The message from yak burger producers is clear and simple: "Eat yak burgers, not hamburgers!" But to most of us, the idea of grilling the meat of second-rate Himalayan cows isn't very appealing. Unfortunately, that will have to change considering the damage that cows (in their astronomical numbers) are causing the planet.
A battery of scientific studies have pointed to the startling reality behind the cute, cuddly cow. They are the number one cause for species extinction, topsoil loss, deforestation and the desertification of the American West. Yaks, on the other hand, are mountainous beasts who've been hardened by thousands of years in Nepal and Tibet. They're efficient, eat far less and are lighter on their feet, meaning that the environmental toll for eating a yak burger is far smaller than chomping into a beef patty. Christopher Ketcham explains in his TruthDig article that, while Americans have already invested in bison cultivation, the interest in yak and yak-infused meals is becoming an increasingly popular pattern among smart eaters.
Non-Bovine Burgers
Yak Burgers Keep Eco-Friendliness in Mind
Trend Themes
1. Yak Meat - The trend of eating yak meat as a more eco-friendly alternative to beef burgers is growing among smart eaters.
2. Sustainable Agriculture - The focus on yaks and their environmental benefits is driving the trend of sustainable agriculture.
3. Alternative Protein Sources - The increasing popularity of yak and yak-infused meals is fueling the trend of exploring alternative protein sources.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of yak meat as an eco-friendly option, creating new menu offerings and marketing campaigns.
2. Agriculture - The agriculture industry has an opportunity to promote and expand the cultivation of yaks as a sustainable livestock option.
3. Alternative Protein - The trend of exploring alternative protein sources, such as yaks, presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the alternative protein industry.