Belgian biotechnology startup MAASH announces it has acquired the French biotech Metex NOOVISTA to launch what it claims will be France’s first mycoprotein factory and its first European production plant.
Metex NOOVISTA, a METEX Group subsidiary, specializes in fermented functional ingredients. Its factory is in Carling, on the Chemesis industrial platform in Saint-Avold, at the heart of the Grand Est region and the Moselle Department.
“This decision strengthens our strategic choice to promote a dynamic and innovative bio-economy”
Under the expertise of CEO Frédéric Van Gansberghe and the management of Gaspard Gilbert, MAASH aims to modify the site rapidly and establish itself as a European leader in mycoproteins. The company says it has preserved ten workers from Metex and announces ambitious production plans for the mycoprotein factory: an initial capacity of 10,000 tons annually, with two more production lines of 30,000 tons each in the future.
Franck Leroy, President of the Grand Est Region, shared, “By choosing to establish its first European production plant in Saint-Avold, MAASH enhances the attractiveness of the Chemesis industrial platform and preserves 10 jobs. This decision strengthens our strategic choice to promote a dynamic and innovative bio-economy in the service of industrial and environmental transitions.”
20X more resource-efficient than beef
Founded in 2021 in Brussels, MAASH has developed specialized expertise in submerged fermentation to produce LoCylia, its flagship mycoprotein ingredient.
LoCylia is described as a cutting-edge alternative that is nutritionally superior to plant and insect proteins, providing all essential amino acids and high fiber content, allowing for excellent digestibility. It is also dairy, gluten, soy, and nut-free and suitable for food and feed applications. Additionally, MAASH offers its expertise in product development to help manufacturers create tastier and more sustainable food products.
Regarding sustainability, the company claims that its fermentation method significantly reduces water and land usage, which are currently exhausted by livestock and agriculture, and emits 95% less GHG.
“Thanks to our filamentous fungi, our protein has that meat-like texture, is exceptionally healthy for both human and animal consumption, and has a high and balanced protein content. But more importantly, MAASH is very proud to be 20 times more resource efficient compared to beef production,” the company states on its website.
Local support for a mycoprotein factory
Business France, the Grand Est region, Moselle Attractivité, Invest Eastern France, and the Chemesis platform have supported the acquisition and expansion. Local bodies, including the Grand Est Region and the Saint-Avold Synergie Urban Community, have also strongly supported the project, which, according to MAASH, aligns well with regional objectives, such as diversifying protein sources and promoting innovative sectors.
Salvatore Coscarella, President of the Saint-Avold Synergie Urban Community, stated: “The establishment of the company MAASH is excellent news for our territory. This choice strengthens the strategic orientation of the Chemesis platform towards low-impact, decarbonized chemistry. We will continue to be responsive to the company’s needs to help grow its projects in the same proactive spirit.”
