Clara Foods has secured Series B funding led by global ingredient solutions provider Ingredion to expand its range of products in the animal-free protein category.

The company will use the financing to accelerate commercialisation of the first chicken-less egg proteins, expand research and development capabilities.

Additionally, it will be able to expand its product roadmap into many other proteins beyond the initial focus on egg white.

Clara also announced a partnership agreement with Ingredion, pursuant to which they will jointly develop, market and globally distribute protein ingredient products derived from yeast for food and beverage companies.

The products will augment Ingredion’s portfolio to include highly functional proteins without including animal-derived inputs.

Clara Foods founder and CEO Arturo Elizondo said: “We are thrilled to partner with Ingredion to bring these first ingredients to market and redefine how the world produces animal protein at scale.

“Their global reach across 120 countries and their applications expertise will dramatically expand Clara’s ability to disrupt the protein market as the world’s leading animal-free, animal protein ingredient manufacturer.”

Clara Foods’ microbial fermentation technology aims to reduce the production as well as environmental costs of animal proteins.

Ingredion corporate strategy senior vice-president and chief innovation officer Tony DeLio said: “We recognise that animal-free protein is emerging as a trend and we want to offer a full range of solutions that best meet our customers’ needs.”

Last December, Ingredion unveiled plans to accelerate the production of plant-based proteins with an investment of $140m.

The investment is expected to broaden the company’s plant-based protein solutions in order to meet the increasing global demand.