Denmark’s efforts to develop plant-based foods attracted positive attention from the global pulse industry following a visit to Copenhagen on 20 October. A delegation from the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) met with Danish companies, researchers and organisations. The visit was organised by the Vegetarian Society of Denmark (DVF), Food Nation and GPC.
GPC President Vijay Iyengar particularly highlights Denmark’s Action Plan on Plant-Based Foods, the Plant-Based Food Grant and the Danish Legume Partnership. He also points to Denmark’s ability to bring different stakeholders together around a common agenda.
“The Danish Legume Partnership and the Plant-Based Food Grant are really interesting, and the action plan is very good. It’s a win-win-win,” says Vijay Iyengar, who is also founder and chairman of the international agricultural commodities trading company Agrocorp International.
But it is not only the individual initiatives that have made an impression. GPC’s Director of Policy and Sustainability, Lara Gilmour, also highlights Denmark’s broader approach to developing plant-based foods.
“The Danish approach is both bold and visionary. It is something other countries can draw inspiration from, and that level of ambition deserves recognition,” she says.
Danish technology could create new opportunities
The roundtable The Business of Pulses was also part of the programme at Food Nation in Copenhagen. Here, the delegation discussed with Danish companies and researchers how Danish expertise in fermentation, ingredient development and food processing could create more value from pulses.
The discussion also focused on business opportunities. Participants discussed international investment, research collaboration and closer links between Danish start-ups and established food companies.
The opportunity to build on the dialogue with Denmark is of particular interest to GPC.
“We represent the private sector and the entire value chain from farm to fork, and we act as a connector within the industry. We are here to talk about pulses and the value they bring, but just as importantly, we are here to tell Denmark that we want to collaborate. We look forward to following Denmark’s efforts,” says Lara Gilmour.
Demand must drive development
Alongside opportunities for collaboration and technology, the meeting also focused on how to get more pulses onto people’s plates.
Tim McGreevy of USA Pulses, who sits on GPC’s board, spoke about the US industry’s goal of doubling both pulse production and demand by 2030.
“It is first and foremost about demand. Farmers respond to market signals. That is why we are working, among other things, to get more pulses into school meals and to develop dishes that children actually want to eat,” says Tim McGreevy.
According to McGreevy, school meals are a concrete example of how increasing demand can give farmers an incentive to grow more pulses.
About the Global Pulse Confederation
The Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) represents more than 500 private-sector members and 20 national trade associations across the global pulse industry.
Around 97 million tonnes of pulses were consumed globally in 2024, and the global market was estimated to be worth USD 93.7 billion at producer and importer level. By 2035, global consumption is expected to rise to around 111 million tonnes.
Read more at globalpulses.com
About Denmark’s efforts to develop plant-based foods
Action Plan on Plant-Based Foods: In October 2023, the Danish government launched the Action Plan on Plant-Based Foods to strengthen the development, production and consumption of plant-based foods. The plan covers the entire value chain, from agriculture and food companies to retailers and consumers.
Plant-Based Food Grant: The Plant-Based Food Grant is a government-funded grant scheme supporting projects that promote the development, production and consumption of plant-based foods. More than DKK 1 billion has been allocated to the scheme through 2030.
Danish Legume Partnership: A collaboration between companies, organisations, producers and other stakeholders working to increase the production and consumption of legumes in Denmark. Among other things, the partnership works to bring Danes closer to the official dietary recommendation of 100 grams of legumes per day.
Read more: Action Plan on Plant-Based Foods, Plant-Based Food Grant and Danish Legume Partnership