Ingredion invests $140m in plant-based protein

Ingredient solutions provider Ingredion is accelerating the production of plant-based proteins globally with a combined $140 million of strategic investments.

The company said the plant-based protein trend has taken centre stage globally, but is currently at early onset in the Asia–Pacific (APAC) region. The investments will enable total turnkey solutions for customers to grow in this region.

Ingredion APAC is expected to launch its new plant-based ingredient soon. According to the company, its expanded manufacturing capabilities, extensive portfolio and footprint throughout APAC give manufacturers a one-stop platform for ingredient solutions that deliver functional, sustainable and nutritional attributes, inclusive of non-GMO and certified organic options.

“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, 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,” said Valdirene Licht, Senior Vice President and President, Asia Pacific. “We are committed to partnering with customers to answer these expectations by combining our expertise in product formulation with the expanded plant-based product portfolio.”

Some of the company’s investments so far include the purchase of a soy processing facility in South Sioux City in the USA in February 2018. Ingredion is making significant capital investments to transform the site to produce protein isolates from peas, and it also plans to expand to 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.

At the end of 2018, Ingredion also entered into a joint venture agreement with Canadian company Verdient Foods. Investments are being made within the existing facility to make pulse-based protein concentrates and flours from peas, lentils and fava beans for food applications.

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