Nestlé's patents on plant-based products fall by 50 % as innovation in the sector slows

Data from Appleyard Lees shows that patents for plant-based meats have declined year-on-year, but applications are still up compared to the previous decade, rising from double digits in the past decade to 382 in 2021 and 220 in 2022.

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Nestlé, Fuji Oil Cargill DSM, Ibiden Co Ltd and Nestlé are among the big names in the industry that have seen a decline in patents on plant-based meats. Roquette Freres Co Ltd, Pulmuone Co Ltd and Nippon Paper Industries Co Ltd, however, have all seen an increase in patent applications.

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The report states that "While some companies, such as Beyond and Impossible, have seen some success, leading to the plant-based burger boom in late 2010, the industry has seen a major slowdown in recent years."

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Patents have been decreasing since late 2022. Category leaders and market data showed increased salesParticularly in the main European territories

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Tofu and tempeh are now more popular than ever, but the number of patents filed for soy and pea proteins remains high.

The report states that “texture and flavor are important aspects for improving plant-based meat.” In 2022, almost the same number of patents were filed for both properties, showing that they are of equal importance.

Despite research showing that taste is the primary factor in consumer purchasing decisions, patent applications on texture have increased.

The report states that "it is notable that there was significant funding for the plant industry in 2022. Over $1 billion in investment that year, and similar amounts of government research funding throughout 2022 and into 2023."

Plant-based meat is the future

Which companies have filed patents on plant-based inventions in the past five years?

Investors and governments were still interested in improving the taste, texture and nutritional content of plant-based meat, as well as its positive environmental characteristics.

The report also predicts that a global shift in consumer preferences towards plant-based protein-rich diets will drive growth in the category.

In our 2021 Patent Activity Report, industry experts anticipated a new wave of plant-based meat substitutes,” he says.

The second highest level of research in this area is evident in the fact that applications have decreased, but activity continues. This could push us towards the expected second generation of plant-based foods.

Plant-Based Food Patents by Year