dsm-firmenich was created through the 2022 merger of Dutch-based life sciences and materials company, DSM and Swiss fragrance and flavor giant, Firmenich.
Headquartered in Switzerland and employing over 28,000 people, the company operates across the food and beverage, dietary supplements, and personal care sectors, serving both B2B and consumer markets. dsm-firmenich drives innovations like plant-based and alternative proteins, functional ingredients and clean-label solutions, and offers solutions to improve taste, texture, and nutrition in alternative proteins, as well as enhancing product appeal through natural flavors and fragrances.
Marnix van Amerongen, Senior Director, Innovation, Plant-Based Platform, here offers unique insights into industry trends and consumer preferences. “In the meat and fish alternatives space, the focus is shifting toward replicating whole meat cuts, such as steak, chicken fillets or fish formats such as smoked salmon,” he explains in this interesting and informative Q&A.
dsm-firmenich is known for its commitment to innovation in the plant-based sector. Can you share some of your latest developments in plant-based solutions?
One of our landmark solutions is Vertis™ CanolaPRO®, a high-quality plant-based protein derived from canola. This innovative ingredient has allowed us to pioneer a variety of concepts such as high-protein pasta, breakfast cereals, peanut butter and sports nutrition solutions available as protein bars and ready-to-drink or ready-to-mix options.
This is part of our larger goal to integrate plant-based protein into everyday meals, expanding beyond typical high protein applications to create more accessible options for consumers looking to fulfill their nutrient requirements throughout the day.
“…we are positioning ourselves as leaders in this evolving space by focusing on innovation that goes beyond imitation”
In line with that vision, we’ve introduced cost-effective textured vegetable proteins (TVPs) designed to deliver exceptional taste, texture and performance in plant-based meat and fish alternatives, as well as hybrid products. These solutions cater to manufacturers seeking sustainable, high-quality and affordable ingredients for their plant-based offerings, helping drive the market forward.
We’ve also created a Barista Toolbox, which features innovative oat, soy and almond-based options designed to elevate plant-based beverages and offer refined a coffee experience. With reliable coffee pH stability and an enhanced nutritional profile packed with essential vitamins and minerals, each cup is as nourishing as it is satisfying. This focus on functionality resonates with the 60% of Gen Z coffee drinkers who consume hot coffee daily to support focus, energy, and stress relief[1]. By prioritizing sustainability and health benefits, the Barista Toolbox aligns with Gen Z’s growing preference for products that support well-being, enhance performance, and make eco-conscious choices more accessible.
Taste remains a cornerstone of hot plant-based beverages, with 54% of Gen Z coffee drinkers identifying enjoyable taste as a top reason for their coffee preferences. Our Barista Toolbox meets this demand with enhanced foaming capabilities and consistent micro-bubbles, creating a smooth texture and an ideal canvas for latte art for a more premium experience. These plant-based options go beyond traditional creamers, delivering a superior flavor experience that lets coffee lovers indulge in rich and indulgent alternatives. With a variety of flavors – including pumpkin spice, salted caramel and mocha – the toolbox enhances every coffee moment, creating a delightful experience that speaks to modern coffee culture.
These innovations, along with our commitment to quality ingredients, reflect our dedication to creating nutritious, delicious and sustainable plant-based solutions that taste great while supporting both people and the planet.
Your newly launched plant-based protein isolate is designed for a wide range of applications, from dairy and meat alternatives to RTD/RTM protein powders. How does this product stand out in terms of functionality, taste, or nutritional profile compared to existing plant-based proteins on the market?
Unlike many other plant proteins, Vertis™ CanolaPRO® is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids at the right level necessary for muscle growth and overall health. With a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 1, it matches the quality of animal-derived proteins, a rare achievement in the plant-based space.
Functionally, this protein isolate excels in terms of solubility and versatility. It blends seamlessly into a wide range of applications, improving the bite and texture of meat and fish alternatives, while creating a smoother mouthfeel in performance nutrition products.
On top of all this, Vertis™ CanolaPRO® is a more environmentally responsible protein. It’s derived from canola meal, an upcycled byproduct of canola oil production that would typically be used as animal feed. Through our patented extraction technology, we’ve transformed this byproduct into a high-quality protein that doesn’t require additional arable land, minimizes water usage and is produced without solvents. This eco-friendly approach, along with the fact that it avoids common allergens like soy, egg, gluten and nuts, makes Vertis™ CanolaPRO® a standout for both sustainability and inclusivity.
From your perspective, what key trends and (b2b) customer demands are you currently observing in the plant-based food industry? How are these trends influencing your R&D priorities?
One of the most significant shifts is that consumers are no longer just looking for substitutes for animal-derived products but are instead seeking more nutritious options across the board. This demand extends beyond meat, fish and dairy alternatives to include categories like cereals and baked goods, where there is a growing emphasis on high-fiber, high-protein and healthier solutions. In response, we’ve created innovative concepts, such as cereals, that are rich in fiber, and fortified with our customized premixes, which contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, enhanced with plant-based proteins.
In the meat and fish alternatives space, the focus is shifting toward replicating whole meat cuts, such as steak, chicken fillets or fish formats such as smoked salmon. This trend is driving our R&D to innovate in taste, texture, health and overall authenticity, ensuring these alternatives satisfy consumers who expect more than ground or processed substitutes. Similarly, in dairy alternatives, hybrid products that combine plant-based and traditional ingredients are becoming more relevant from both a cost savings point of view and a means to lower the carbon footprint of products.
Another key demand we’re observing is for clean-label products, especially in meat and fish alternatives. Consumers want shorter, more transparent ingredient lists with natural, recognizable components. This push for clean-label solutions has a direct influence on our R&D priorities as we strive to create simpler, healthier products that maintain desirable tastes and nutritional profiles.
“…consumers are no longer just looking for substitutes for animal-derived products but are instead seeking more nutritious options across the board”
Staying connected to consumer insights ensures that our innovations align with the latest trends and preferences. Whether that’s by improving a product’s nutritional profile by boosting its protein content lowering fat or expanding into new food categories, our focus remains on delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers and our B2B partners alike.
How do you see the plant-based food industry evolving over the next five to ten years? What shifts do you anticipate, and how is dsm-firmenich positioning itself to remain a leader in this market?
We anticipate a shift away from merely replicating animal-based products to creating entirely new and exciting categories that stand on their own merits. For example, rather than mimicking meat, fish or dairy, the focus will move toward developing dishes that offer exciting flavors and celebrate the unique textures and attributes of plant-based ingredients. Consumers will be encouraged to embrace these products not as replacements but as enjoyable choices in their own right. This is already happening with products like oat milk, which isn’t trying to imitate cow’s milk but instead has developed its own distinct identity, flavor profile and even category.
We also expect more emphasis on hybrid products that combine plant and animal-based ingredients, acting as a gateway for consumers who are curious about transitioning to more plant-based diets. This approach, along with the increasing ease of labelling plant-based items as familiar products like burgers or sausages, will help expand the market’s reach.
Another critical trend will be the embrace of vegetables in unexpected applications – think pizza crusts or pasta made from lentils. These innovations allow for subtle reformulations that emphasize the natural taste and nutritional benefits of vegetables without positioning them merely as substitutes for animal-based products.
The market will continue to grow steadily, especially in regions like Europe, where consumers are more open to plant-based alternatives. However, as inflation and economic challenges have impacted growth rates in recent years, companies will need to regain consumer trust by offering truly great-tasting, high-quality plant-based products that stand out for their uniqueness.
At dsm-firmenich, we are positioning ourselves as leaders in this evolving space by focusing on innovation that goes beyond imitation. Whether it’s our own plant-based proteins or other alternatives, we offer a full suite of solutions using enzymes, cultures, hydrocolloids, colorants, vitamins, flavors, proteins and maskers to help our customers create exceptional products. We’ve already seen tremendous success with plant-based milks and we believe the next growth opportunities will be in plant-based cheese and more sustainable barley-based milk options. Ultimately, our goal is to deliver plant-based solutions that meet consumers’ dietary needs as well as surprise and delight with their originality and taste.
[1] dsm-firmenich research Hot Coffee for Gen Z (2022). Online community (UK, N=24) | Online survey (N=4521, UK, GER, POL)
