Australia has seen a significant increase in demand for vegan food options over the past few years, and as a result, there has been a rise in vegan food manufacturing in the country. There are now several companies that specialize in vegan food production, and many mainstream food manufacturers have also started to incorporate vegan options into their product lines.

Manufacturing vegan food

Vegan food manufacturing processes vary depending on the type of food being produced. However, there are some general principles that most vegan food manufacturers follow. Here are some common steps in the vegan food manufacturing process:

• Ingredient sourcing: Vegan food manufacturers source their ingredients from plant-based sources. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
• Preparation: Ingredients are washed, peeled, chopped, and processed as needed. This may involve cooking, baking, or other methods.
• Forming: Ingredients are formed into the desired shape or form. This may involve molding, extruding, or shaping with equipment.
• Packaging: Finished products are packaged for shipping and storage. This may include vacuum sealing, shrink wrapping, or other methods.
• Quality control: Throughout the manufacturing process, quality control measures are taken to ensure that the final product meets safety and quality standards. This includes testing for contaminants, verifying ingredient integrity, and ensuring consistent taste and texture.

Examples of vegan food products 

Some examples of vegan food products and their manufacturing processes include:

• Tofu: Soybeans are soaked, ground, and boiled to make soy milk. The soy milk is then coagulated with a coagulant, such as calcium sulfate, to form curds. The curds are pressed into blocks and packaged.
• Vegan meat alternatives: Many vegan meat alternatives are made from a blend of plant proteins, such as soy, wheat, or pea protein. These proteins are mixed with other ingredients, such as spices and flavorings, and formed into the desired shape using specialized equipment.
• Dairy alternatives: Plant-based milks, such as almond milk or oat milk, are made by blending the desired plant material with water and other ingredients. The mixture is then strained to remove solids and packaged.

Challenges in vegan food manufacturing

Vegan food manufacturing faces a number of challenges, including:

• Ingredient sourcing: Vegan food manufacturers must source ingredients that are free from animal products and by-products, which can be more difficult and costly than sourcing conventional ingredients.  Some ingredients may need to be imported, which can increase costs and impact the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.
• Taste and texture: Plant-based ingredients can have a different taste and texture than animal-based ingredients, which can be a challenge for manufacturers to replicate.
• Nutritional balance: Vegan foods must be nutritionally balanced, providing adequate amounts of protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals without relying on animal products.
• Food safety: Vegan foods must be produced and stored in a way that ensures food safety, which can be more challenging than with animal-based products due to the absence of certain preservatives and natural antimicrobial agents.
• Processing and packaging: The processing and packaging of vegan foods may require specialized equipment and materials, which can add to the production costs.
• Consumer education: Vegan foods may require more consumer education to overcome misconceptions about taste, nutrition, and sustainability.
• Market competition: Vegan food manufacturers may face competition from both established animal-based food companies and new vegan food companies entering the market.

Advantages of vegan food manufacturing in Australia

According to a report by Euromonitor International, the retail value of packaged vegan food in Australia is expected to reach AUD 215 million by 2020, up from AUD 136 million in 2015. This growth is being driven by the availability of a wider range of vegan products in supermarkets, as well as the emergence of new vegan food companies and startups.

In addition to packaged vegan foods, there is also increasing demand for vegan food manufacturing in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Many restaurants and cafes now offer vegan options on their menus to cater to the growing number of customers who follow plant-based diets. This has led to a rise in demand for vegan food manufacturing ingredients, such as plant-based proteins, dairy alternatives, and meat substitutes.

• Growing demand: Veganism and plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. The demand for vegan food is increasing, which presents a significant opportunity for manufacturers to capitalize on.
• Health benefits: Plant-based diets are often considered to be healthier, which is driving some consumers to seek out vegan food alternatives.
• Environmental consciousness: Veganism is often linked to environmental consciousness, and this is particularly relevant in Australia, where many people are concerned about the impact of meat and dairy production on the environment.
• Innovation: Vegan food manufacturing requires innovation, which can lead to the development of unique products that stand out in the market.

Overall, the demand for vegan food manufacturing in Australia is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as more people become aware of the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet, and as vegan food manufacturers continue to innovate and create new and exciting products. And it presents a significant opportunity for manufacturers, but they must also navigate the challenges to succeed in the market.

Manuflux is a fully Australian-based leading provider of Advanced Manufacturing Softwares such as Manufacturing Execution System –  MES, MRP System, WMS System, and Data Integration Platform and customised solutions for Vegan foods and Vegan Diary manufacturers. Our experienced team is committed to providing high-quality solutions to meet the unique needs of manufacturing enterprises throughout Australia and New Zealand. We have a long history in the industry and have earned a reputation for excellence and innovation. Please contact us here to learn more about Manuflux and our services.