Minnesota has long been a global leader in producing proteins like dairy, poultry, swine and the grains used to feed them. We also have a growing sector of businesses, researchers and other innovators that are cutting new trail with plant and alternative proteins. Now MBOLD is working with an array of partners to make Minnesota a leading hub of innovation to make proteins more environmentally sustainable. As we embark on this new initiative, we will:

• Work with MBOLD members and other partners to scale up and commercialize new technologies and products in the protein sustainability space related to both traditional proteins like meat and dairy, and plant and alternative proteins.
• Identify opportunities to partner with stakeholders in Europe, Canada and other countries around the world that are also committed to driving protein sustainability.
• Support greater connectivity and collaboration among interested businesses, research institutions and other organizations in our regional protein ecosystem.
• Mentor smaller businesses that are breaking new trail in protein innovation, whether they are based here in Minnesota or coming from overseas and looking to make Minnesota their homebase for expanding into the U.S. market.  (Learn more about MBOLD’s Bold Growth program.)
• Raise the visibility of Minnesota’s strengths in protein innovation with domestic and international audiences to drive interest, engagement and collaboration.

MBOLD is partnering with Netherlands-based Bridge2Food to bring its preeminent international event, Bridge2FoodNorth America, to Minneapolis in October 2024. Bridge2Food North America will focus on trends in plant and alternative protein markets, consumer perceptions, and innovation in product development, health and nutrition. As conference co-hosts, we look forward to welcoming plant and alternative proteinleaders and innovators from around the world.  

Learn more about Bridge2Food North America.