Protein: Latest News 2025 - vegconomist: the vegan business magazine

ACI Group Secures Distribution Deal with IFF for Plant-Based Protein Range in UK and Ireland

June 16, 2025

ACI Group has entered into a long-term distribution agreement with International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) for its range of plant-based proteins in the UK and Ireland. This partnership allows ACI Group to distribute IFF’s portfolio of soy and pea protein products, providing customers with a diverse selection of ingredients suited for plant-based food manufacturing. The plant protein solutions from IFF, which are derived from non-GMO soy and peas, include various formats designed for different food applications. These include textured vegetable proteins (TVPs), hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, and specialized blends tailored for specific formulations. Key products in this range include SUPRO® Isolated Soy Proteins, SUPRO® MAX Structured Vegetable Proteins, and CENTEX® Textured Soy Flours, among others. These ingredients are valued for their nutritional benefits and functional properties, …

Organisations and brands:

ACI Group

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF)

Laird Superfood Launches Protein Instant Latte with Functional Mushroom Extracts

June 11, 2025

Laird Superfood has introduced a new product designed to meet the growing demand for protein-enriched beverages in the United States. The Protein Instant Latte, a powdered mix, combines plant-based protein with functional ingredients to offer a convenient, all-in-one coffee alternative. Each serving contains 10 grams of protein derived from a blend of pea, hemp, and pumpkin seed protein. Additionally, the latte mix includes MCTs from coconut, as well as extracts from organic mushrooms including Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Maitake, and Chaga. The product is aimed at consumers seeking cleaner, plant-based protein options to support daily nutritional needs. Laird Superfood CEO Jason Vieth remarked, “Protein is having a moment—and for good reason. Consumers are looking for cleaner, smarter ways to incorporate protein into their daily routines as …

Organisations and brands:

Laird Superfood

Burcon Begins Commercial Production of Pea Protein at Illinois Facility, Targets 2026 Profitability

June 9, 2025

Burcon NutraScience has commenced commercial production of its Peazazz C pea protein at its newly acquired manufacturing facility in Galesburg, Illinois. This marks the first time the company has had direct operational control over a commercial-scale production site. Quick ramp-up and forecasts The facility became operational less than three months after commissioning and is now ramping up output through the second half of 2025. The company projects between $1 million and $3 million in revenue for the calendar year 2025, and over $10 million in 2026. Positive cash flow is anticipated by the end of 2026. “The successful startup of our Galesburg facility marks a key operational milestone in Burcon’s commercial scale-up. In less than 90 days since commissioning, our team has brought next-generation protein …

Organisations and brands:

Burcon

California Establishes Committee to Focus on Economic and Environmental Potential of Alternative Proteins

June 5, 2025

California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has appointed a new Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation, which will focus on the economic and environmental potential of alternative proteins, including plant-based, cell-based, and fermented protein sources. The committee will explore how emerging protein technologies can benefit California’s agriculture, economy, and sustainability efforts. Assemblymember Ash Kalra, representing California’s 25th Assembly District, will chair the committee. Kalra, who has long been involved in promoting alternative proteins, stated, “I am thankful Speaker Rivas has established the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation. The focus of this Committee is not just about fostering a vibrant alternative protein research and economy in California, but also putting forth climate solutions in our food systems.” Championing alt protein research Kalra has previously supported funding …

New Swiss Plant-Based Brand Yellow Sunshine Introduces Fermented Lupin Protein

June 4, 2025

Alice Fauconnet and Freddy Hunziker, known for their work as co-founders of New Roots, have launched a new plant-based brand called Yellow Sunshine. The brand focuses on fermented lupin protein, a functional ingredient designed to meet both personal health needs and environmental sustainability goals. Yellow Sunshine’s products are built around lupin, a legume with a high protein content that has been underutilized in the plant-based sector. The company uses cutting-edge fermentation techniques to enhance the nutritional profile of lupin while maintaining a commitment to regenerative farming practices in Switzerland and Germany. According to Fauconnet, the new brand represents a next generation of plant-based foods, offering nutrient-dense options that are functional and appealing in taste. “We’re not just offering an alternative; we’re building a future-forward protein …

Organisations and brands:

New Roots

Yellow Sunshine

Meala and dsm-firmenich Introduce Pea Protein Texturizer to Simplify Binding and Texture in Plant-Based Meat

June 3, 2025June 3, 2025

Meala has partnered with dsm-firmenich to commercialize Vertis™ PB Pea, a texturizing pea protein ingredient designed for plant-based meat alternatives. The product is now available in Europe through dsm-firmenich. Vertis™ PB Pea is produced via biotechnology and is protected by two patents. It functions as a multifunctional ingredient that replaces multiple binders commonly used in plant-based meat formulations, such as hydrocolloids. One protein, multiple solutions The ingredient delivers binding, gelation, and emulsifying properties within a single component. It also increases the protein content of finished products. This consolidation of functions is intended to shorten ingredient lists and simplify labeling, with Vertis™ PB Pea clearly identified as “pea protein.” Tests indicate compatibility across a range of applications including burgers, sausages, and nuggets. The protein maintains its …

Organisations and brands:

DSM-Firmenich

Meala

Bunge Introduces New Soy Protein Concentrates and Expands Production Capacity

May 13, 2025May 13, 2025

Bunge has introduced a new line of soy protein concentrates at IFFA, set to launch this fall, designed to address common challenges in the plant-based protein sector. The new concentrates are intended to offer a clean taste, neutral color, and cost-effective solution for food manufacturers. The soy protein concentrates, produced in Bunge’s new facility in Morristown, Indiana, are part of the company’s strategy to enhance its plant-protein offerings. The Morristown facility, which is nearing completion, is set to become the largest food-grade plant protein production site globally. Bunge has invested $550 million in this state-of-the-art facility, which is expected to provide significant scale to its operations. The soy protein concentrates will feature around 70% protein content and 17% fiber on a dry-basis, with both non-GMO …

Organisations and brands:

Bunge

Vivici Secures US Production for Precision-Fermented Dairy Protein via Liberation Labs Deal

May 8, 2025

Vivici, a Dutch precision fermentation company, has secured a manufacturing partnership with US-based Liberation Labs for the production of its beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) protein ingredient, Vivitein™. The agreement will see Vivici’s product manufactured at Liberation Labs’ new facility in Richmond, Indiana, with commercial-scale output expected to begin in 2026. The Richmond site is Liberation Labs’ first commercial-scale biomanufacturing facility, currently under construction. It will feature 600,000 liters of fermentation capacity and a fully integrated downstream process. The company plans to use this infrastructure to produce a variety of bio-based materials, including proteins, chemicals, and ingredients for consumer and industrial applications. Expansion into the US market Vivici’s CEO, Stephan van Sint Fiet, stated that the partnership would expand the company’s manufacturing footprint beyond Europe and help meet …

Organisations and brands:

Liberation Labs

Vivici

Eat Just Launches One-Ingredient Mung Bean Protein Powder at Whole Foods

May 1, 2025

Eat Just, Inc., the company behind the plant-based Just Egg, has launched its new protein powder, Just One, which is now available at Whole Foods Market locations across the United States. This product is distinct for being made with just one ingredient: mung beans, a legume known for its high protein content and sustainability. Unlike many traditional protein powders, which often combine various protein sources such as pea, whey, or soy with a range of additives, artificial flavors, and fillers, Just One offers a simpler alternative. The mung bean protein used in Just One is non-GMO and provides the most protein per gram compared to other leading products on the market. Additionally, the product is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Joshua …

Organisations and brands:

Eat JUST

Whole Foods Market

Balletic Launches Precision-Engineered Protein Blend That Can Be Turned Into Meat Alternatives

April 29, 2025

US-based food tech company Balletic has announced the launch of Balletic Nova, a line of high-performance protein ingredients engineered for nutritional impact. Made using fermentation, the range includes Balletic Meat, a blend that can be combined with water and seasonings then shaped into patties, cutlets, meatballs, or crumbles. Designed to hold its structure when cooked, the product is said to deliver over 32g of complete protein per 40g serving and balanced BCAAs to support muscle protein synthesis. Balletic Meat is made from a proprietary protein blend containing soy, wheat gluten, pea, fava, chickpea, and L-leucine. It is free of dairy, cholesterol, and artificial additives. The line also includes Balletic Bake, designed to boost the protein content of baked goods, and Balletic Smooth, which can be …

Organisations and brands:

Balletic

MicroHarvest co-founders Luísa Cruz, Katelijne Bekers and Jonathan Roberz. © MicroHarvest

Palatability Trials Find Pets Prefer MicroHarvest Microbial Protein to Commercially-Available Kibble

April 28, 2025April 28, 2025

New palatability trials by biotech innovator MicroHarvest have found that both cats and dogs preferred the company’s MPX microbial protein to a control food. The tests used an MPX-based kibble made in collaboration with a Portuguese animal nutrition company. They found that 68% of cats and 58% of small dogs chose the MPX protein first, favouring it over a control option consisting of a commercially available reference formula. Additionally, the cats showed close to a 50% increase in portion intake when given the MPX-based protein, with three-quarters of owners reporting that their pets consumed the same or more than their typical portion. The dogs also ate close to half (44%) more MPX kibble compared to the control diet, with 90% of owners confirming that their …

Organisations and brands:

MicroHarvest

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

April 18, 2025

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 …

Organisations and brands:

Aminola

RELSUS

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

April 17, 2025

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 …

Organisations and brands:

siemens

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

April 11, 2025

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 …

Organisations and brands:

Bridge2Food

Plenitude

PoLoPo Develops Pilot Plant for Converting Bioengineered Potatoes into Protein Powder

April 8, 2025

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 …

Organisations and brands:

NIRAS

PoLoPo

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

April 4, 2025

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 …

Organisations and brands:

European Investment Bank (EIB)

Lantmännen

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

April 2, 2025

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, …

Organisations and brands:

n!Biomachines

siemens

The Cultivated B

Image supplied.

European Commission Commits to Developing a Protein Diversification Plan

April 1, 2025

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 …

Organisations and brands:

European Commission

Image supplied.

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

March 31, 2025

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 …

Organisations and brands:

Australian Plant Proteins

My Co

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information for decision-makers