RELSUS

© RELSUS

New RELSUS Plant in India to Supply Functional Proteins to Europe with Aminola Partnership

Functional plant-based ingredient producer RELSUS has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in Ujjain, India, and announced a strategic partnership with Dutch ingredients company Aminola. The agreement includes a European distribution arrangement and capital investment from Aminola to support RELSUS’s expansion. The new commercial facility, launched on March 18, 2025, will manufacture plant proteins and starches using RELSUS’s proprietary Ultra-Precise Filtration™ technology. According to RELSUS, the technology does not rely on solvents or harsh chemicals and allows for the production of ingredients with high purity, functionality, and a neutral sensory profile. Driving global plant protein transition Vineet Singhal, founder and CEO of RELSUS, stated, “Inauguration of this facility is a major milestone in our mission to help drive the global transition to high-quality, clean, and functional …

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Stefania Stoccuto

© Stefania Stoccuto

Revolutionizing Alternative Proteins: An End-to-End Approach from Farm to Future Food

Stefania Stoccuto oversees the Global Business Development activities related to Future Food at Siemens. She is responsible for the growth and acceleration of Siemens’ solutions portfolio in the Controlled Environment Agriculture & Alternative Proteins market, by fostering collaborations and developing an ecosystem for leveraging new opportunities. In this guest post, Stefania discusses how a holistic, end-to-end approach is addressing key challenges in the alternative protein industry, from improving production efficiency to ensuring sustainability. As consumers increasingly demand more sustainable and ethical food choices, alternative proteins derived from sources like microalgae, mycelium, and cell-based cultures are rapidly gaining attention. To support this transformation, innovative technologies are being deployed to make protein production more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. A key player driving this change is leveraging …

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Plenitude Final Conference Banner

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Plenitude Project Announces Final Conference on Circular Bioeconomy for Sustainable Protein Production

The Plenitude Project announces its Final Conference, focused on Circular Bioeconomy for Sustainable Protein Production, taking place on June 3, 2025, at the Fokker Terminal in The Hague, Netherlands. The conference is co-located with Bridge2Food Europe and offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders, professionals, and academics to explore cutting-edge innovations and actionable solutions in sustainable protein production. The event is free to attend for relevant audiences passionate about creating change and addressing global challenges through collaboration and innovation. The event organizers highlight the following key features: “We’re thrilled to showcase the results of six years of dedication in a day filled with insights into the latest innovations in bio-based industries. I thank CBE-JU for our Flagship project and our Plenitude partners for their collaboration and look forward …

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PoLoPo potatoes

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PoLoPo Develops Pilot Plant for Converting Bioengineered Potatoes into Protein Powder

PoLoPo, a company specializing in molecular farming, has completed the design of its first pilot-scale facility for processing genetically modified potatoes into functional protein powders for food industry applications. The announcement follows a five-ton harvest of protein-enriched potatoes, produced during a recent field trial. The company transitioned from greenhouse operations to open-field cultivation at the end of last year, increasing its production capacity from tens of kilograms to approximately three tons per harvest. The most recent harvest exceeded this figure, yielding five tons of protein-rich potatoes. In parallel with the field trial, PoLoPo also expanded its laboratory capacity to meet increased demand for protein sample testing. The facility design was developed in partnership with engineering consultancy NIRAS, which has experience in infrastructure, green energy, and …

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Lantmännen

© Lantmännen

EIB Backs Lantmännen’s Pea Protein Facility in Sweden as Part of EU’s Sustainable Protein Strategy

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed a loan of EUR 50 million to Lantmännen, a leading Swedish agricultural cooperative, to support the construction of a pea protein processing plant in Lidköping, Sweden. This investment is designed to bolster food security and reduce the European Union’s reliance on imported proteins, aligning with the EU’s broader goals of enhancing self-sufficiency in plant-based protein production and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The new facility, expected to be completed by mid-2027, will have an annual processing capacity of more than 40,000 tons of peas, primarily sourced from Lantmännen’s farmer members. The plant will produce pea protein isolate, a key ingredient for plant-based foods such as protein bars, drinks, dairy alternatives, and meat substitutes. The investment is also anticipated to …

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The Cultivated B siemens hannover messe

© The Cultivated B

n!Biomachines and Siemens Focus on Simplifying Biomanufacturing for Alternative Proteins

At the ongoing Hannover Messe, The Cultivated B and Siemens have teamed up to present advancements in biomanufacturing for the alternative protein sector. The companies are showcasing their AUXO V® bioreactor, a key technology aimed at scaling alternative protein production through economically sustainable methods. n!Biomachines, a subsidiary of The Cultivated B, is at the forefront of developing bioreactors designed for the food industry and other sectors. These bioreactors play a central role in producing proteins traditionally sourced from animals, but through biomanufacturing methods that eliminate the need for animal agriculture. The bioreactors are built with an emphasis on scalability, precision, and ease of use, allowing for the transition from lab-scale production to industrial-level output. Hamid Noori, CEO of n!Biomachines, commented on the partnership with Siemens, …

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Image supplied.

European Commission Commits to Developing a Protein Diversification Plan

Earlier this year, European Parliament members Anna Strolenberg and Sigrid Friis wrote a letter to Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, calling on him to develop an EU strategy on protein diversification. The letter was supported by a broad coalition of MEPs from across the political spectrum. The MEPs urged the European Commission to develop a comprehensive strategy to support alternative proteins, including targeted support to help farmers and value chain actors scale up protein crop production. They also called for strengthened investments in innovation, positioning the EU as a global leader in sustainable protein development. Now, Strolenberg and Friis have received a response from Hansen, indicating that the Commission commits to developing a comprehensive plan to tackle Europe’s protein challenges. The plan will reportedly take a …

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Australian Plant Proteins facility

Image supplied.

Australian Plant Proteins Acquired by My Co. After Entering Voluntary Administration in 2024

Australian Plant Proteins (APP), a producer of high-quality protein isolates, has been acquired by My Co., the investment vehicle of the Paule Family Office. APP is known for its patented fractionation technology, which enables the production of protein isolates from faba beans, yellow peas, lentils, mung beans, and other pulses through a unique extraction process. The clean, non-solvent method produces a highly functional protein isolate containing over 85% protein. APP entered voluntary administration in July of last year after experiencing financial difficulties. My Co. says the acquisition is a strategic move that will support local farmers, protect jobs, and reinforce Australia’s status in the global plant-based food market. “This acquisition opens doors to numerous possibilities for APP,” said Vicky Pappas, CEO of My Co. “With …

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Mycoprotein- chicken breast

Mycoprotein- chicken breast © M FOOD GROUP®

M FOOD GROUP® Relies on Next Gen Food Innovation: Mycoprotein

The world is changing – and so are our eating habits.  More and more people are looking for sustainable, healthy alternatives to animal products that still impress in terms of taste and quality.  This is precisely where the M FOOD GROUP® comes in with its innovative Mycoprotein solutions. Mycoprotein is a sustainable, nutrient-rich source of protein that is obtained through fermentation and offers a wide range of applications. WHAT MAKES THE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR MYCOPROTEIN PRODUCTS FROM THE M FOOD GROUP® SO SPECIAL? Mycoprotein is obtained by fermentation of the fungus Fusarium venenatum – a natural, efficient process that forms the basis for modern, sustainable food alternatives. The M FOOD GROUP® uses it to develop customized product solutions that combine functionality, taste and nutritional benefits. …

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Verley founders Hélène Briand and Stéphane Mac Millan

Verley founders Hélène Briand and Stéphane Mac Millan, image supplied

Bon Vivant Rebrands to Verley, Unveils “World’s First” Functional Precision Fermentation Dairy Proteins

French precision fermentation company Bon Vivant has announced that it is rebranding to Verley and launching a new portfolio of functionalized dairy proteins said to be the first of their kind. The new name reflects the company’s international ambitions and strong connection to France, especially the Lyon region where many villages end in -ey. Verley aims to honor the dairy traditions and craftsmanship of these villages while pioneering a more sustainable way to produce dairy products. The name change is accompanied by a new brand identity, a new logo, and a fully redesigned website. The news comes as Verley launches a complete range of functionalized dairy proteins that is claimed to deliver superior nutrition and advanced functionality. FermWhey™ range Verley claims to be the first …

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© Redefine Meat

Report Says Non-Animal Proteins Are Critical to Achieving Israel’s Food Security by 2050

A report by the Samuel Neaman Institute has described non-animal proteins — including legumes, plant-based meat, and cultivated products — as critical to achieving food security for Israel by 2050. The authors outline the challenges posed by population growth and environmental issues, noting that Israel has a low self-sufficiency ratio in food groups such as cereals, legumes, and nuts. This increases the country’s reliance on imports and its vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions. Consequently, boosting domestic production of non-animal proteins could enhance Israel’s resilience to geopolitical and economic uncertainties, while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of producing and importing animal products. Greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption could all be significantly decreased. The report suggests aligning the Israeli diet with Mediterranean diet …

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© GoodMills

GoodMills Develops Wheat and Fava Protein for Improved Texture in Meat Alternatives

GoodMills Innovation, a subsidiary of the GoodMills Group, Europe’s largest milling organisation, has introduced a new plant-based protein ingredient designed for use in meat analogue applications requiring layered, fibrous textures. The product, VITATEX® Wheat Fava Flakes SVP Pro, combines wheat gluten and fava bean protein through a co-texturisation process, resulting in a structure intended to replicate the fibrous nature of animal meat. The co-extrusion method used in the production of the flakes enables protein cross-linking that creates a cohesive matrix with defined layers. According to Antje Dittrich, application manager plant-based at GoodMills Innovation, “While limited cross-linking occurs when proteins are individually textured and then blended, the co-extrusion process incites strong cross-linking activity that results in a stable, cohesive structure with distinct layers and a long-lasting …

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Grassa

© Grassa

Grassa Raises €3.6M to Further Develop Grass Protein Production Technology

Grassa, a Dutch company working to extract protein from grass, has raised €3.6 million to further develop its technology. Investors in the round included Perspectieffonds Gelderland (PFG) — a Gelderland province fund managed by Oost NL — along with existing shareholders Fransen Gerrits and Brightlands Venture Partners. The funding will be used to scale up Grassa’s technology, demonstrate its benefits to dairy farmers, and develop edible grass protein for humans. Grassa’s technology creates “unlocked grass”, which contains less unstable protein than normal grass, along with grass juice, from which protein can be extracted. The unlocked grass reduces methane and nitrogen emissions from cows when used as feed, while the grass protein provides a sustainable alternative to soy protein. Grassa has discovered that 50% of the …

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ACI Group

© ACI Group

Ingredient Supplier ACI Group Announces Significant Expansion of Its Plant-Based Protein Range

ACI Group, a global supplier of functional ingredients, has announced that it is expanding its plant-based protein line in response to increasing demand. The company is introducing a new range of pea, soy, and wheat proteins, along with a plant-based protein concentrate blend. The ingredients have been designed to meet goals such as taste, texture, protein claims, shelf life, and overall product appearance; they provide solutions for a range of applications, including meat alternatives, protein bars, and more. The range includes: “Functionality without compromise” Research indicates that the global alternative protein market will be worth over $40 billion by 2030, driven by growing awareness of sustainability issues and increased venture investments in the industry. Pea protein is expected to grow particularly rapidly, with the market …

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Solar Foods

© Solar Foods

Solar Foods Signs MoUs Regarding Commercialization of 6,000 Tonnes of Solein, While Fazer Launches Solein-Powered Products in the US

Solar Foods has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two international customers regarding the commercialization of 6,000 tonnes of its air-based protein, Solein, per year. The MoUs are a joint plan of the companies and outline the principles of the planned collaboration. Solar Foods has already been working with the companies on research and product development. If the collaboration leads to a binding agreement, the 6,000 tonne volume would correspond to approximately half the full production capacity of Solar Foods’ Factory 02, which is now in its pre-engineering phase and is aimed to be fully operational in 2030. The facility has an annual planned capacity of 12,800 tons, almost a hundred times that of the company’s Factory 01. “These agreements serve as compelling proof …

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Shiru partners with GreenLab

Image: Shiru on LinkedIn

Shiru Partners With GreenLab to Scale Novel Food Proteins Made Using Corn-Based Expression System

AI-powered ingredient discovery company Shiru has partnered with plant biotechnology pioneer GreenLab to commercialize novel food proteins made using GreenLab’s proprietary corn expression system. The collaboration will give Shiru access to a high-yield, scalable manufacturing platform that extends beyond microbial and precision fermentation, enabling the production of functional ingredients across bioindustrial applications. The initial focus will be on CPG. As part of the partnership, Shiru’s AI technology will be used to rapidly discover high-performance proteins, while GreenLab’s corn system will help bring sustainable ingredients to market faster. Corn-based protein production can reportedly outperform traditional fermentation, reducing costs and making novel proteins more affordable for food brands. By using plants as natural biofactories, more protein can be produced with less energy, reducing environmental impact and ensuring …

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burcon protein

© Burcon

Burcon-Backed Partnership Acquires Illinois Protein Facility, Prepares for 2025 Production

Burcon NutraScience Corporation, a developer of plant-based protein technologies, announced that its alliance partner, RE ProMan, LLC, has completed the acquisition of a protein production facility in Galesburg, Illinois. The facility will be used to integrate Burcon’s protein processing technologies, with commercial-scale production expected to begin in the first half of 2025. John Vassallo, a director at Burcon, stated that the facility was selected based on its infrastructure and suitability for the company’s protein production needs. “The Galesburg facility was our top choice, offering the infrastructure needed to bring Burcon’s innovative protein products to market,” he said. This marks the first time Burcon has operational control over a commercial production facility. The company develops plant-based protein ingredients derived from sources such as pea, canola, soy, …

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Solar Foods

© Solar Foods

Solar Foods Advances Solein with New Funding and US Introduction of Protein Bites

Finnish food tech company Solar Foods has received an additional €10 million in funding from Business Finland to support the development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of its Solein protein. The grant is part of the company’s Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) funding, which was approved by the European Commission. The funding increase is part of a €33.6 million tranche first approved in December 2022. Business Finland has adjusted the amount following an updated cost estimate and has extended the project deadline by one year to December 31, 2026. This additional support comes through a supplementary Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funding call aimed at projects related to low-carbon hydrogen production, storage, and carbon capture utilization. Investment in production facilities Solar Foods’ overall IPCEI …

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Vivici protein powder

© Vivici

Vivici Launches Animal-Free Dairy Protein in the US Active Nutrition Market

Ingredients startup Vivici has introduced Vivitein™ BLG, a precision-fermented dairy protein, to the US market. The beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) protein, produced without the use of animals, is positioned for use in the active nutrition sector, which was valued at $28.4 billion globally in 2023. Vivici, founded in 2023 and backed by dsm-firmenich and Fonterra, specializes in precision fermentation technology. The company’s flagship ingredient, Vivitein™ BLG, is self-affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in the US and is available for B2B customers developing products such as protein beverages, powders, and bars. According to Vivici, the ingredient offers functional benefits, including improved solubility in water-based drinks, rapid absorption in protein powders, and a texture comparable to traditional dairy-based protein bars. Vivici CEO Stephan van Sint Fiet stated …

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Felix Ockert © Siemens

Guest Post: The Need for Efficient and Sustainable Production Methods in Plant-Based Food Manufacturing

Felix Ockert is the New Food Account Manager at Siemens, responsible for the German market. With 10 years of experience in food production machinery and as a trained food technologist and brewer, he brings extensive industry expertise. In his role at Siemens, Felix advises and supports customers from the food industry in optimizing their production facilities and processes using state-of-the-art automation and digitalization solutions. His deep understanding of industry requirements and his many years of experience help him develop customized solutions that significantly improve productivity, quality and sustainability in food production. In this guest contribution, he discusses the significance of a digital process twin in food processes with the aim of improving efficiency and product quality. The Need for Efficient and Sustainable Production Methods in …

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