Australian regenerative food and agriculture company Wide Open Agriculture (WOA) has announced that its lupin protein isolate has received General Administration approval to export to the Chinese market. The application was reportedly supported by a local distributor who believes there is significant potential for lupin protein in the country.
The protein isolate has several proven commercial applications, including protein powders, plant-based milks, yogurts, and ice creams. WOA initially plans to sell into the Chinese protein powder and dairy alternative sectors, and will also market a tofu alternative made with lupins instead of soy.
While soy protein currently dominates the Chinese market, some consumers are concerned about GMO soybeans, and this is increasing the demand for other sustainable protein sources. WOA’s lupin protein is non-GMO and made using a patented, non-chemical process. The ingredient is predominantly sourced from sweet lupins grown in Western Australia.
Development and testing
WOA will now provide samples to Chinese food and beverage companies, beginning development and testing to meet local tastes and demands. The company will also continue discussions with key ingredient distributors across Southeast Asia.
Through the market entry, WOA hopes to align with the Chinese government’s Healthy China 2030 strategy, which aims to reduce key risk factors for cardiovascular disease through interventions such as dietary modifications. According to WOA, studies indicate that lupin protein has significant benefits for improving cholesterol levels.
“Important first step”
In 2023, WOA acquired Germany’s leading sweet lupin protein producer, Prolupin, for €2.5 million. The acquisition included Prolupin’s manufacturing facility at Grimmen in northern Germany.
Later that year, WOA signed a non-binding term sheet with Ingå Group, positioning the latter as the exclusive distributor of WOA’s lupin-based proteins in Europe.
“We are excited to receive this approval from China’s customs authorities,” said Yaxi Zhan, chairperson of WOA. “This regulatory approval is a testament to the quality and safety of our ingredients and represents an important first step in our planned entry into the growing Chinese plant protein market. We look forward to building strategic partnerships with local distributors in order to supply our high quality, healthy protein isolate product.”
