“Plant-based” is one of the most common terms used worldwide when referring to food alternatives. Plant-based products are important not only for vegan and vegetarian consumers but also for the general population, which is in increasing need of animal protein alternatives. Plant-based foods, such as meats and milk alternatives, will feature in the program of Pulse Day, Brasília, taking place this Wednesday (24), at Embrapa Cerrados. 

An initiative of the Brazilian Institute of Beans, Pulses and Special Crops (IBRAFE), Pulse Day Brasília will be the first in-person event after the pandemic. The objective is to bring together the main players in the Beans and Pulses sector to discuss important issues for the industry. The plant-based market is one of the main topics on the meeting's agenda. 

Launches on Pulse Day 

As well as debates about the opportunities offered by the plant-based market, Pulse Day will mark the launch of some special products made with beans and pulses, such as Pão de Feijó (Feijão?), a bean-based bread, and Carnevale Cortes vegetable meat, both of which have been developed by R&S Blumos. Everyone attending the event will be able to experience first-hand the new products developed from Carioca beans as well as gain a better understanding of the ways to serve this rapidly-growing market. During lunchtime, products from the Veg Chicken line will be served, which have been produced with R&S Blumos technology and developed for BRF. 

Opportunity for Beans and Pulses 

In Brazil, according to data from the Euromonitor agency, the plant-based market registered an annual growth of 11.1% in the last five years. The sector's revenue, which was US$48.8 million in 2015, rose to US$82.8 million in 2020, an increase of almost 70%. For 2025, it is estimated  that sales will reach US$ 131.8 million. A survey conducted by Ibope and coordinated by The Good Food Institute (GFI) showed that half of Brazilians reduced their consumption of meat in 2020. Of this portion of the population, 47% have replaced meat with pulses, vegetables, and grains, while 39 % use plant protein as an alternative to animal protein at least three times a week.

The Pulses sector can improve the efficiency of plant-based meat production by creating varieties of crops and other organisms with increased protein content and improved quality that are optimized for plant-based meat applications. A variety of breeding techniques can be used, from traditional methods to modern genetic engineering technology. A huge range of high-protein grains and seeds can be developed to produce specific types of plant-based meats and seafood. 

All of these points will be part of the debates during Pulse Day Brasília.