveying the
alternative proteins, Food Frontier continues and business publications criticality of protein diversification
to be the leading source of data and insights allowed us to reach priority and opportunities it presents for
used in news coverage of the sector. stakeholders: Australian farmers
A taste test of plant-based meats featured Story on EU’s vote not to restrict plant-
an interview with Thomas establishing the based labelling, featured quotes from our
economic benefits for Australian farmers Director of Policy and Government Relations
reinforcing a win for ‘common sense
approach’
Signature story on our nutrition report
featured an interview with co-author
Coverage of the NSW Farmers Alternative
Teri Lichtenstein, APD
Protein Forum and the opportunities for
farmers included Food Frontier’s definition
of types of meat alternatives as presented
at the Forum
Interview with our Director of Policy and
Government Relations reiterated there is
no evidence of consumer confusion
An online story and radio interview with
around plant-based product labelling as it
CEO Thomas King unpacked 2020’s top
undergoes another review in Australia
five moments in alternative proteins
down underFood Frontier 9
DRIVING
DIALOGUE
Media Engagement We shared key stories across our social and
owned channels, along with news of global
and local developments in alternative
— proteins, to drive a further 442K+ impressions.
Throughout the year, media stories about
alternative proteins provided readers a This content reached a follower base that
comprehensive picture of the sector, increased primarily amongst our business-
established by economic and consumer focused channels of Twitter (64%) and
insights from Food Frontier’s reports. We LinkedIn (59%), with small uptick amongst
achieved this by partnering with local a more consumer-centric audience on
alternative proteins companies to include Facebook (5%). This growth was underpinned
these insights in their milestone by our planned social and content strategy,
announcements. Extensive media coverage without any paid content engagement.
of these announcements then established or
reinforced the scope and potential of the
sector, while reaching new audiences with
data-filled narratives. 101,000+
Through coverage of our report launch,
organic media opportunities and
partnerships in others’ stories, we garnered 170,000+
12M+ impressions across Australia and
New Zealand via:
126,000+
impressions
12M
media impressions
+Food Frontier 10
We facilitated partnerships,
provided new resources and
advanced export pathways
for a growing sector
Supporting
industryFood Frontier 11
SUPPORTING
INDUSTRY
Sector Food Industry suppliers. As both of Australia’s national
grocery retailers continue to build and
Developments Initiatives improve their meat alternative offerings,
Food Frontier continued to deliver insights on
— — the industry to their category managers and
product developers.
Our work is fostering collaboration, creating
Industry forums
65 +
connections and providing resources for
Australia and New Zealand’s alternative Facilitating engagement, knowledge-building
proteins ecosystem. From establishing new and problem-solving within the local
alternative proteins ecosystem is an essential
Introductions
cross-sector, collaborative partnerships, to
providing well-considered resources to role Food Frontier plays to accelerate the brokered
address key industry challenges, this work industry’s growth. In August, we hosted our We also connected with stakeholders working
reflects Food Frontier’s role as the educator third industry roundtable as a forum to learn, tangentially to the industry, from academics
and facilitator at the centre of this ecosystem. network, discuss shared challenges and To deep dive on key discussions from the exploring research opportunities to analysts
We continue to deepen our relationships for explore sector-wide opportunities. The 35 roundtable, Food Frontier established two tracking market developments to
greater impact when delivering knowledge attendees representing almost all domestic focus groups – one on exporting and one on policymakers considering investments and
and advice to local entrepreneurs and the plant-based meat companies also heard ingredients procurement. The first meeting regulation. In total, we conducted 175+
retailers and agricultural leaders engaging expert advice from guest speakers on focused on relevant export issues such as IP meetings and conversations and brokered
with the sector. We furthered our capacity to regulatory considerations, export protection, international trade contracts, 65+ introductions supporting the sector.
do so this year with the hire of a new role, opportunities and local ingredient processing. export markets, in-market intelligence needs
Head of Industry Engagement. and consumer research, with contributions Advisory consultations
In a post-event anonymous survey, all
from CSIRO and Austrade. We will continue
participants reported that having attended We participated in stakeholder consultations
to offer these problem-solving forums in
the roundtable, they are now more likely to for an Australian Institute of Food Science
the future.
participate in cross-sector discussions with and Technology research report produced by
industry peers. They also unanimously Direct industry engagement RDS Partners exploring the growth potential
agreed that ‘Food Frontier plays an essential of Australia’s food manufacturing sector, as
role in supporting the growth of the sector.’ Our direct engagement with companies well as a Food Innovation Australia Limited
across the alternative proteins ecosystem (FIAL) report produced by KPMG. The FIAL
100%
involved providing advice and guidance on report will guide creation of industry-
press releases and PR engagement, retailer designed and led roadmaps for 19 distinct
relationships, talent recruitment, sustainability growth opportunities to double the size
plans, import and export opportunities and of Australia’s food and agribusiness sector
innovation projects, as well as introducing by 2030.
agreement about Food them to prospective investors, partners and
Frontier’s essential roleFood Frontier 12
SUPPORTING
INDUSTRY
Company directory & resources Future of Protein Forum
To provide a comprehensive overview of the
Agriculture In August, Food Frontier partnered with the
local alternative proteins ecosystem, we
created and published on our website a
and R&D Initiatives NFF and NSW Farmers, the national and
New South Wales peak farmers’ industry
directory of plant-based meat and cellular — groups respectively, to establish the bi-annual
agriculture ventures across Australia and New Building on the conversation we began in Future of Protein Forum. This forum provides
Zealand. This will serve as a useful, at-a- 2019 demonstrating how farmers could a constructive environment for key industry
glance resource for retailers, investors, media capitalise on the growing demand for plant representatives to explore the agricultural
and other industry stakeholders that hasn’t proteins, we furthered our relationships with opportunities alternative proteins present.
previously existed. We’ve begun developing key agricultural bodies in 2020. This included Our aim is to identify collaborative projects,
more industry-centric resources to be deeper engagement with the National address questions regarding how the primary
published on our website next year to further Farmers’ Federation (NFF), as well as sector can engage with and benefit from
Food Frontier’s role as the go-to for local engaging the Grains Research & alternative proteins and generate progressive
industry knowledge. Development Corporation, NSW Farmers and dialogue with decision-makers. The first
AgriFutures Australia to educate agriculture Forum meeting was held in November and
sector constituents and further understand offered attendees insight to major research
the opportunities and barriers to achieving initiatives under CSIRO and the proposed
the sector’s potential. Pulse Protein Cooperative Research Centre,
as well as the country’s first major
A future-focused proteins report by
I seem to say this every month, but fractionation facility for processing
AgriFutures included more than 10 mentions
the tide is turning and the message plant proteins.
of Food Frontier’s research findings –
on the merits of plant-based meat an adoption of our data, and our progressive
is getting through. Food Frontier rhetoric, which marked a significant
acknowledgment by a major agriculture
contributes to every conversation
organisation. The report’s tone reflected a
we have every day, and we’re so shift amongst the agriculture industry towards
grateful for the continued the more constructive, future-focused and
thoughtful and impactful work evidence-based narrative we’re working
you all do! to further.
Andrew May
Chief Growth OfficerFood Frontier 13
SUPPORTING
INDUSTRY
Pulse Protein Cooperative Commonwealth Scientific and
Research Centre (PP CRC) Industrial Research Organisation
(CSIRO): Future Protein Mission
Food Frontier became a founding member
of the new PP CRC, which aims to CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, As CSIRO undertakes our Future
accelerate research, investment and established a Future Protein Mission that Protein Mission to fast track the
innovation in new protein sources, primarily aims to help the Australian food industry
pulses. In Australia, CRCs improve the leverage new protein-related opportunities.
growth of the Australian protein
competitiveness, productivity and We deepened our relationship with their industry, having Food Frontier as
sustainability of national industries by team to share information and insights, as an ally to work alongside is
helping industry partner with the research well as explore how Food Frontier can invaluable. It’s been great getting
sector to solve industry-identified issues. support the Mission while ensuring our
to know the team, and we value
As a founding member, our work will focus efforts are complementary. This included
on influencing the PP CRC over its 10-year Food Frontier was instrumental presenting to their Meat 2.0 team, who is their industry insights, research
lifespan to support research and innovation in helping NSW Farmers bridge assessing avenues for world-class scientists findings and collaborative spirit.
focused on the plant-based meat sector. the gap between traditional in our region to contribute to the emerging
Professor Michelle Colgrave
While the PP CRC did not pass its initial cellular agriculture industry. Our presentation
producers and alternative protein Future protein lead
2020 bid to receive government funding, emphasised two critical elements needed to
Food Frontier will continue to support its companies. Our collaboration establish Australia as a global leader in
next-round application in mid-2021. opened the gate for important cellular agriculture: a broad scope of R&D,
conversations with the and exploring the industry’s requirements
agricultural industry about in fields crucial to commercialisation –
food engineering, food science and
harnessing complementary
sensory science.
opportunities in plant-based
protein, and helped many
agricultural industry bodies
feel more comfortable about
the subject.
Aly Bunton
Senior Policy AdvisorFood Frontier 14
We highlighted economic
opportunites to governments
and ensured common-sense
commercial regulation
Advising
policymakersFood Frontier 15
ADVISING
POLICYMAKERS
Federal Government
As Australia’s only body representing
alternative proteins, Food Frontier has Government We engaged at the federal level as well,
increasingly been called upon to advise
governmental organisations and policy- — including arranging a series of meetings with
both the Department of Agriculture, Water
making bodies critical to the success of State Governments
and the Environment and the Department
the sector. Our work has focused on
To support state governments interested in of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
illuminating to governments the economic
taking a lead in Australia’s emerging to further relationships and discuss key
value of alternative proteins; building
alternative proteins sector, Food Frontier industry matters.
partnerships to further investment and
R&D; and furthering an evidence-based highlighted sectoral opportunities that align
The Australian federal government also
approach to the sector’s regulation. with government priorities to stimulate
produced a report on meat alternative
innovation, regional jobs creation and
patents, analysing trends in alternative
economic growth.
protein technologies, and drew on statistics
We did this via options papers delivered to and content from Food Frontier’s reports to
the New South Wales and Victorian provide context for developments and
governments outlining the need for plant- growth in the sector.
protein supply chain development, cellular
agriculture R&D and industry capacity
development. This was underpinned by
evidence from our consumer demand
CEO Thomas King and Director of Policy & Government
research with Colmar Brunton and 2030 Relations Sam Lawrence in the nation’s capital for
market projections with Deloitte Access government meetings
Economics.
In July we co-organised with the Victorian
Government’s food team a virtual seminar on
the alternative proteins sector and its
potential at both a national and a state level.
We presented to a cross-section of officials,
accompanied by presentations from CSIRO
and Agriculture Victoria. A presentation of a
similar nature was delivered to officials
across a number of NSW Government
departments including the Department of
Primary Industries.Food Frontier 16
ADVISING
POLICYMAKERS
Advancing export pathways Plant-based product labelling
Recognising our position as the nation’s
Regulation As 2019 ended, we celebrated the Ministerial
leading experts on the alternative proteins — Forum on Food Regulation again rejecting
landscape, the federal government’s proposed restrictions on plant-based product
Cellular agriculture regulation
Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) labelling, following our guidance
called on Food Frontier several times this As cellular agriculture technology advances, demonstrating that existing labelling is
year to brief their international network, attention is now turning to the end-to-end fit-for-purpose. However, continued pressure
including officers in the U.S., Singapore, Israel production of finished food products. Food from the dairy and livestock sectors in late
and Australian branches. We shared insights Frontier is working to ensure the local 2020 led the Minister for Agriculture to
on the evolving global and local alternative regulatory landscape can safely enable pursue a new pathway towards labelling
proteins sector and pointed Austrade’s proteins cultivated from cells to enter the restrictions under his department, bypassing
offshore trade representatives towards major market, just as regulatory authorities in the Ministerial Forum.
opportunities for inbound investment and Singapore did at the close of 2020.
bilateral commercial partnerships, while As the first step in a pre-determined process
explaining domestic industry dynamics that To that end, Food Frontier worked closely to seek these restrictions, the Minister
will be critical to consider when assisting with an Australian cellular agriculture convened a roundtable and new working
company to prepare a draft application to Cultured meat is such an group, for which Food Frontier was invited to
Australian companies seeking to export.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand important breakthrough that represent the interests of the broader
We also worked this year to influence the (FSANZ) to test the existing regulatory needs to make its way to the alternative protein sector. The roundtable
potential emergence of the first free-trade framework, allowing FSANZ to provide initial includes heavy representation from the dairy
general public. This
agreements to specifically reference feedback and advice ahead of Australia’s first and livestock sectors. We provided evidence
alternative protein products, in an aim to help official application for a cellular agriculture understandably involves illustrating the consumer demand for, and
Australian and New Zealand companies product in 2021. navigating a complicated understanding of, plant-based products in the
export these products more easily to regulatory landscape. Food Australian marketplace.
European markets. Our first submissions on The Australia New Zealand Ministerial Forum
on Food Regulation, a decision-making body Frontier’s hard work, quality We are consulting with the plant-based
new free-trade agreements called for tariffs
on plant-based meat exports to be removed, for both countries, is also examining whether advice and guidance along the way alternative industries and will put forward
as well as commodity codes covering future additional regulation for cellular agriculture is has made this journey much their views in the working group, which is
necessary. We provided materials on cellular expected to run until February 2021. We will
cellular agriculture products to be included, simpler for us.
amongst other priorities. We wrote to the agriculture to the Australian Department of continue to advocate for an evidence-based
Australian, New Zealand and UK governments Agriculture, Water and the Environment to Tim Noakesmith discussion and leverage our relationships
regarding respective free-trade deals, inform its internal briefing in response. Founder & CEO across industries to ensure practical and
including with the EU. common-sense outcomes that are in the
interests of consumers.Food Frontier 17
We doubled our team to Food Frontier’s ability to drive meaningful
change is dependent on hiring the right
bring new expertise to our people whose unique combinations of
skill, knowledge and passion will amplify
research, operations and our impact.
industry engagement In 2020, we hired critical new team members
whose expertise across research, content
development, strategy, operations and
industry have increased our capacity to
accelerate growth of the region’s alternative
proteins ecosystem. New hires included:
• A Head of Industry Engagement with
Food Frontier team, December 2020
nearly 20 years’ extensive technical food
industry experience to support local
alternative proteins companies to grow,
and solve shared challenges Special thanks…
Growing
• A Director of Strategy & Operations Even with the continued expansion
with experience in change management of our team, our work in 2020 would
and communications across the not have been possible without the
commercial, NGO and international support of many external contributors
development sectors to streamline our and experts.
internal operations and support team-wide
our
strategy implementation We’d like to extend a special thanks
to Teri Lichtenstein, APD, the co-author
• A Research & Content Manager with of our nutrition report.
a communications background and a
nutritionist qualification to deepen our We also wish to thank our talented
research capability and develop new volunteers for their valued support
this year, including Dr Lucy Fish,
CAPACITY
content streams
Lyn Davies, Dr. Despina Handolias,
Our team of six was not at full capacity until Siddharth Bhide, Dean Hayden,
mid-Q3, so we’re thrilled to see what we can Kriti Manektala, Johann Lipmann,
accomplish collectively in 2021 to realise a Michal Klar, Charmaine Ng, William
more future-proof protein supply. Spencer and Sam Wallace.Engage with us DONATE GET INVOLVED SUBSCRIBE
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