Ingredion Inc., a global provider of food ingredients solutions, has signed an exclusive partnership with chickpea specialist InnovoPro to distribute chickpea protein concentrate in the US and Canada.
“An alternative that’s high in consumer recognizability and appeal”
The partnership will increase the availability of chickpea protein while helping food and beverage manufacturers meet ther demand for sustainable and nutritious plant-based products. A recent study commissioned by Ingredion revealed that chickpea proteins enjoy above-average consumer awareness compared to other plant-based alternatives, and are perceived as a healthier option.
Extracted from chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), chickpea protein is said to offer a neutral color and flavor profile as well as emulsification properties that provide a rich, creamy texture. These qualities make it ideal for a broad range of applications, including dairy and meat alternatives, bakery goods and beverages.
70% protein concentrate
Innova Market Insight’s recent report, Top 10 Trends of 2022: Plant-Based: The Canvas for Innovation, shows that chickpea proteins are up from zero launches in 2017 to 1.2% penetration within plant-based products in 2021.
“This collaboration allows us to broaden our plant-based portfolio with an alternative that’s high in consumer recognizability and appeal,” said Yadu Dar, Ingredion’s global business development director for plant-based proteins. “InnovoPro’s solvent-free processing method will enable a 70% chickpea protein concentrate — providing food and beverage manufacturers with a new way to meet consumer demand for clean label, plant-based products that are sustainably sourced.”
“Closer to realization”
This alliance follows the equity investment Ingredion made in Israel’s InnovoPro in February 2022.
According to the companies, the new chickpea concentrate will offer food and beverage producers a range of unique benefits, including green farming, local sourcing, sustainable processing and clean labeling.
“We are looking forward to this great and important partnership with Ingredion,” said Taly Nechushtan, chief executive officer of InnovoPro.
He continued, “Our vision to transform the way people eat, by enabling the creation of tastier, healthier and more sustainable food choices is getting one step closer to realization, as we join forces with Ingredion. A variety of solutions based on our chickpea protein will reach a broader market and support our growth trajectory.”
