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NSW to host leading conference on alternative proteins

Investment NSW

The huge potential of NSW companies working in the alternative proteins sector will be on show next year, when the southern hemisphere’s biggest conference for the industry heads to Sydney.

Alternative proteins are produced from plant or animal cells and consumed as substitutes for meat and seafood.

Following a three-year stint in Melbourne, the AltProteins Conference will come to NSW for the first time in October 2025, and will bring together experts, businesses, and investors to advance the industry in Australia with its showcase event right here in Sydney. 

In 2023, Food Frontier’s State of the IndustryDownload File Report found NSW could be home to a $765 million alternative proteins industry by 2033, generating up to 8,000 jobs. Demand from Asia is already strong, with the meat substitutes market expected to grow annually by 33 per cent, reaching US$13.6 billion by 2027.

NSW is already home to world-leading innovative companies in all alternative protein sectors, including plant-based meat, cultured meat, and precision fermentation. Nearly half of the sector’s Australian businesses are based in NSW, including Harvest B, Vow, and All G Foods.

The conference will also promote NSW’s leading academic organisations to a global audience, which are driving innovation and producing cutting-edge research in this rapidly emerging sector.

The AltProteins Conference will be a catalyst for attracting further investment to the industry in NSW and promoting export opportunities. Around 500 attendees are expected, including retailers, investors, traditional food organisations, government representatives, and companies from small startups to large multinationals.

Investment NSW Executive Director Maroun El Khoury said:

“NSW is already a leading State in plant-based food, cultured meat and precision fermentation.

“Hosting next year’s conference will enable NSW to take full advantage of the economic opportunity the sector represents, including for regional communities right across the state.

Food Frontier CEO Dr Simon Eassom said:

“We’re delighted to bring the AltProteins conference to Sydney for the first time. We recognise NSW as a driving force behind the growth of the sector in Australia.

“The event brings together all the key players in the region’s alternative proteins ecosystem, providing an invaluable opportunity to build partnerships and realise the full economic potential of this innovative food industry.”

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