How we eat and how we affect the environment as a result have become increasingly prevalent in the public eye. Solutions have been proposed, but many are considered too ambitious or radical. One such idea is switching to plant-based meat, as an alternative to the real thing.
However, such a movement poses its own set of problems.
No Clearly Defined Market
There is a market for those who care about animals and wish to prevent animal cruelty. There is also a market for those looking for more environmentally-friendly ways of solving their dietary needs. Some would say the two translate to a market for plant-based meat, but this is not necessarily the case.
Many who hold such beliefs have a problem with plant-based meat as well, due to its quality and pricing. In many cases, there is also the issue of adjusting to new dietary choices.
Big Industry
There are many who don’t want to see the plant-based meat industry succeed, largely due to its size. This sentiment is also shared by traditional competitors, and even some who prefer humane animal treatment. These are more influential players in the industry than plant-based meat, and have methods of placing pressure on newer companies.
It’s tough out there for the little guy: not only because of the smaller market, but because bigger players will try to influence the government in its treatment of plant-based meat companies.
The Government
The government is likely to get involved in the issue of plant-based meat. On the one hand, the government plans to support these businesses, since they are companies worthy of investment. At the same time, the traditional meat industry will try to stop these companies using governmental influence. This is done largely by the government forbidding such companies to call their product meat.
Alienating Potential Allies
There are many players on the market who truly care for the environment. Some are farmers who produce traditional meat, but aim to do so in eco-friendly ways with great care for their animals. Small operations like these could be allies to plant-based meat companies, but they could just as easily be adversaries. If the goal of plant-based meat is to tread in the market of meat producers, a rivalry will surely be established.
Less Investment
When these companies began to appear a few years ago, many investors were lining up to support them. However, hype has died down as new and unexpected problems have arisen, and investors have begun to back off. The issues in question are mostly matters earlier discussed, as well as not having clear business plans on how investments should be expanded.
Conclusion
There are many problems facing the plant-based meat industry. It seemed at first as though it could well replace traditional meat, but logistic and financial setbacks suggest otherwise.