Economic
Plant based meat followed a smart marketing strategy from plant based milk products, to help promote the product in grocery stores. What was it, and how did it help?
Plant based meat was placed next to traditional meat, just like plant based milk was put next to dairy milk. This made it easier for consumer to notice, compare, and buy it.
Does a company that supply plant based products, make them a green company? Why or why not?
It depends. If a company follows sustainable practices in sourcing, production, and packaging, it makes a green. However, if the products require significant energy, or use excessive packaging, it doesn't automatically make it a green company.
In this week's lecture we discussed segmentation and marketing. What customers types are more likely to buy plant based meat? What motivates them?
Health conscious consumers seek better nutrition, environmental advocates aim to reduce their footprint, ethical consumers avoid animal cruelty, and flexitarians reduce meat for health or sustainability.
Why have major meat companies (like Tyson Foods) started investing in plant based meat?
Major meat companies, like Tyson Foods, have started investing in plant based meat to diversify their product offerings, respond to growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethical food options, and reduce the environmental impact of their operations.
In lecture 3, we discussed the different phases of a market (pioneer, mature, and mass phases). Where do you think the plant based meat market current are, and why?
The plant based meat market is in between the pioneer and mature phase, with increased competition, wider availability, and growing consumer awareness.
Why are plant based meats often more expensive than regular meat?
Plant based meats are more expensive due to higher production costs, research investments, smaller scale, premium ingredients, and marketing expenses.
What are some of the environmental benefits of a global shift from traditional meats to plant based meats?
It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower water and land use, decrease deforestation, and minimize pollution from livestock farming.
Why do some cultures resist adopting plant based meat?
Some cultures resist adopting plant-based meat due to strong traditions, attachment to animal based diets, and cultural beliefs about food and identity.
Why did plant based meats (and milk) face challenges from the government in Europe and North America?
Plant based meats and milk faced challenges from the government in Europe and North America due to regulations on food labeling and the use of terms like milk and meat.
If plant based meat replaces some parts of the traditional meat industry, which jobs or businesses might disappear?
If plant based meat replaces parts of the traditional meat industry, jobs in livestock farming, slaughterhouses, meatpacking, butchery, leather, and livestock veterinary services could decline.
Last lecture we discussed income vulnerability with relation to coffee industry. How does income vulnerability affect plant based meats.
Farmers growing key ingredients like soy and peas may face price fluctuations, impacting their earnings. On the consumer side, higher prices of plant based meats make them less accessible to lower income households, limiting market growth and consumer purchases.
What are the potential negative environmental impacts of plant based meat production?
Potential negative environmental impacts of plant based meat production include high energy use in processing, deforestation, soil depletion, and excessive packaging waste.
How does the use of GMOs in plant based meats influence consumer perceptions and societal acceptance of these products?
The use of GMOs in plant based meats can create consumer distrust due to health concerns, fears of unnatural ingredients, and opposition to biotech corporations. Some people prefer non GMO foods, which can limit societal acceptance and create resistance to these GMO products.
Why might companies like Tim Hortons have discontinued their plant based meat selections?
Companies like Tim Hortons may have discontinued their plant based meat selections due to low customer demand, high costs of production, or a lack of profitability.
What are 2 pro's and 2 con's of meat substitutes?
Pros: Reduced water and land use, reduced carbon footprint, better for health*, animal welfare, convenient
Cons: Costs more, extremely processed, not available worldwide, traditions
Should governments subsidize plant based meat to make it cheaper than traditional meat?
Subsidizing plant based meat could make it more affordable, encourage sustainable diets, and reduce environmental impacts.
Consumer struggle to find green products. How could green products, particularly plant based meats, market to consumers and convince relaters their is a demand for these products.
Plant based meats can boost demand by educating consumers, integrating into regular meat aisles, emphasizing taste, and offering competitive pricing. Promotions, influencer marketing, and sustainability certifications build trust, while partnerships with retailers can secure shelf space. Expanding convenient options, such as meal kits and fast food collaborations, further increases accessibility.
Could a government ban on meat consumption ever be justified? Why or why not?
A government ban on meat consumption could be justified if the environmental, health, and ethical impacts of meat production were deemed so harmful that the benefits of switching to plant based meat outweighed the costs. However, it would infringe on personal freedoms, cultural practices, and economic sectors reliant on animal agriculture.
Why might plant based meat not be a realistic solution for developing countries?
Factors like higher production costs, limited access to the technology, and lack of infrastructure to scale production may make it an unrealistic solution. Additionally, plant based products may not align with traditional diets, and there could be limited availability or affordability of the ingredients.
Is plant based meat products a sustainable alternative to meat products long term?
Yes, plant based meat products are generally considered a more sustainable long term alternative to traditional meat. They typically require less land, water, and energy, and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Could a shift to plant based meat widen economic inequality?
Yes. Displays workers in traditional meat industries and makes new products less accessible to low income groups
Should the environmental impact of plant based meat production be taxed, just like emissions from traditional meat farming?
Yes, taxing the environmental impact of plant based meat production, like traditional meat farming, would encourage sustainability and account for all food production's environmental costs.
Will people ever fully embrace plant based meat, or will there always be a demand for traditional meat? Why?
There will likely always be some demand for traditional meat, as it is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, personal preferences, and tastes. While plant based meat adoption may increase due to health and environmental concerns, the experience of eating traditional meat and its historical significance will keep it in demand.
Should companies label plant based products as “meat,” or is that misleading?
Labeling plant based products as "meat" can be seen as misleading if it confuses consumers about the product's origin or ingredients. However, if the label clearly indicates that it is plant based, it could help highlight its meat like qualities for those seeking alternatives.
In the beginning of the case study, Maya, a small investor was discussing if she should invest into the plant based meat market. Should she invest and why?
Maya should consider investing in the plant-based meat market if she believes in the long term growth potential of the industry, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable food options. The market is likely to expand due to environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and health trends.