Wide Open Agriculture announces it has successfully developed a groundbreaking lupin fiber, characterized by a smooth texture, solubility, and neutral taste, which is ready for commercialization. The anticipated market introduction of this lupin fiber is poised to enhance revenues and profit margins of the company’s production operations in Germany as it transforms what was previously considered a waste by-product into a lucrative revenue source.
In collaboration with Curtin University, Wide Open Agriculture has also pioneered the creation of Buntine Protein® powder, a world-first innovation derived from lupins, and holds the exclusive, globally protected patent for this product. The lupin fiber in question emerges as a secondary by-product of Buntine Protein production. Notably, both the lupin fiber and Buntine Protein® boast solubility and are capable of imparting a creamy texture, making them ideal components for augmenting protein content in plant-based dairy alternatives. These products are already integrated into offerings by vegan cheese producer Noshing in Australia and the Ingå Group in Europe.
Cultivated in dry conditions with minimal water requirements, lupin beans are a nutritional powerhouse that not only match soy in protein content but offer a significantly higher fiber content compared to other legumes, consisting of 40% protein and 40% fiber. Furthermore, lupins enrich the soil with nitrogen, a factor that has traditionally made them a preferred choice for rotational cropping among farmers.
WOA’s lupin fiber has a unique composition that enables it to provide improved viscosity, stability and mouthfeel in a variety of foods and beverages, according to the company. These properties, combined with a neutral smell and taste, as well as a light color and soft texture, make the lupin fiber product an ideal ‘invisible’ ingredient with health benefits, including high satiety and prebiotic functions. The company has already successfully developed a bread enriched with lupin fiber as a proof of concept.
“We are thrilled to unveil our lupin fiber,” says Wide Open Agriculture CEO Matthew Skinner. “This development marks a significant stride in the food industry, offering a sustainable, nutritionally superior, and versatile alternative to traditional fibers. We believe our lupin fiber will not only meet but exceed consumer expectations, reshaping the way we think about food ingredients and their impact on health and the environment.”
Market readiness and sustainability benefits
After extensive research and development in collaboration with leading European experts in plant-based technology, WOA has reached market maturity for its lupin fiber product. This product not only represents an innovative solution in the food ingredient sector, but also contributes to sustainability by utilizing a waste product from lupin processing, resulting in less waste and a more efficient production cycle.
Acquisition of Prolupin
Wide Open Agriculture took another step towards establishing itself as the world’s leading producer of lupin protein with the acquisition of Prolupin GmbH in October 2023. This €2.5 million acquisition gives WOA access to a state-of-the-art production facility in Germany and expands its plant protein portfolio. The acquisition allows WOA to accelerate its production of Buntine Protein and benefit from Prolupin’s established network in the plant-based dairy market.
A short time later, WOA Germany announced the first sale and delivery of lupin protein isolate, which the company says is a significant milestone in its strategic expansion in Europe. The initial focus is on milk substitutes, with the company expecting significant sales growth for the current year 2024. According to WOA, this development confirms the commercial potential of lupin protein in Europe and underlines the successful integration of the Prolupin business.
Further information: wideopenagriculture.com.au
