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In Hauts-de-France, the protein sector is supported by a thriving agrifood ecosystem. Nationwide, we have the sector’s 3rd-largest workforce, and we export more agrifood products than any other region in France. You’ll also find a wide selection of potential partners for protein producers here.
Our business community includes global corporations, such as Barilla, Coca-Cola and Danone, as well as regional companies that are now market leaders, such as Bonduelle and Roquette.
The global market for proteins is booming, with worldwide demand expected to grow 40% by 2030. This surge is powered by increased appetite for plant protein (set to rise 43% by 2030) and insect-and algae-based proteins—trends driven, in turn, by demographic growth and shifts in food preferences.
In response, in 2020 the French government identified growing the plant protein market as a key food sovereignty issue. And its national strategy for plant-based protein is a vital agricultural component of the economic recovery plan announced by the Ministry for the Economy.
But the plan also tackles two additional challenges:
To make France a leader in plant protein for human foods, the government is stepping up investment to build and grow this industry.
And as part of this effort, Hauts-de-France is positioning itself to become France’s top region for new proteins by 2025.
With over 40 years of experience in plant protein R&D, Roquette is ideally positioned to meet rising global demand.
The company has spent years studying next-generation plant proteins to identify the most efficient, most sustainable sources and meet the needs of food producers.
Most recently, Roquette has focused on processing fava beans and yellow peas, both for their nutritional properties and for their low environmental impact.
In Europe, it has invested in a pea protein production plant in Vic-sur-Aisne, in southeastern Hauts-de-France.
Nxtfood develops and produces 100% plant-based meat alternatives, all made in France. The Lille-based startup has raised more than €10 million from Roquette Ventures and Creadev.
Nxtfood is now building a plant in Vitry-en-Artois, not far from Lille, that is set for start-up in 2022. This new facility will produce plant-based steaks to meet consumers’ growing appetite for plant proteins.
Amid rising global demand for protein, insect proteins offer a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative. Ÿnsect and Innovafeed, 2 leading contenders in this segment, have chosen Hauts-de-France as the place to grow their business.
In Poulainville, near Amiens, Ÿnsect is building the world’s largest vertical farm to raise and process Molitor beetles for use in animal feed and fertilizer. In 2021, the company broadened its focus to include food for humans, acquiring the Dutch insect-ingredient maker Protifarm.
In 2020 Innovafeed, another promising player, opened a new production site in Nesle, in central Hauts-de-France.
Hauts-de-France is home to research centers actively involved in a range of plant-based and alternative protein projects:
All 5 of these entities have research expertise in agrifood resources and biorefining, and several projects focus specifically on protein innovation.
In addition to R&D, these organizations are training centers, making qualified workers available to the Hauts-de-France agrifood industry.
Improve is among the world’s very few centers dedicated exclusively to developing plant-based and alternative proteins.
Extractis is a technology center specializing in the plant extraction process. It can also assist Improve on large-scale projects
Adrianor is an innovation hub with expertise in food product development.
Located in Amiens, Improve (Institut Mutualisé pour les Protéines Végétales) is a private-sector R&D center specializing in proteins. It works with over 420 clients around the world, providing the expertise, services and equipment they need to extract and develop plant proteins and alternative proteins from algae, insects and other sources.
Bioeconomy for change is the region’s Industries & Agro-Resources cluster. Based in Laon, in southeastern Hauts-de-France, it brings together 450 members to promote sustainable industry by extracting value from all plant components and by-products.
B4C created and coordinates Protéines France, a consortium of leaders in the French active proteins market. B4C also leads a plant-based/alternative proteins working group, where researchers and companies can connect and form new partnerships and tie-ups.
France’s national protein plan includes funding for:
Bpifrance is also set to provide support for startups and SMEs in the protein space.
You’re eligible for this funding if you are:
Got a project in the protein sector? Want to know more about what Hauts-de-France can do for you? Looking for R&D partners or funding opportunities?
Nord France Invest is the economic promotion agency for Hauts-de-France. We can help you grow your business.
