# APAC-Focused Protein Alternatives Kinoko-Tech and Metaphor Foods Debut Sustainable Protein Options By Kanesa D | Published 2024-10-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinokotech References: [australianmanufacturing.au](https://www.australianmanufacturing.com.au/kinoko-tech-and-metaphor-foods-set-to-launch-eco-friendly-protein-solutions-across-apac/) & [kinoko-tech](https://kinoko-tech.com/)  Kinoko-Tech, an emerging leader in food-tech innovation, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Metaphor Foods. The partnership will focus on producing thousands of tons of high-quality, [fungi-based, protein-rich products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meati-breakfast-patties) in Australia, with a goal of expanding into key Asia-Pacific markets, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Focusing on a distinct concept called "center of the plate" items, both entities aim to accommodate the rising consumer demand for plant-based meals that do more than simply replace meat—they will aim to elevate the entire eating experience with better taste, texture, and nutritional content. Kinoko-Tech also has new launches in the snack sector, offering a diverse array of products such as muesli and nut bars, protein bars, and crispy chips. The technology used, which Kinoko has licensed from Yissum, utilizes [fungi mycelium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michroma) to grow on legumes and grains, creating food products with enhanced health benefits. Image Credit: Kinoko-Tech ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 29% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Fungi-based Protein:** Fungi-based protein solutions present enhanced health benefits and superior taste, texture, and nutritional content for plant-based meals. - **Sustainable Food-tech Collaborations:** Partnerships focused on sustainable protein production in the APAC region signify a move towards environmentally conscious and high-quality food alternatives. - **Snacking Innovations:** The introduction of fungi-based snack products like protein bars and crispy chips offers a nutritious and appealing alternative to traditional snacks. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Alternative Proteins:** The rapid growth of the alternative proteins industry showcases a shift towards sustainable and health-focused dietary options. - **APAC Food Market:** Expanding into the Asia-Pacific market highlights the increasing demand for plant-based and fungi-based protein products in diverse regions. - **Food Technology:** Utilizing advanced food technology, such as fungi mycelium growth, is revolutionizing how protein alternatives are developed and consumed. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fungi-Powered Plant-Based Meat Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minced-fungi-protein.md) - [Texture-Driven Plant-Based Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naplasol-promyc-mycoprotein-line.md) - [Mushroom-Derived Hybrid Meats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mush-foods.md) - [Mycelium-Based Chicken Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7030-foodtech.md) - [Nutrient-Dense Fungi Protein Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fungi-protein.md) - [Fungi-Based Meat Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smaqo-products.md) - [Mycelium-Based Meat Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infinite-roots.md) - [Alt Meat Minces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matr-fungi-mince.md) - [Mycelium-Based Meatless Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meati-foods-animal-free-meat.md)