Dutch multinational Royal DSM and international French agro-industrial group Avril have announced their plan to work together to meet the increasing consumer demand for plant-based proteins.
The two firms will produce a protein based on non-genetically modified canola.
This protein comes with high functional properties, nutritional value and a balanced taste profile, thereby making it suitable for a range of applications, including meat and dairy alternatives, beverages, baked products, bars and ready-to-mix.
Avril CEO Jean-Philippe Puig said: “With 10bn inhabitants by 2050, experts predict global demand for both animal and plant-based protein to grow, with exponential growth in plant-based proteins due to dietary shifts. Through this collaboration, Avril and DSM intend to join forces to contribute through innovation to meet the growing demand.”
DSM chief innovation officer Trish Malarkey said: “More people are opting for flexitarian, vegetarian and vegan diets for personal, health and environmental reasons. With our expertise, DSM can support all forms of proteins produced to the highest sustainable standards. With Avril as a partner, we will be uniquely positioned to serve this growing market and look forward to helping our customers deliver great tasting, healthy, and sustainable food and beverages.”
DSM’s expertise in solutions for food and beverage are complemented by Avril’s 35-year expertise in agriculture and its ability to deliver agricultural supplies for the partnership.
The partners aim to build an industrial production facility dedicated to canola proteins at Avril’s Saipol plant in Dieppe.
First production from this facility would be available commercially as early as late-2021.
