Sustainability is More Than a Buzzword

U.S. dry bean export volume was up significantly this past year. The top markets were Mexico, Canada, Italy and the Dominican Republic. Northarvest Bean Growers Association Executive Director Mitch Coulter said both domestic and international buyers have a clear focus. “The opportunity is around sustainability and the push for processing these beans to get to that protein; there is a shortage of protein in this world and we can fill that.” The demand for healthy, nutritious food has brought more demand for plant-based foods and ingredients. “The health aspect of this is a huge opportunity from the food companies that want ingredients to make blended foods or flexitarian products and we want to keep pushing in that direction to fill that need.”