Summary
We are pleased to announce the publication of the NAPIC Partner Engagement Workshop Report, capturing the collaborative insights and discussions that will help shape the future of alternative proteins in the UK.
NAPIC Partner Engagement Workshop Report
Watson, N. & Rafiq, S., 2025. NAPIC Partner Engagement Workshop Report. Available at: https://doi.org/10.48785/100/320
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
This report focuses on key workshop discussions, where leaders from academia, industry, policy, regulation and investment sectors came together to define challenges, assess sector needs, and explore solutions to drive the mainstream adoption of alternative proteins.
Six Key Innovation Challenges
Through our co-creation process, we identified Six Innovation Challenges that must be addressed:
- Unlocking Nature’s Potential – Exploring bio-based solutions for sustainable food production.
- Protein Discovery – Identifying and developing novel, high-quality protein sources.
- Structuring for Functional & Nutritional Benefits – Enhancing texture, taste, and nutrition.
- Enabling Sustainable Bioprocessing at Scale – Developing efficient and scalable production methods.
- New Metrics & Standards for Product Quality & Environment – Establishing clear standards for transparency and trust.
- Acceptability & Accessibility – Ensuring alternative proteins are affordable, inclusive, and widely accepted.
Building a Stronger, More Sustainable Future
During the workshops, participants engaged in discussions to explore:
1. What does this innovation challenge mean to your organisation?
2. How can the NAPIC community address this innovation challenge?
3. How can the NAPIC community address this innovation
challenge by building a national knowledge base?
4. How can the NAPIC community address this innovation
challenge through upskilling the community?
By capturing these conversations, the NAPIC Partner Engagement Report provides a foundation for meaningful action, helping to shape the future of sustainable food systems.
"The NAPIC Partner Engagement Report marks a crucial step in bringing together key players across the alternative protein ecosystem. Through this workshop, we fostered meaningful discussions on both the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector with a focus on NAPIC’s six Innovation Challenges. This report not only captures those valuable insights but also serves as a roadmap for collaboration, innovation, and progress in driving the sector forward. We deeply appreciate everyone who attended and contributed to this important dialogue."
