Dairy alternatives, or plant-based foods, are one of fastest growing food sectors. Consumers increasingly are trying almond or soy beverages instead of cow’s milk, for example. And the market is only going to grow, according to the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance.
Globally, the group notes South Asia, especially, is poised for soy-based dairy analogue product growth, given health benefits of soy, an increasing vegetarian/vegan population, environmental consciousness and higher milk prices. The North Asia market for soyfoods and ingredients also is expanding and currently is valued at more than $2 billion. The Alliance anticipates a compound annual growth rate of 10 percent in that region during the next five years.
And while many soyfoods can be produced from commodity soybeans, the Alliance reports foods taste better and fulfill specific food property demands when they are manufactured from food grade varieties grown, harvested and shipped separately from commodity soybeans.
Handling also is different. Sales are typically buyer's call, which means farmers deliver their segregated contract soybeans from their bins to processors when requested by the buyer. A high priority is placed on traceability, so buyers know every step of the process from the producer.
Several farm publications have written good articles about food grade soybean production. This article shares information from participants in the food grade soybean trade.