Israeli agri-food-tech company Equinom has announced the commercial availability of its Manna™ technology, an AI-powered solution designed to optimize the processing of high-protein yellow peas. The company, known for its focus on developing non-GMO, plant-based ingredients, has been working on Manna™ for the past eight years, and it is now ready to be utilized by the broader food production industry.
“This breakthrough means huge opportunities for the yellow pea crop and the plant-based protein industry”
Equinom specializes in breeding yellow peas with enhanced protein content through advanced techniques incorporating artificial intelligence and genomic optimization. Its work has yielded yellow pea varieties with protein concentrations as high as 75%, a significant improvement over the typical 21-25% protein content found in conventional peas. This high-protein pea requires minimal processing, which reduces the environmental impact of pea protein production—a crucial advantage for the plant-based food sector.
AI-powered breeding
Manna™ technology plays a key role in Equinom’s strategy by enabling the company to identify and enhance traits in yellow peas that are most beneficial for food applications. The system analyzes the biochemical parameters of the grain and predicts the optimal machinery settings for processing, improving efficiency and precision. Additionally, Manna™ grades and selects the best yellow pea varieties for processing, providing partners with data-driven insights for grain purchasing decisions.
Cost savings and SaaS transition
The implementation of Manna™ has led to significant improvements in operational efficiency for Equinom’s partners. The company reports potential savings of $300,000 to $500,000 for every 10,000 metric tons of grains processed annually. Initially launched as a service, Equinom plans to transition Manna™ to a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, further expanding its accessibility and application.
Equinom has also engaged in various partnerships to scale up and commercialize its high-protein pea varieties. Collaborations with Roquette, Black Sheep Foods, and Meatless Farm are part of a larger initiative to enhance the nutritional value and sustainability of plant-based food products.
Equinom’s high-protein peas are especially valuable for producing plant-based meat alternatives. They offer improved nutritional profiles with reduced processing requirements.
Field testing
In addition to its commercial launch, Manna™ is currently being tested in the field. In partnership with GREENFORCE and BayWa AG, farmers Jens Mattern and Marius Bischoff are cultivating Equinom’s new pea varieties across 20-30 hectares. This pilot project aims to identify the most suitable pea varieties for local agriculture and food processing in Germany.
Looking ahead, Equinom plans to extend the Manna™ system to other crops, including wheat, further broadening its impact on plant-based food production.
The company noted on its social media, “Over the years, we’ve been on a mission to increase genetic variation in yellow peas through deliberate crossing, selecting, and refining our portfolio. By restoring ‘old genes’ from ancestor lines and introducing them into new material, we’re creating a wealth of variety in protein profiles, taste, and functionality. This breakthrough means huge opportunities for the yellow pea crop and the plant-based protein industry. “
