Location decision factors in food processing and how they can inform a just protein transition
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Bambrick, Henry
Leach, Adrian
Ledesma Amaro, Rodrigo
Collins, Tilly
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Producers of alternative proteins must carefully consider facility location if they are to achieve commercial success and drive positive impact for environment and society. This review provides insight into the most important factors that influence this decision. Sixteen studies that used expert elicitation, binomial regression or literature to identify key factors were gathered using a systematic PRISMA approach. The findings suggest that producers currently heavily prioritize economic factors, with product and supplier market access, labor cost and proximity to an agglomeration forming the four top factors identified, aligning with clear objectives to reduce cost and increase returns. Just one study mentioned an environmental factor and one mentioned a social factor. For a protein transition to be just, this economic focus must be expanded. Future work is needed to bridge knowledge gaps around the requirements of alternative protein producers to inform and incentivise responsible decision making.
Date Issued
2026-08-24
Date Acceptance
2026-08-03
Citation
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2026, 10
ISSN
2571-581X
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
Volume
10
Copyright Statement
© 2026 Bambrick, Leach, Ledesma-Amaro and Collins. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
License URL
Identifier
10.3389/fsufs.2026.1913926
Subjects
alternative protein
decision factor
just transition
location
siting
review
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
1913926