Alianza Team specializes in developing and producing innovative lipid solutions for the food, beverage, cosmetics, and nutraceutical industries. They’re dedicated to crafting tailored fats and oils that enhance product quality, functionality, and sustainability.
With a team of over 2.000 employees globally, the headquarters are located in Bogotá, Colombia, where Alianza Team runs multiple production facilities and a global presence with operations in Mexico and Chile, reaching the Latin American market, the USA, and a growing presence in Europe. In addition to Colombia, Alianza Team has operations in Chile (two plants) and Mexico, and a growing presence in Europe.
We spoke with Maria Angelica Mashali, Chief Growth Officer at Alianza Team, to learn about their latest innovation and business objectives.
Could you introduce your newest advancement, Mirror Tissue, and its unique properties?
Mirror Tissue is a revolutionary lipid technology developed by Alianza Team, designed to mimic the sensory experience of animal fatty tissue in plant-based meat alternatives. Its unique blend of vegetable oils and biopolymeric matrices creates a texture remarkably similar to animal adipose tissue, delivering the desired melt-in-your-mouth feel and juiciness often lacking in plant-based products. Beyond texture, Mirror Tissue boasts impressive thermal stability, ensuring it remains intact during cooking while releasing flavors and aromas. It also offers the potential for a cleaner label and improved nutritional profile compared to traditional plant-based fats.
For which specific meat alternative products do you see Mirror Tissue application being most effective, and what types of meat textures or cuts can it replicate most accurately?
We see Mirror Tissue’s application being particularly effective in plant-based products where replicating the sensory experience of animal fat is crucial, such as burgers, sausages, ground meat, and even deli-style meats like ham and salami. It excels at recreating the marbling effect seen in animal meat, contributing to visual appeal and enhancing the perception of juiciness. Mirror Tissue is adaptable to mimic a range of textures, from tender and succulent to firm and chewy, making it suitable for various cuts and styles of meat alternatives.
How do you envision Mirror Tissue impacting the plant-based meat market, and what potential does it hold for scalability and adoption by major food producers?
We believe Mirror Tissue has the potential to revolutionize the plant-based meat market by directly addressing a key consumer pain point – the lack of authentic taste and texture. The European consumer is increasingly sophisticated and demanding, seeking plant-based alternatives that not only align with their ethical and environmental values but also deliver a truly satisfying eating experience. Mirror Tissue bridges this gap, significantly enhancing consumer satisfaction and driving wider adoption of plant-based alternatives.
“We want to be recognized as the technology that bridges the gap between plant-based and animal-based products”
Moreover, Mirror Tissue plays a strategic role in achieving the desired taste and mouthfeel in these products. By mimicking the behavior of animal fat, it unlocks a new level of juiciness, tenderness, and overall sensory pleasure, attributes that consumers often miss in plant-based options. Additionally, our technology allows for a cleaner label and improved nutritional profile, aligning with the growing demand for healthier and more transparent food choices.
From a production standpoint, Mirror Tissue’s scalability is promising. The technology is adaptable to large-scale manufacturing and easily integrated into existing processes, making it a viable solution for major food producers. We are actively engaging with these key players, and the potential for widespread adoption is high, considering the escalating demand for high-quality, realistic, and cost-effective plant-based meat products.
How have your operations and strategies evolved in the markets you are currently present in? What prompted your decision to target the European market at this stage?
In our existing markets, we have prioritized building strong partnerships with food manufacturers and culinary experts, fostering a collaborative approach to innovation. This has allowed us to co-create delicious and successful plant-based products that truly resonate with consumers. We also continue to invest heavily in research and development to further refine Mirror Tissue’s performance and expand its applications.
Our decision to target the European market is strategic and timely. Europe is witnessing remarkable growth in the plant-based sector, driven by a combination of health consciousness, environmental awareness, and evolving consumer preferences. Moreover, European consumers and regulatory bodies are increasingly demanding cleaner labels and products with transparent ingredient lists. This creates a perfect environment for Mirror Tissue, which not only enhances the sensory experience but also aligns with the growing emphasis on healthier and more sustainable food choices.
As you expand into the European market, what are your primary business objectives?
Our primary business objectives as we expand into the European market are threefold. Firstly, Establish Mirror Tissue as a key ingredient for plant-based innovation: We aim to position Mirror Tissue as the go-to solution for food producers seeking to elevate the taste, texture, and overall sensory experience of their plant-based meat alternatives. We want to be recognized as the technology that bridges the gap between plant-based and animal-based products, driving consumer satisfaction and adoption.
Secondly, Foster strategic partnerships with leading brands and retailers: We’re actively seeking collaborations with both established and emerging plant-based brands, as well as major retailers developing their private label offerings. We envision co-creating innovative products and providing tailored solutions that meet their specific needs and target audiences.
“We are committed to driving the plant-based revolution forward”
Thirdly, contribute to the growth and mainstreaming of the plant-based movement: We are committed to driving the plant-based revolution forward by providing a solution that addresses key consumer concerns and makes plant-based meat alternatives more accessible and appealing. By partnering with industry leaders, we aim to accelerate the shift toward a more sustainable and compassionate food system.
We believe that Mirror Tissue’s unique ability to replicate the sensory experience of animal fat while maintaining a clean label and offering potential nutritional benefits makes it a highly attractive proposition for European food producers. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners to create delicious, sustainable, and accessible plant-based meat products that meet the evolving demands of consumers.
From your perspective, what are the emerging trends in plant-based product development? How is Alianza adapting to these trends?
We see several key trends shaping the plant-based product development landscape:
- Enhanced sensory experience: As mentioned, consumers expect plant-based alternatives to rival the taste, texture, and overall enjoyment of their animal-based counterparts.
- Clean label & whole foods: The demand for transparent labeling and recognizable, minimally processed ingredients is on the rise.
- Sustainability & ethical sourcing: Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and ethical impact of their food choices, prioritizing products that align with their values.
- Carbon footprint control: There’s a growing focus on reducing the carbon footprint of food production, from sourcing to manufacturing.
Alianza is at the forefront of these trends. Mirror Tissue directly addresses the need for enhanced sensory experiences while adhering to clean label principles. We are committed to sustainable sourcing and production practices, and we are actively working to minimize the carbon footprint of our solutions and operations. Furthermore, our technology is adaptable, allowing us to tailor Mirror Tissue to the specific requirements of each client and their target consumers.
Mirror Tissue represents a significant leap forward in plant-based food technology. By delivering the authentic taste, texture, and juiciness of animal fat, it unlocks a new level of consumer satisfaction and expands the appeal of plant-based meat alternatives. We’re excited to partner with European food producers to create truly exceptional products that align with consumer trends toward healthier, more sustainable, and ethically sourced food options. With its clean label formulation, potential nutritional benefits, and unparalleled sensory experience, Mirror Tissue is poised to reshape the plant-based meat landscape and contribute to a more sustainable and delicious future of food.
