On August 14, FONTAGRO and The Good Food Institute (GFI) Brazil held the international strategic dialogue “Alternative Proteins: Market Trends, Innovation, and Investment Opportunities,” a high-level forum aimed at analyzing the potential of this emerging sector for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and its contribution to more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food systems.

The session was moderated by Eugenia Saini, Executive Secretary of FONTAGRO, and featured the participation of Alysson Soares (Head of Policy), Ana Carolina Rossettini (Development & Strategy Manager), Raquel Casseli (Corporate Engagement Director), and Cristiana Ambiel (Science & Technology Director), representatives of GFI Brazil.

The dialogue began by examining a global context shaped by climate variability, growing demand for protein, food security challenges, and the need to diversify sources of production. Against this backdrop, participants analyzed the main trends driving the development of alternative proteins, including plant-based foods, cultivated meat, and proteins produced through fermentation.

GFI representatives presented the organization’s mission and its integrated approach to advancing a safer, more equitable, and sustainable protein supply, highlighting the role of innovation, science, and international cooperation in accelerating the transition toward more resilient food systems. They also shared information on market trends, commercial challenges, and investment opportunities, underscoring the growing interest of the private sector and innovation ecosystems in this field.

One of the key moments of the dialogue was the strategic exchange on the region’s potential to consolidate a competitive and sustainable alternative protein sector by leveraging its biodiversity, agrifood resources, and scientific and technological capabilities. The discussion highlighted that LAC has unique comparative advantages for promoting science-based innovation, strengthening technological capacities, adding value to agrifood production, and creating new business, investment, and employment opportunities.

The dialogue reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation and public-private collaboration in consolidating innovation ecosystems that integrate science, technology, financing, and business development. It also underscored the need to continue promoting spaces for knowledge exchange, coordination, and collaboration among research institutions, governments, companies, investors, and international organizations, in order to identify strategic opportunities and accelerate the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems.

At the close of the event, Eugenia Saini highlighted that this dialogue is part of FONTAGRO’s Medium-Term Plan (MTP) 2025–2030, specifically Flagship Program #5, “The Future Food Basket”, which aims to promote innovation and new opportunities for the region’s agrifood systems.

▶️ Watch the recording of the event HERE.