Protein quality, bioavailability, and sensory performance are becoming the competitive frontier in F&B product development. Finnish dairy company Valio is creating high-protein, low-sugar application concepts targeting the fast-growing GLP-1 medication market, while compatriot Apetit Kasviöljy Oy is scaling its novel food-approved BlackGrain rapeseed ingredient to close the taste and texture gap in plant-based meat alternatives. Both companies are rooting their protein strategies in Nordic agricultural systems and circular economy principles. Innova Market Insights crowned “Powerhouse Protein” its number one food and beverage trend for 2026, with research showing nearly 60% of global consumers are actively incorporating more protein into their diets. The consumer landscape has changed in ways that reward both dairy and plant-based approaches. Innova’s research shows that over the past five years, plant-based protein launches have outpaced dairy-based ones — yet milk and milk ...