Pork is expected to surpass chicken in exports over the next decade, according to USDA projections. Perhaps pork flavored coffee in China will lead the way. Perhaps not.
Starbucks has released the new combination in China. It’s the reversal of recipes you may find in the United States, which have pork as the main ingredient with small amounts of coffee added.
Coffee-crusted pork loin
Coffee-rubbed pork tenderloin with espresso honey glaze
Brisket with smoky sweet coffee rub
But this Starbucks creation has coffee as the primary purpose with pork serving as the added palette pleaser. It could introduce additional consumers to American hogs, even if it happens in this unusual introduction.
The drink (is it still a drink if it also contains meat?) is called Abundant Year Savory Latte.
The pork enhanced coffee marked February’s start to the Lunar New Year. 2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon, not the year of the pig. Perhaps, a Wood Dragon doesn’t sit as nicely at the top of a steaming espresso-charged mug of coffee as a chunk of pork does.
Here is what to expect in case you road trip to China and need a protein-powered caffeinated recharge:
Abundant Year Savory Latte
Dongpo braised pork flavor sauce
Espresso
Steamed milk
Extra pork sauce
Pork breast meat
One final distraction as you try to picture yourself taking a sip (a sip and a bite?)
Additional protein may not be the primary purpose for Abundant Year Savory Latte. But many farmland owners, regardless of whether they are pork producers, will find themselves trying to meet the increasing global appetite for protein.
Dr. George Annor, a cereal scientist at the University of Minnesota, is among those who are not only stressing the need for increased protein production but also researching how to do that. One of his concentrations is increasing protein in grains.
Global growth in the animal protein industry is expected to slow this year, according to Rabobank’s Animal Protein Outlook. The past four years pushed animal protein production up worldwide, according to the report.
However, only poultry and aquaculture are forecast to increase production this year, the report found.
The report concluded, “Tighter margins due to structural changes to market conditions heralded the introduction of higher production costs. Tighter supplies will push animal protein prices up and constrain global consumption in 2024.”
Animal protein may not be what’s for dinner for some younger consumers. A global study by Credit Suisse Research Institute of 10,000 younger people (ages 16-40) in ten countries in 2022 offered perspective about how these generations may impact protein demand in the decades ahead.
“It has long been known that the younger generation has taken climate considerations far more seriously than generations before, understanding and championing the path forward for change,” said Eugène Klerk, Head of Global ESG & Thematic Research at Credit Suisse.
Here are several key findings from the research:
“The share of consumers that is environmentally conscious, accepts that tighter regulation might be needed, is willing to pay more for sustainable products and that is willing to switch consumption to more sustainable products is highest in Mexico, India, and China. The opposite appears true for those living in France, Germany, and the US.”
“…65%–90% of consumers in all ten countries are concerned or very concerned about the environment.”
“Young consumers show a strong desire to switch to a more sustainable diet, particularly focused on cutting consumption of fast food and meat. The growth outlook for alternative food looks solid, with 66% of consumers surveyed intending to increase the purchase of plant-based meat and dairy products. In addition, almost 40% of respondents with concerns about the environment already want to try cultivated meat.”
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