This move will, it says, accelerate the company’s penetration into the global food market and bring it closer to key farming communities and grain handlers, as well as to food and food ingredient companies.

Equinom says that its business model directly connects food companies to the supply chain, in turn bringing increased transparency and paving the way for more responsible sourcing of high-value plant protein. Since Equinom supports agronomists, trades with grain handlers, and partners with food companies in North America, the company believes a local US operation is a natural evolution to ensure its growth and support for all the members in the supply chain.

Rick Mignella has joined the company as EVP and Managing Director to lead the US team and focus on scaling up business and expanding Equinom’s presence and reach within the North America market. Mignella is said to have a deep understanding of food industries and channels from ideation to shelf. Before joining Equinom, Mignella held several strategic business development positions for global food and ingredient companies, including Ingredion and Cargill.

Equinom says its non-GMO technology shapes the future of plant-based landscape by designing smarter seeds via fast-track, proprietary technology with breeding methodology that utilizes natural genetic variation in plants. Food companies can, the company claims, reap the benefits of Equinom’s unique breeding programs by designing new, cleaner products for fast-track delivery.

“This exciting move to new shores marks the next phase of growth for Equinom,” said Gil Shalev, CEO and founder of Equinom. “We are delighted to welcome Rick to Equinom and are confident that his know-how and vast industry experience will take this rapidly growing company smoothly to the next level of expansion.”

“Equinom can significantly contribute to the plant-based revolution and the broader food industries by changing the way food systems currently operate,” said Mignella. “Equinom’s non-GMO technology can help facilitate the creation of clean food products, increase protein content, and tailor key nutrients to the specific requests of food product developers and manufacturers. Our mission of connecting the farming industry with the food companies will build the next-generation mutual ecosystem for food production.”