GFI partners with AAK to accelerate Indian plant-based market

The Good Food Institute India has joined with AAK Kamani, AAK’s majority-owned Indian joint venture, to advance research and business promotion in India’s growing market for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives.

Through the partnership, AAK’s Customer Innovation Center in Mumbai will host sessions designed to help businesses take advantage of the opportunities that exist in India’s plant-based foods market. 

With support from the Good Food Institute India, AAK will also assist companies about how to accelerate the formulation of new products within the category, with a particular focus on achieving optimal sensory experience and appealing to local tastes and cultures.

“This collaboration means we can provide more support to both established food producers and start-ups, promoting the fast-track development of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives for the Indian market. We are particularly excited to work with the Good Food Institute India. As a non-profit organisation, it is globally recognised for supporting the development of sustainable and healthy plant-based foods,” said Dheeraj Talreja, President of AAK Kamani.

“Developing great-tasting plant-based foods is one of the main challenges today. There are a lot of good products on the market already. However, to maintain the growing interest in plant-based foods we must continue to improve the sensory experience. From a global perspective we also need to be mindful of the need to adapt to regional taste preferences. This is why I’m so pleased to start our collaboration with the Good Food Institute in India,” added Niall Sands, President Plant-based Foods at AAK.

Varun Deshpande, Managing Director at the Good Food Institute India, commented: “The challenges of climate change, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity presented by the world’s reliance on animal protein supply chains have been underscored by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Accelerating the development of the plant-based meat, egg and dairy sector is therefore imperative to building a more secure and resilient protein supply. Indian businesses and scientists have immense potential to be at the centre of this development, driving affordability and sensory experiences as well as cultural appeal in transformative plant-based foods – but they need support on their journey. We’re delighted to have pioneering corporate partners like AAK Kamani in our mission for smart protein. Their ingredients and co-development expertise will be integral to building a more healthy, sustainable and just global food system.”