Innovation Partnerships and Co-creation with Customers for Success
Sandy De Houwer discusses Cargill's innovative approach to alternative proteins, emphasising their commitment to co-creating solutions with customers. From investing in strategic partnerships to exploring emerging technologies like fungi-based mycoprotein, Cargill aims to deliver delightful and more sustainable protein alternatives while fostering connections within the industry at events like Bridge2Food Europe 2024.
Cargill is using innovation to reimagine and redefine what is possible. How does this apply to Cargill’s work in alternative proteins?
As global food production and agriculture evolve, we need innovative solutions to solve the most urgent challenges. Along with our deep technical expertise, Cargill brings a comprehensive portfolio of solutions such as plant protein ingredients, fibers, sweeteners, and texturisers, as well as plant-based oils and fats, to the table, helping food manufacturers create winning meat and dairy alternatives.
We are now focused on developing enticing applications and expanding our portfolio into specific plant-based proteins, fermented proteins, and speciality fats. To do this, we are investing in innovation and technology partnerships to create new opportunities rooted in purpose. Our aim is to do more with less through innovation to bring value-conscious meat and dairy alternatives solutions.
We are uniquely designed to provide enticing taste and texture solutions with improved nutritional value to delight consumers. We also help customers get ever closer to mirroring meat and dairy-based products while answering the calls for healthier, more sustainable, and better-tasting solutions. Therefore, we’re particularly focused on improving product variety (such as by using different resources, raw materials, and technology bases), helping innovators scale technology, and increasing the accessibility of alternative proteins.
Being at the center of the supply chain enables Cargill to deliver customer value by supporting innovation throughout the value chain, from upstream grain origination to downstream exploration of protein processing efficiencies. This means that from ingredients to finished products, we can support innovation at every step of the process. We co-create with customers, delivering solutions without sacrificing taste, affordability, health, or the environment. That is how we contribute to feeding the world more responsibly.
As one of the biggest meatpackers in North America, Cargill also focuses on the alternative protein market. How does Cargill view traditional (animal-based) protein sources and emerging plant-based alternatives? Is there a common goal, or do they work in parallel?
We believe that we need all forms of protein on the table and that the conversation around how to feed all of us should be a “yes and” conversation, not an “either-or” argument. A large part of consumers want variety in their diet (i.e. Flexitarians) - either for health reasons, from a sustainability point of view, or just because they crave something novel that day), which provides them with a choice of menu. So, we see alternative proteins as an additional avenue towards feeding the world in a more sustainable way.
Cargill values strategic and innovative partnerships, as seen with PURIS, Upside Foods, Aleph Farms, Cocuus, and ENOUGH. Can you tell us a bit more about why Cargill invests in these partnerships and why they are important?
We invest in companies that align with Cargill's long-term growth objectives to turn “imagine if” into “we can” on a global scale. We are exploring what the next generation of food will look like. Our investments are considered the starting point for long-term, truly strategic partnerships.
Cargill's advantage as an investor is access to expertise in areas such as commercial operations, supply chain, regulatory, R&D, or procurement. Additionally, there is an opportunity to access a global network and deep relationships with key customers – which many start-ups need to scale their businesses. These partnerships and investments support Cargill’s mission in Meat and Dairy Alternatives to co-create delightful and value-conscious solutions that meet consumers’ demand for nutrition and sustainability and drive the industry to more cost-conscious solutions, ultimately determining the categories' success.
Cargill has recently invested in fungi-based mycoprotein, ABUNDA®, produced by ENOUGH. Can you tell us a little bit about the driving force behind this investment and why ABUNDA® is a valuable addition to Cargill’s alternative protein portfolio?
The expanded partnership will enable large-scale alternative protein production of ENOUGH’s signature ABUNDA® mycoprotein, which is produced through a patented minimal waste fermentation process with Cargill’s glucose syrup as a main source. Mycoprotein is an emerging ingredient with a disruptive role to play due to its many benefits, including a meat-like texture, protein profile, scalability, and sustainability. Cargill will co-create tasty and nutritious protein alternative foods containing ABUNDA® mycoprotein by leveraging its broad portfolio of plant-based proteins, texturisers, and fats, as well as its formulations and application capabilities.
We are excited to have Cargill present at Bridge2Food Europe 2024. What can attendees expect to learn more about during your presentation?
On June 5, I will talk about Cargill’s mission in the Meat & Dairy Alternatives categories, how we work with customers to co-create solutions that fit their business needs, and Cargill’s investment in partnerships to accelerate emerging technologies and scale-up production. On the same day, our Global R&D Director of Dairy Alternatives, Christine Guilmin, will participate in the panel on New Product Development and Formulation Challenges. Lastly, we are proud to feature four delightful prototypes at our stand in meat & dairy alternatives that are “better for you and better for the environment:” plant-based alternatives to cream cheese & mango-flavored drinkable yoghurt, and alternatives to sausage and Thai style veggie patties - powered by mycoprotein. All delightful with purpose!
Lastly, why is it important for Cargill to participate in Bridge2Food Europe? What value are you hoping to gain from participating in our alternative protein event?
We are historically a company that has grown through anchored connections. We are present across the whole food value chain, and without strong networks and valuable connections, Cargill would not have grown so successfully over the years and immersed in the meat and dairy alternatives world. We hope to continue building these with visitors, customers, and speakers at the Bridge2Food Summit as we can only realise a more sustainable protein offer together with others. As the yearly gathering of the world’s leading and most innovative alternative protein creators, this year’s conference will again be an inspiring opportunity to connect with professionals in that area of activity and across the supply chain.