Analysis of the patenting activity of companies in the plant-based meat/egg alternatives sector by Matthew Burton, Patent Attorney at NLO (The Hague, Netherlands) shows that the market leading companies are highly active patent filers. The patent activity underpins the recent investor activity in this sector. Patents enable protection of key innovations, in a form that can be monetized as part of e.g. investment deals and license agreements. Developing a patent portfolio goes hand-in-hand with increasing market position and securing investments, which is essential for the players in the plant-based meat and egg sector to continue to grow in the challenging economic climate of the COVID-19 era.
Undoubtedly one of the fastest growing market sectors over the past five years in the Food&Agri space is the plant-based meat alternatives. Brands such as the “Rebel Whopper®” (Burger King) and the ”Beyond Burger®” (Beyond Meat) have had global impact. At the same time, there has been a steady increase in the number of filed patent applications and granted patents over the past 10 years (Fig. 1) in the field of vegan alternatives to food products like minced beef, burgers and eggs.
Impossible Foods is leading the pack of investor backed, patent savvy, start-ups in the race to develop plant-based meat alternatives. Despite the economic set-backs of the corona crisis, Impossible Foods recently managed to secure $500 million series F investment in March 2020, suggesting continued market confidence in plant based meat alternatives, and its potential to grow further.
Over 40% of patent applications filed in the plant-based sector can be traced to 4 companies all founded since 2009 (highlighted in green in Fig 2):
Recently published patent applications provide insights into the latest developments and forthcoming products for plant-based meat alternative foods. Analyzing the technology space highlights not only the top filers but also the upcoming start-ups behind the new cutting edge technologies:
Clara Foods Inc and. Just Inc are examples of start-ups that use patents to claim their space in the crowded technology area of egg replacement. Keeping ahead of the competition by patenting key innovations is crucial to ensure market share is maintained, and thus return-on-investment for investors. It will be interesting to see how the patent space in the area of functional proteins as egg replacers develops in 2020.
Clara Foods closed its Series B raise in April 2019, with its egg replacer protein being due to launch in 2020. Just Inc is also due for a product launch mid-2020. All eyes are now on how these and other companies in the plant-based food space, navigate the stormy waters ahead caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One thing is certain, with the emphasis these companies place on developing their patent position, they are ensuring their key IP is protected.
Maintaining a strong IP position is essential to weather the increased competition and competitive business environment that is emerging as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.
About the Author
Matthew Burton was a Dutch & European Patent Attorney at NLO in The Hague, The Netherlands. Matthew supports clients across the Food & Agri space, including start-ups, multinationals and VC’s.
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