You’re hired! The alt-protein industry may be younger than the conventional ag industry, but that doesn’t mean the hiring pool is shallow. Universities like Tufts and UC Davis are consis-tently turning out skilled, well-educated graduates excited to break into the world of work, while long-time food-and beverage-industry workers move into the space and career changers look to make their mark in a new sector. But the field is still relatively small — and it’s currently contracting. The experts at Alt Protein Partners, a recruiting firm for the industry, report that open alt-protein jobs in the U.S. decreased by about 26% from mid-2024 to January 2025. Despite the shrinkage, the U.S. was the country with the most open alt-protein jobs in January 2025, and California was the U.S. state with the most unfilled alt-protein jobs. Puris, the U.S.-based plant-based pea protein maker, was looking to hire the most employees (26!) among alt-meat makers and ingredients providers. Around the globe, Upside, Plantible, Konscious, Maple Leaf, SunOpta, Enough, Believer, Redefine Meat, Meati, Gourmey and Planted led the hiring pack. Industry LOCATIONS OF OPEN ALT-PROTEIN POSITIONS AS OF JANUARY 2025 Israel Canada 6% 4% Europe 39% U.S. 52% Other countries 35% Germany 25% Other states 48% Netherlands 23% California 20% New York & New Jersey 12% Massachusetts 8% Minnesota Illinois 6% 6% Alt Protein Partners, State of the Alt Protein Job Market, January 2025. UK 17% Alt-Meat February 2025 25
Alt-Meat February 2025: Page 25
