Protein Production Technology Podcast

In this episode of Protein Production Technology International, Nick interviews Cyril Francourt, CEO of FlavaPulse, a Bulgaria-based company specializing in the sustainable production of yellow pea ingredients, particularly pea protein concentrates. Cyril explains the inspiration behind FlavaPulse’s creation, highlighting the company’s focus on sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and energy-efficient mechanical processing like air fractionation. He also discusses Bulgaria’s ideal conditions for producing high-quality peas, which are crucial for maximizing protein content in their products. FlavaPulse’s pea protein concentrates are used in various applications, from meat analogs to dairy alternatives, offering advantages in cost, functionality, and CO2 footprint compared to soy and protein isolates. Cyril emphasizes the company’s innovations in eliminating bitter aftertastes from pea proteins and their commitment to long-term growth, focusing on expanding production capacity while maintaining sustainability. The episode concludes with a discussion on the company’s openness to strategic partnerships that can help drive further market access and product development.

In this panel discussion, we’ll explore how Process Analytical Technology (PAT) is revolutionizing the future of food through precision fermentation. As the food industry shifts toward more sustainable, scalable, and efficient production methods, precision fermentation is emerging as a cornerstone for producing alternative proteins, enzymes, and other high-value ingredients. Ensuring the consistent quality and safety of these products is essential, and PAT plays a critical role in achieving this.A panel of experts will focus on the advanced analytical techniques used to optimize product quality in precision fermentation. By leveraging real-time data from PAT tools – such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and advanced sensors – food innovators can monitor critical parameters like protein expression, metabolite levels, and overall product consistency. This technology enables real-time adjustments that optimize the fermentation process, ensuring that the final product meets the highest standards for taste, texture, and nutritional value.As the demand for alternative proteins and sustainable food sources continues to grow, precision fermentation offers a promising solution. With PAT, producers can scale operations more effectively, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency – paving the way for affordable, high-quality alternative food products. The webinar will also feature case studies showcasing how industry leaders are integrating PAT to enhance product development and ensure the future of food is both nutritious and sustainable.

In this episode of Protein Production Technology International, Brittany Chibe, co-founder and CEO of Aqua Cultured Foods, discusses her company's innovative approach to creating sustainable, fish-free seafood through fermentation. Brittany shares how her passion for ocean conservation led her to co-found the company, which produces products like tuna and scallops that closely mimic traditional seafood in taste and texture. The episode highlights their success in fine dining, particularly with raw dishes, and their focus on providing a consistent, high-quality supply. Brittany explains the fermentation process that creates a clean-label product with a long shelf life, free from allergens, mercury, and microplastics. She also discusses the importance of transparency, food safety, and sustainability, as well as the company's plans for future product development, including a ground seafood option. Aquacultured Foods aims to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional seafood while supporting ocean conservation.

In this special episode of Protein Production Technology International, host Nick interviews Erika Georget, Managing Director of ERIDIA, a company specializing in scaling fermentation and cellular agriculture technologies. Erika discusses ERIDIA's comprehensive services, from feasibility studies to large-scale plant design, with a focus on optimizing processes for food, biopharmaceutical, and chemical industries. She highlights ERIDIA’s unique position as a joint venture, combining expertise in process engineering and biopharmaceutical scaling. Key topics include the importance of starting scale-up considerations early, avoiding common cost traps, and the value of outsourcing specialized tasks. Erika also shares insights on how ERIDIA helps startups navigate complex challenges in scaling, ensuring both market readiness and process efficiency. The episode concludes with a look at the future potential of fermentation and cellular agriculture in transforming sustainable food production.

In this episode of Protein Production Technology International, host Nick speaks with Paul Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of The Better Meat Co. Paul discusses his journey from animal welfare advocate to founding a company that creates sustainable meat alternatives using fungi-based microprotein. He explains how this technology offers a more cost-effective, nutritious, and environmentally friendly alternative to both traditional meat and plant-based products. The conversation highlights The Better Meat Co.'s innovative fermentation process, which rapidly produces a protein-rich product in just hours, and the company’s goal of scaling production to compete with conventional meat. Paul also touches on the challenges of large-scale production, the environmental benefits of microprotein, and the broader societal shift towards more ethical and sustainable food systems.

In this episode of Protein Production Technology International, Nick speaks with Stephanie Jochems, Managing Director of Marlow Ingredients, a UK-based company specializing in producing mycoprotein, the key ingredient in the well-known meat-free brand Quorn. Stephanie shares the company’s mission to address food and protein scarcity, a founding principle dating back to the 1960s. Marlow Ingredients now aims to accelerate the protein transition by making its mycoprotein available to other businesses, moving beyond just the Quorn brand. The discussion highlights the versatility and sustainability of mycoprotein, which offers high nutritional value with a complete amino acid profile and fiber content while being low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of taste, texture, and price in consumer adoption, alongside the environmental benefits of mycoprotein, such as reduced carbon emissions and land use compared to traditional proteins. She also explains Marlow Ingredients' approach to working with B2B customers and the company's readiness to scale up production to meet growing demand.

In this episode of Protein Production Technology International, Ryan Kromhout from KROHNE discusses innovative solutions for improving the production of plant-based meat and fish analogs. The episode explores a new methodology for real-time, inline blending of plant-based slurries, allowing for continuous production without interruptions. This process helps producers scale from pilot to large-scale operations, increasing efficiency while maintaining texture quality. Additionally, the episode covers how this approach tightens production tolerances and reduces costs, particularly when dealing with challenging ingredients like fibers and solids. It's a must-listen for professionals seeking to optimize plant-based analog production.

In this episode, we speak with Mark Warner, CEO at Liberation Labs, which is expanding precision fermentation to meet rising alt protein demand. Their new biomanufacturing facility in Richmond, Indiana, designed for precision fermentation, aims to overcome existing infrastructure challenges and produce bio-based ingredients at commercial scale. With a capacity of 600,000 liters, it’s set to expand to four million liters, with plans for global facilities. Liberation Labs’ flexible production model, rapid turnaround times, and high recovery yield offer a cost-effective advantage. The company anticipates doubling or tripling the industry’s capacity over the next decade, addressing food and non-food applications. 

In this episode of Protein Production Technology International, we explore the vital role of precision analysis in advancing alternative proteins. Sponsored by Xylem and C. Gerhardt GmbH, the session "Decoding Alternative Proteins: The Power of Precision Analysis" focuses on how advanced lab equipment is transforming protein content and quality assessment for plant-based, insect, and fermentation-derived proteins.Expert speakers, including Patrick Sudwischer from IFF Braunschweig, Zoe Wang from AGT Foods Canada, Michelle Kuzio from Xylem Laboratory Solutions, Lukas Zibula from C. Gerhardt GmbH, and Dr. Ismail Acir from the University of Bonn, discuss the challenges and solutions in nutritional profiling, accurate protein determination, and regulatory compliance. The session also highlights how cutting-edge tools like the N Realizer combustion system are driving product development, enhancing safety, and meeting consumer demands for high-quality, sustainable food options.Tune in to learn about the latest technological innovations in protein analysis and the growing impact on the future of alternative proteins.

In this special episode of the Protein Production Technology International podcast, host Nick Bradley interviews Ali Osman, CEO & Founder of PFx Biotech, a Portuguese company specializing in precision fermentation to develop specialty proteins. Ali shares his journey from food scientist to biotech entrepreneur, driven by both professional and personal motivations, including his son's allergy to cow's milk proteins. PFx Biotech focuses on producing human milk proteins to improve infant nutrition and address cow's milk protein allergies. Ali discusses the broader applications of these proteins beyond infant formula, their potential in various dietary needs, and the company's achievements in scalability, cost-effectiveness, and maintaining protein functionality. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration with large corporations and government bodies for sustainable food production. Ali also touches on the challenges of funding and the need for careful planning and milestone achievement for biotech startups. Listen in to learn more about PFx Biotech’s innovative work and Ali Osman’s vision for the future of food technology.

In this special episode of the Protein Production Technology International podcast, host Nick Bradley interviews Ernesto Cevallos Coppel, CEO of PROTEO, and Gabriel Fuertes, CCO, to explore their innovative work in alternative proteins through precision fermentation. Ernesto discusses PROTEO's journey, beginning a decade ago, and their pioneering efforts in the biotech sector in Mexico, focusing on developing yeast protein as a sustainable and nutritious food source. Gabriel elaborates on the diverse applications of yeast protein in various food matrices, highlighting its environmental benefits, nutritional profile, and potential to address global food challenges. The conversation also covers PROTEO's strategic positioning within the alternative protein market and their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Listen in to learn more about PROTEO’s groundbreaking work and its impact on the future of food technology.

In this special episode of the Protein Production Technology International podcast, Michelle Kuzio, Product Manager for North America at Xylem Laboratory Solutions, and Pedro Braun Streb, Deputy Sales Manager for Europe at Gerhardt, discuss their companies' roles in advancing lab solutions and protein analysis. Michelle highlights Xylem’s partnership with Gerhardt, emphasizing their collaborative efforts in providing cutting-edge, automated lab equipment that focuses on sustainability, safety, and quality. Pedro delves into Gerhardt’s history and evolution in food analysis, particularly their innovations in protein and fat analysis. The conversation covers the challenges and advancements in protein analysis, including methods like Kjeldahl and Dumas, and their applications in emerging fields such as alternative proteins. Both guests share insights on how their companies are addressing industry needs and contributing to the future of food technology. Listen in to learn more about the innovative solutions shaping the future of lab analysis and protein production.

In this episode of the Protein Production Technology International podcast series, we dive into the dynamic world of research financing for fermentation R&D. Our guests include Wendy Goodson, Vice President of Business Development (Government) at Ginkgo Bioworks, Sharyn Murray, CFA, Senior Manager of Investor Engagement & Financing at The Good Food Institute, Andrew D Ive, Founder and Managing General Partner at Big Idea Ventures, Arttu Luukanen, Senior Vice President of Space & Defence at Solar Foods, and Erin Rees Clayton, Senior Scientific Research Advisor at The Good Food Institute. These experts, moderated by Nick Bradley, Editorial Director at Future-Proof Group Media, explore the current investment landscape for alternative proteins, highlighting innovative funding strategies amidst today's challenging economic climate. Discover insights into government grants, venture capital trends, and the crucial role of philanthropy in driving sustainable food tech advancements. Tune in now!

In this episode of Protein Production Technology International, host Nick Bradley welcomes Laura Clews and Chris Hamer, partners at IP firm Mathys & Squire. The conversation highlights promising technologies like plant-based meat, cell-cultured meat, insect protein, and precision fermentation, emphasizing challenges like scalability, consumer acceptance, and cost. Laura and Chris explore the IP landscape, emphasizing the importance of patents, trademarks, and trade secrets in protecting innovations. They cite recent legal cases involving Meati Foods, Better Meat Company, Impossible Foods, and Motif, illustrating common pitfalls and the need for robust IP strategies. They also discuss the coexistence of traditional livestock farming and alternative proteins, predicting a balanced future. Listen in to learn more about the innovations and challenges in the alternative protein sector and the crucial role of intellectual property.

In this special episode of the Protein Production Technology International podcast, host Nick Bradley interviews Mohammad El Hajj, CEO of Bright Biotech, a UK-based molecular farming startup. Mohammad shares his journey from Lebanon to Manchester, driven by a passion for biotechnology and a desire to make protein medicines more affordable. Bright Biotech focuses on reducing the cost of producing cultivated meat using chloroplast genetic systems for high-yield protein production. He discusses the unique advantages of this system, including scalability, sustainability, and regulatory benefits. He also explores the current state of the cultivated meat industry, its challenges, and how Bright Biotech's technology addresses critical issues such as growth factor availability and cost. Mohammad provides insights into their fundraising journey, the importance of regulatory frameworks, and the future milestones for Bright Biotech. Listen in to learn more about Bright Biotech's innovative approach and its potential impact on the cultivated meat sector.

In this episode of the Protein Production Technology International podcast, George Peppou, CEO & founder of Australia’s Vow, shares his journey into the cultivated meat industry. Starting as a chef with a biochemistry background, George founded Vow to revolutionize the food system by integrating sustainability at its core. He discusses the challenges faced in launching Vow, such as finding lab space and establishing a supply chain suited for food rather than pharmaceuticals. George elaborates on Vow's unique approach to creating new and exotic meats rather than replicating traditional ones, exemplified by its innovative quail product. He also addresses misconceptions about lab-grown meat and highlights their strategies for cost reduction and regulatory compliance. The episode concludes with insights into Vow's market introduction in Singapore and the positive reception to its innovative products. Listen in to learn more about the future of cultivated meat and Vow's innovative journey.

In this episode of Protein Production Technology International, we explore the challenges and innovations in the alternative proteins industry. Moderated by Nick Bradley, our speakers include Jason Tucker, Karsten Schellhas, Brian Jacobson, Steve Radke, Juan Martinez, and Dan Wolff. They discuss the high capital expenditures required for setting up production facilities and the uncertainties in market demand that can deter investors. To navigate these hurdles, companies like Aleph Farms are adopting a 'CapEx-light' strategy, leveraging existing infrastructure for faster and more cost-effective expansion. The experts share insights on optimizing production through intelligent equipment choices and the benefits of partnering with experienced suppliers. Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of alternative protein production and the strategies for achieving sustainable growth.

In this insightful episode of the podcast, Zoe from New Wave Biotech shares the genesis and aspirations of their UK-based company which specializes in developing software to optimize biomanufacturing processes. Their technology particularly benefits the alternative protein industry but is also applicable to biochemicals and biomaterials, aiming to streamline R&D to accelerate sustainable product market introductions.

In this episode of the Protein Production Technology Webinar Series 2024, experts Joseph Thomas, Jessica Mannix, Priera Panescu, Karthik Pandalaneni, and Michael Spinelli delved into accelerating alternative protein innovation through advanced lab-based technologies. They highlighted the pivotal role of tools like protein engineering, bioinformatics, spectroscopy, and automated analyzers in shaping the future of alternative proteins. These technologies enable faster development cycles, precision control of protein properties, and efficient production methods, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable and diverse food future. The panelists explored the challenges in lab-scale protein research and emphasized essential technologies that enhance efficiency, speed, and innovation in the alternative protein sector.

In this podcast, we explore the vital role of intellectual property (IP) in the rapidly expanding alternative protein industry, focusing on the protective power of patents for innovative companies. Chris Hamer and Laura Clews from Mathys & Squire provide insights into the intricacies of IP law as it relates to the food tech sector, particularly the creation and commercialization of alternative proteins.The conversation highlights how strong IP portfolios with patents on manufacturing processes or unique protein strains significantly boost a company's competitive edge. They discuss the legal frameworks that allow companies to protect their innovations while fostering a competitive market necessary for continuous improvement.Key topics include the importance of understanding existing IP rights, the strategic filing of patents to avoid litigation, and the potential of IP to facilitate collaborative innovation in creating sustainable food solutions. The case of Impossible Foods vs. Motif Foodworks is examined to underscore the complexities and strategic importance of IP in defending product uniqueness and market share. This discussion not only sheds light on the current state of IP law in food technology but also provides valuable strategies for emerging companies in the sector.