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The deepest dive yet on alt proteins

From September 22-24, 2021, GFI brought together 1,500+ scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders from around the world to share data and insights aimed at accelerating change, eliminating obstacles, and scaling solutions for mainstreaming alternative proteins across our global food system. 

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Everyone showed up knowing the stakes

To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, agriculture-as-usual must change. Alternative proteins are a practical, globally scalable solution that is within our grasp. At GFC 2021, representatives across the public, private, and civil society sectors shared insights and data on the state of alt proteins today. GFC 2021 convened the critical mix of disciplines, decision-makers, and doers who are needed for system-scale change.

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Charting the roadmap

Building on key insights on the state of alt proteins today, the three-day gathering focused on the path ahead:

  • What scientific, technology, and commercial innovations will be required to transform how food is made?
  • What does the policy landscape need to look like?
  • What does the market need to look like? Consumer behavior?
  • What does an alt protein economy look like in terms of infrastructure, investments, jobs, and labor transitions?
  • What sister strategies—from clean energy and carbon markets to biodiversity and ecological restoration—need to accelerate in order for workers, communities, and the entire food system to experience a sustainable, secure, and just transition?

Takeaways from GFC 2021

Even though we’re deep into the field of alternative protein investment, the Good Food Conference 2021 surfaced insights and concepts that help inform and propel our work. The in-depth science sessions, policy panels, and pitch slam presentations especially energized us, equipping our team with increased optimism around the innovations and practical pathways that are getting us to a better food future. Kudos to the GFI team for convening and catalyzing the field!

Lisa Feria, Managing Partner and CEO, Stray Dog Capital

“Thank you so much for everything, and specifically for GFC. It’s like a shot of adrenaline straight into the heart of the industry.”

GFC 2021 attendee

“GFC was again a very exciting and insightful event demonstrating the enormous speed at which this industry/field develops.”

GFC 2021 attendee

“Exceptional professionalism of the GFI Team was inspiring. Great work attracting a diverse group of presenters and moderators! I watched as much as I could, and have already started filling gaps on the YouTube feed.”

GFC 2021 attendee

“I really liked the randomized approach to networking. I met a lot of interesting people and learned a tremendous amount. It was also impactful as conversations that I would not normally participate in turned out to be the most meaningful networking opportunities. I feel grateful to have met so many amazing people and it made me remember the value of diverse connections!”

GFC 2021 attendee

  1,530

Conference attendees, including scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and corporate leaders 

  67

Countries from which attendees hailed 

  200+

Speakers, expert panelists, and moderators from across the public, private, and civil society sectors 

Day-by-day session recordings

Whether you joined us at GFC 2021 or not, everyone is invited to view recordings of our full line-up of plenaries, expert panels, in-depth tech track sessions, and more. 

Wednesday, September 22nd

Plenaries and panels

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GFC 2021 Kickoff: Charting the global roadmap

Join us as we kick off GFC 2021 with diverse voices from across the field of alt proteins, each underscoring the importance of this moment in time.

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Insights on consumer perceptions of alternative proteins

If we build it, will they come? Dive deep into the consumer insights that will determine the trajectory of the alternative protein sector.

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Collaborative research ecosystem models

Learn how multi-disciplinary research collaboratives provide the foundational infrastructure required to accelerate R&D in the industry.

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Bringing down costs and increasing access

Greater affordability may drastically increase the impact of alternative proteins. What will it take to lower costs and increase access?

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Growing the talent pipeline for our future food system

Discover insights from GFI’s labor analysis project and hear from innovative leaders working to grow the alt protein talent pipeline.

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Policy directions from the LCA/TEA analyses

Experts discuss policy recommendations based on the recently released techno-economic analysis & life-cycle assessment of cultivated meat.

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Climate, land use, and biodiversity

Join experts to discuss how alt proteins are a key solution for climate, biodiversity, and land use.

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Day 1 wrap: The five-year journey

Join these absolute icons of alt proteins as they reflect on how far the field has come in five years and why the next five are even more critical.

Thursday, September 23rd

Plenaries, panels, tech track sessions, and pitch slam

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Asian innovation hubs—Panel

It’s the fastest-growing consumer market for alt protein—and the only one with cultivated meat for sale—but can it scale up fast enough?

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Emerging Asian markets—Panel

Leading talent, agricultural biodiversity, and a thriving manufacturing sector – but can emerging Asia join the alt protein vanguard?

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Israel as a rising hub for alt protein opportunities—Panel

With leading startups and researchers, Israel is becoming a global hub for alt proteins. Find out what business opportunities await you.

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Brazil: The next global leader in alt proteins?—Panel

Biodiversity, agribusiness, regulatory framework, and consumer market can make Brazil the global leader in the alternative protein sector.

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Day 2: On-ramps to innovation

Experts with a deep history of driving scientific innovation share insights on accelerating emerging industries toward tipping points.

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A future where alt proteins are no longer alternative

It’s 2040. What does the alternative protein market look like and what did it take to get here?

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Tech track: Production equipment innovation

Plant-based meat production is being propelled by novel methods. Learn how LME, HME, and alternatives to extrusion are advancing the field.

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Tech track: Advances in media for cultivated meat production

Explore the latest research advancing the development of affordable, animal-free media for cultivated meat production.

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The role of alternative proteins in ESG investing and CSR

Hear leading investors, corporations, and standard-setters discuss how alternative proteins fit into the critical ESG investing movement!

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Tech track: Precision fermentation for molecular synthesis

Delve into the latest precision fermentation research and learn how this platform is improving the organoleptic qualities of alt proteins.

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Tech track: Ingredient processing innovation for PBM

Discover the key breakthroughs that will make processing inputs and ingredients for alternative proteins more effective and affordable.

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Pitch slam

Get a sneak peek of fresh ideas from entrepreneurs seeking to make a splash in alternative proteins and solve key market challenges.

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Addressing key white spaces: GFI research grant program

Learn from GFI’s grantees how they are tackling the most pressing challenges in alternative protein science to advance the field.

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How students will lead the alternative protein revolution

Meet students from around the world who are playing a pivotal role in building the alternative protein ecosystem.

Friday, September 24th

Plenaries and panels

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Day 3: Keeping our eyes on the road

Join GFI vice president of policy Jessica Almy and cross-sector colleagues as they discuss near-term milestones that will get us on a path to 2050.

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Cultivated meat path to market

Learn how the Singaporean and U.S. governments are ensuring the safety of cultivated meat as it comes to market.

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Advancing solutions to key challenges: Infrastructure

Join this discussion on commercializing ingredients, scaling manufacturing capacity, infrastructure funding gaps, and more.

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Advancing solutions to key challenges: Sensory

Taste is the #1 barrier to consumer adoption. What are the biggest sensory challenges—and what promising innovations are on the horizon?

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Alternative seafood as an ocean policy priority

Why governments should support alternative seafood as an ocean sustainability solution.

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Label censorship

Learn about the importance of truthful alternative protein labeling for safety, legality, and consumer acceptance.

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Contract manufacturing: Constraints and opportunities

Explore the current co-man landscape, how existing CMO’s are moving into alt proteins, and challenges for startups working with co-mans.

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That’s a wrap! What’s ahead

Join Ezra Klein live as he interviews Bruce Friedrich at the end of GFC 2021, with key takeaways and reflections from a global team of GFI’ers.

2021 Sponsors

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Stay connected and engaged: GFIdeas Community

While GFC 2021 brought together multi-disciplinary experts and change-makers in a single event, it’s critical that we all regularly connect and collaborate if we are to collectively shift our global food system at the scale and pace needed. GFIdeas is a community designed for this purpose, convening people from across the alt protein sector to make connections, discover the latest research, learn from food industry experts, and support each other in building a sustainable, secure, and just food system. We welcome everyone dedicated to alternative proteins — from students to investors to our donors — to share this space and grow the good food community.

Upcoming events

Join us at an upcoming webinar, seminar, or alternative proteins industry event.

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Virtual Event

Ask GFI: Alt Protein Careers

Are you interested in working in alternative protein? Join SciTech university innovation specialist, Christina Aguila, to learn more about what it takes to pursue an academic or industry career in…

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Virtual Event

Future Food-Tech New York

Future Food-Tech’s dedicated Alternative Proteins Summit brings the alternative protein industry together to explore new approaches to scaling novel technologies.

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Virtual Event

Ask GFI: Alt Protein Careers

Are you interested in working in alternative protein? Join SciTech university innovation specialist, Christina Aguila, to learn more about what it takes to pursue an academic or industry career in…

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Food Innovation and Investment Summit

The Food Innovation & Investment Summit features two days of sessions, networking, and an innovation showcase highlighting food innovation, including alternative proteins.

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The Vegan Women Summit

Join the Vegan Women’s Summit to connect with leading CEOs, celebrities, investors, and other leaders working to build an animal-free future.

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Virtual Event

The Science of Alt Protein: The environmental impact of cultivated meat production

Join GFI Lead Scientist Elliot Swartz, Ph.D., for a review of key insights from a recently published life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling a future large-scale cultivated meat production facility.

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Virtual Event

GFIdeas plant-based meat networking mixer

Join us for a networking event focused on the plant-based meat industry!

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Virtual Event

The Business of Alt Protein: Taking alternative proteins mainstream

Join GFI and Boston Consulting Group, a global management consulting firm, for a discussion on what it will take for alternative proteins to become mainstream.