Protein transition

Focus on plant-based proteins

As the world's population grows, so does the number of mouths we need to feed together. This means, for example, that more starch, sugars, dietary fibre and proteins will be needed. In addition to increase in the size of the population, we’re also seeing an increase in the importance of a balanced diet. A diet that’s good for people and the planet. This is something Cosun wants to contribute to.

Protein transition

Currently, about 60% of protein intake in the Netherlands comes from animal sources, compared to 40% from plant sources. Shifting this balance to 40% animal and 60% plant-based is not only healthy, it’s also more sustainable. This is why we’re cooperating with a range of other organisations to encourage a shift in this protein balance: the so-called protein transition.

In practice

We want to apply our knowledge of plant food innovation to accelerate the protein transition. The Fascinating project is just one example of how we’re carrying out research into discovering which new protein crops are the most promising and the most profitable to become a part of our diet. Applications include protein from field beans or beet leaf in vegan strawberry ice cream and

In addition to helping realise the protein transition, Cosun’s plant-based solutions are also contributing to our climate, circularity and healthier lifestyle.

Read how

Agriculture of the future
Field beans as the most promising protein crop, a new protein factory, experiments with green manure, and working together to make agriculture circular. The four great agricultural cooperatives of the North; Cosun, Agrifirm, Avebe and FrieslandCampina have been working hard in the past year to make agriculture more sustainable and food better.
Agriculture of the future
Protein from sugar beet leaf
A process to extract protein from sugar beet leaf - This is one of the first results from the Green Protein Excellence Center (GPEC), which started in 2020. Petra Koenders is General Manager of GPEC, a consortium involving Cosun and partners BioscienZ, The Protein Brewery, HAS University of Applied Sciences, and Rabobank. Petra explains why this hub was established and what GPEC can deliver in both social and commercial terms.
Protein from sugar beet leaf