ADM is expanding the production of non-GMO soy protein concentrate at its facility in Europoort, the Netherlands. This is to keep pace with the growing demand for high-quality plant-based proteins in European markets, notes the company. The Europoort facility recently started producing non-GMO soy protein concentrate, which is available in a powder and will be suitable for all types of food applications.

The announcement comes at a time wher plant-based proteins are in the spotlight with Innova Market Insights identifying “The Plant-based Revolution” as its number two trend for 2020. ADM’s comprehensive ingredient pantry and expertise can provide customers not only with soy protein as a standalone ingredient but can also help incorporate it into tailored nutrition solutions to satisfy the growing market and consumer trends.

This production expansion adds to ADM’s vast plant-based protein ingredient portfolio, which combined with ADM’s extensive expertise in systems, flavors and application development, helps give customers an edge in creating the latest food and beverage product innovations.

“We know that the one thing consumers aren’t willing to compromise on is taste, and as the only company that can provide both plant-based protein ingredients and flavor systems and solutions, ADM is a one-stop solution to help customers meet the growing demand in this market,” says George Perujo, Product Management EMEAI, ADM Human Nutrition.

“With more consumers adopting a flexitarian diet, the need for plant-based solutions continues to grow in Europe,” adds Perujo. “And besides being conscious about sourcing, Europeans are more likely to pay attention to the non-GMO status of their ingredients, so European origination and production was an important factor when we were considering options for this expansion. The Europoort facility has long-standing technological capabilities as well as a proven track record in the production of soy protein concentrate, so it was the ideal choice for this expansion.”

Last month, ADM identified key trends that will drive innovation and growth in the plant-based protein space in 2020 and beyond, that include “Meaty Innovations,” “Keep it Clean” and “Comfort is King.”

“Protein has always been a fundamental building block of our diets. Increased awareness and accessibility to health and nutrition information has driven a rise in protein claims being made across food and beverage categories. This means that todays consumers are actively seeking out foods and beverages that supply protein because they understand more widely than ever that it is an essential part of a healthy diet,” Jaquelyn Schuch, Product Marketing Director Alternative Proteins, ADM Nutrition, told.