The COVID-19 pandemic started from China and spread across the entire world in a span of approximately 3 to 4 months and is still not contained in many countries. There are different theories and studies that explain the start and spread of Coronavirus. One of the factors suggested, which is still being researched thoroughly, is meat consumption, especially less or no cooked meat. This reasoning has impacted the consumers’ mindset and has resulted in a decreased preference for meat products. Consumers are scared to consume meat and meat products because of the fear of getting infected with the virus.
According to the Department of Health, Australia, the country has recorded more than 27,000 cases as of mid-October 2020. Though the number of cases is not as high as in other countries, COVID-19 is going to impact the Australian food industry in the long term. Like many countries hit by the pandemic, Australia also has seen long term lockdowns and have restrictions in place for people and their movement. This has impacted the supply chain for many industries, including the food industry. The availability of meat and meat products is also impacted due to this unprecedented situation.
Meatwork facilities are at the center of focus and have also seen major outbreak instances in the US and Australia. A sheep meat processing plant near Melbourne has reported positive COVID-19 cases among its workers; almost all the workers at the facility were quarantined and the health department is taking stock of the situation in real-time. The facility is capable of processing more than 10,000 units of animal per day and is a supplier of meat products for major brands in the US, Europe, and the rest of the world. This is just one among many examples of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the meat processing industry in Australia and across the globe.
The pandemic, however, is also expected to present many Australian companies an opportunity to explore plant-based foods and the protein market. The protein requirement in the country is normally met by a mix of protein sources, which includes meat, eggs & dairy, fisheries or aquaculture, and plant-based proteins. In the wake of the huge noise around the alleged connection between meat and COVID-19 spread, food preferences are expected to change in the coming years. Everyone is searching for an alternative to fulfill their daily protein needs. This is expected to benefit the plant-based protein market ultimately.
To know more and gain a deeper understanding of plant protein in Australia, click here.
