Ingredion is seeking to accelerate the production of plant-based protein growth globally with a string of strategic investments, totaling US$140 million. The investments aims to enable total turnkey solutions for consumers to grow in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, as the plant-based protein trend is still at its early onset in this part of the globe, according to the company.

“The appeal for plant-based diets is palpable and we predict that this trend is set to go mainstream. More consumers are switching to plant-based diets for the associated health benefits, to meet their changing dietary needs or taste preferences, and to do their part for the environment and animals. They are looking for products with clean and simple labels, health and nutrition benefits that taste great,” says Valdirene Licht, Senior Vice President and President, Asia-Pacific at Ingredion.

The company’s expanded manufacturing capabilities, extensive portfolio and footprint throughout APAC should give manufacturers a “one-stop platform for ingredient solutions that deliver functional, sustainable and nutritional attributes, inclusive of non-GMO and certified organic options.”

Click to EnlargePrevious strategic investments include the February 2018 purchase of a soy processing facility in South Sioux City, Nebraska, US, which is making significant capital investments to transform the site to produce protein isolates from peas, with expansion plans to include the production of isolates from other pulses. once the investments are completed, this facility will produce ingredients that enhance the company’s current VITESSENCE Pulse protein isolate line to include higher protein isolates primarily for the nutrition, health and wellness categories.

Within the VITESSENCE Pulse protein isolate line, PURITY P 1304 pea starch and VITESSENCE Pulse 1550 pea protein concentrate are positioned as ideal for manufacturers who want to formulate new products, replac other starches and flours and help support protein combinations. The two plant-based ingredients deliver the performance needed for a broad range of pet food products, including canned foods, gravies, dry kibble, treats and biscuits.

Ingredion last year also entered into a joint venture agreement with Verdient Foods, Inc., a Canadian company based in Vanscoy, Saskatchewan. Investments are being made within the existing facility to make pulse-based protein concentrates and flours from peas, lentils and fava beans for human food applications.

FoodIngredientsFirst spoke to Ingredion’s VP, Global Development & Ingredient Technology, Joesph Light, last week at IFT 2019 in New Orleans. He noted that the company is looking into Clara Foods’ innovative pipeline that encompasses solutions that address several platforms beyond chicken-less egg proteins. Clean label preservatives, clean proteins, nutritionals for improved digestibility, as well as albumin replacement are all platforms being proposed to customers, with a 2020 market rollout for initial products being considered.

Ingredion led a Series B funding round in Clara Foods in April. Under this agreement, Ingredion partnered with Clara Foods to globally distribute and market multiple proteins derived from yeast that are traditionally found in eggs. These products augment Ingredion’s portfolio to include highly functional proteins that will produce food and beverages with higher levels of protein and unique characteristics without the inclusion of animal-derived inputs.