Future of Food

The Netherlands is very proud to participate in the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai Japan.

Food is life: energy, health, and happiness. As the global population surpasses 8 billion people, ensuring access to nutritious, high-quality, and delicious food is one of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Collaboration is key for the future

Collaboration is key. By bringing together experts, innovators, and stakeholders from across the food sector, we can drive meaningful change and develop solutions that make our food systems more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.

Join us on common ground to exchange knowledge, spark innovation, and work together toward a future where healthy and sustainable food is accessible to all.

The Netherlands is excited to showcase alternative proteins & healthy food as a key driver of sustainable food production. Alternative proteins reduce the reliance on traditional livestock protein production. This approach to food security not only reduces environmental impact but also increases the availability of healthy food globally, and economic opportunities. The Netherlands recognizes the importance of partnerships in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, economic growth, innovation, and responsible consumption. By working together with Japan, combining government, industry and academic expertise, we can accelerate innovation in alternative proteins to create a healthy, more sustainable, secure and prosperous food system for all.

Why the Netherlands

The Netherlands, a global frontrunner in the alternative protein sector, with over 500 companies collaborating alongside renowned research institutions and supportive local and national governments, has built a thriving ecosystem that drives innovation, fosters growth, and attracts international businesses and investors. Be part of the movement shaping the future of protein!

To further accelerate this transition, the Dutch government has introduced a National Protein Strategy, aiming to boost local protein crop production, advance research and development of novel plant-based protein sources, and increase the share of plant-based proteins in the Dutch diet.

The Dutch alternative protein industry has successfully implemented initiatives that inspire and encourage consumers to embrace plant-based foods. National awareness campaigns and retailer-led price parity strategies serve as strong examples of effective consumer engagement. These approaches could provide valuable insights in promoting alternative protein products and encouraging their adoption in diets.

Event overview

International participants are warmly invited to take part in the programs at the Netherlands pavilion or the symposium at the Westin Osaka hotel. There are also limited opportunities to contribute to one of the programs with a keynote or as part of a panel discussion.   

The details of the program are still under construction but here are the key dates and program details: 

Thursday, 5 June 2025 

Location: Dutch Pavilion, World Expo, Osaka 
Subtheme: Innovative Solutions for Future Food Production 

On this day, we will focus on the innovative solutions that will transform food production in the future. This includes new technologies, sustainable production methods, and the role of alternative proteins in a circular economy.

The Netherlands is at the forefront of innovative food production, leading advancements in cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, duckweed cultivation, and insect-based nutrition. The Netherlands is uniquely positioned as a global frontrunner in cellular agriculture and alternative protein innovation, thanks to its strong foundation in agricultural expertise, world-class research institutions, and government-backed initiatives. With a robust ecosystem of pioneering startups, industry leaders, and academic institutions, the country is driving the transition toward more sustainable and scalable food production systems.

The Dutch government was one of the first in the world to allocate public funding for cellular agriculture research and development. In 2022, the Netherlands announced €60 million in funding to support cultivated meat and precision fermentation, creating a fertile ground for innovation and commercialization.

The program will feature inspiring presentations and interactive sessions where companies, researchers, and policymakers exchange ideas on how to make food production more efficient, sustainable, and future proof. 

Friday, 6 June 2025 

Location: Dutch Pavilion, World Expo, Osaka 
Subtheme: Changing Consumption: How Demand is Shaping Future Food 

Global consumption patterns are evolving rapidly, reshaping the future of food as we know it. This seminar will explore how shifting consumer demands—driven by health, sustainability, and innovation—are transforming the food industry.

We will dive into the rise of plant-based foods, the impact of changing consumer behaviours on businesses, and the strategies companies can adopt to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape. From marketing and branding approaches to the role of societal trends in shaping the market, this event will provide valuable insights for food industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and policymakers alike.

Join us for an engaging discussion on the business and societal forces driving the food transition and discover how your organization can respond to the future of food!

Monday, 9 June 2025 

Location: Westin Hotel, Osaka 
Subtheme: Future Food 

Join us for this dynamic symposium, where the Dutch missions on alternative proteins and healthy food come together to explore the cutting edge of food innovation. Bringing together experts, this event will delve into the future of food through two key themes:

Morning Session – Alternative Proteins

What opportunities do novel protein sources offer for the food industry and global food security? We will explore the latest advancements in cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, plant-based innovations, and insect proteins, and discuss their role in transforming our food systems.

Afternoon Session – Healthy Food & Nutrition

How will future food impact our microbiome and overall health? This session will examine how innovations in nutrition and food science contribute to healthier diets, disease prevention, and personalized nutrition solutions.

This symposium serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, strengthening international collaboration, and discovering groundbreaking solutions for a more sustainable and health-focused food system.

Tuesday, 10 June 2025 

Location: Dutch Pavilion, World Expo, Osaka 
Subtheme: Food the next frontier in health innovation  

The Netherlands places a strong priority on producing and distributing healthy, nutritious, and sustainable food, recognizing its direct impact on public health, well-being, and environmental sustainability. As a global leader in food innovation, the country is committed to developing solutions that not only improve health outcomes but also support a balanced and eco-friendly food system for future generations.

Achieving a sustainable food system requires careful resource management, but equally important is ensuring that food meets the evolving nutritional and societal needs of our population.

This event will explore the latest advancements in food technology, microbiome research, and the future of food’s role in health and disease prevention. Engage with thought leaders, researchers, and industry pioneers through insightful presentations, discussions, and live demonstrations.

Discover how cutting-edge innovations are shaping the next generation of health-focused foods. Explore the role of the microbiome in nutrition and well-being. Gain insights into the intersection of science, policy, and business in shaping healthier food systems.

Keep me updated on the program