Can you tell us how the acquisition of SojaProtein has gone?

We continue to be excited about our acquisition and integration with SojaProtein. Notably, we achieved a key milestone less than a year after the acquisition – opening a new extrusion facility in Serbia. This demonstrates the synergies we have found together through this acquisition, fostering an environment of crucial collaboration to support the growing demand for locally sourced and tailored protein nutrition solutions.

Soy is one of the oldest and most widely used alternative proteins currently, what also makes it a plant-based protein of the future?

In addition to being widely used, soy is the most well-known plant protein source among consumers globally1. It’s also one of the few non-animal proteins that is a “complete protein” with a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 1. Plus, due to its high functionality, soy protein offers great performance and adaptability. All of these qualities contribute to soy protein remaining the number one plant protein source globally for alternative product launches2 and use in new innovations, such as in hybrid protein solutions.

How does the new extrusion facility in Serbia contribute to the soy market and future growth?

Our new extrusion facility in Serbia answers the call for locally sourced non-GMO textured soy in Europe. Moreover, the facility is bringing crucial origination and extrusion capabilities of soy, which extend the possibilities of alternative protein formulation. Through advanced extrusion and texturizing equipment, we’re helping deliver optimized and flexible solutions, further elevating alternative protein options with the bite-and-chew consumers expect. We also are providing customers with sustainable certification options from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) and Europe Soya. Each of these components is helping bring forth a new wave of alternative protein innovation using soy proteins, spurring important advancement and growth in this space.

Your company just opened a new protein development lab in the Netherlands. You’ve announced a partnership for a taste-and-texture innovation center at the Wageningen campus, and a new innovation center in the U.S. Why is all this important to ADM?

Our strategic lab openings, partnerships, and investments help expand our alternative protein toolbox and, ultimately, our efforts to enhance protein innovation both in EMEA and across the globe. Notably, the new protein development lab, located in Rotterdam, is providing important ingredient mapping and technical support for the research and development of new protein sources for the region. Further, our joint venture with Marel to open a state-of-the-art taste and texture innovation centre within the grounds of the Wageningen Campus demonstrates our forward-looking approach. Championing collaboration, the new centre will provide a unique space to bring alternative protein innovations to life, from concept to commercialization.

What do you see for the near future of the alternative protein industry?

As we look to what’s next for the alternative protein arena, we know that differentiated capabilities in taste and texture, minimal processing, transparent sourcing, as well as cutting-edge next-generation technologies are critical to building a secure and sustainable food system. Additionally, a diverse set of protein sources is needed to address challenges associated with the three enduring macro global trends – food security, sustainability, and health and well-being – that are shifting the food landscape. There is a need for continued advancement of alternative protein applications with plant-based sources that meet consumer demands for taste, texture, nutrition, and cost, as well as investment and development of novel sources to feed the growing population. Hybrids of different plant-based proteins or plant-based with animal-based proteins, fermentation-derived or cell cultivated will be key to the acceptance and adoption of future alternative protein options. 

Join Jake and the ADM team at Summit Europe on 7-8 June for what will be an informative presentation: “Let’s Talk Soy.” Find more details, and register here.

1ADM Outside Voice℠

2Mintel, GNPD