#Israel #Haifa #dsm-firmenich #Meala FoodTech #Vertis PB Pea

Meala Partners with dsm-firmenich to Launch Revolutionary Pea Protein

In an exciting development for the plant-based food industry, Meala FoodTech Ltd. has announced a strategic partnership with dsm-firmenich to bring a novel texturizing pea protein product to market, called Vertis™ PB Pea. This innovative ingredient aims to redefine meat alternatives by offering a clean-label solution that caters to consumer demands for healthier and simpler food options.

Clean-Label Innovation

Vertis™ PB Pea stands out as a unique multifunctional ingredient that replaces traditional modified binders, such as hydrocolloids, often used in plant-based meat products. By simplifying ingredient lists, this texturizer not only enhances transparency in product labeling but also boosts the nutritional profile of the final food items. As the global awareness of health and ingredient integrity rises, the need for clean-label solutions has never been more critical.

According to research conducted by the EIT Food Consumer Observatory, an impressive 67% of Europeans express aversion to unknown ingredients in their food. Furthermore, 56% actively seek to limit their intake of processed foods. These findings underscore the urgent necessity for food manufacturers to reformulate their offerings and embrace more natural and recognizable ingredients in their products.

Functionality and Versatility

The Vertis™ PB Pea is not only about clean labeling. It brings a wealth of functional benefits to the table, including:

• - Thermostability: The ingredient maintains its performance across a range of temperatures, ensuring versatility in different cooking conditions.
• - Texture and Water Retention: It provides meat alternatives with the juiciness and texture that consumers expect, whether in burgers, sausages, or nuggets.
• - Nutritional Boost: This innovative protein solution enhances the protein content of the final products, catering to the growing consumer preference for higher-protein foods.
• - Simplified Ingredient List: By consolidating multiple functions into a single ingredient, producers can streamline their formulations and improve transparency.

Tali Feldman Sivan, Chief Business Officer and co-founder of Meala FoodTech, highlights the product's aim to meet rising consumer expectations: "Our product addresses both functionality and clean-label demands while replicating the sensory profile of conventional meat products." This dual focus on performance and health makes Vertis™ PB Pea a compelling option for plant-based food manufacturers looking to upgrade their product offerings.

A Strategic Partnership

The partnership with dsm-firmenich not only enhances distribution capabilities but also leverages their extensive expertise in the food industry. Hadar Ekhoiz Razmovich, CEO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech, expressed gratitude towards their partners, praising dsm-firmenich's role as an investor and strategic ally throughout the development process. Their combined efforts aim to showcase a new generation of plant-based alternatives that prioritize health without sacrificing taste, convenience, and overall consumer enjoyment.

With production already in motion, Vertis™ PB Pea is set to enter the European market. As demand for alternative proteins surges globally, this partnership is poised to lead the charge in innovative plant-based solutions that are better for both consumers and the planet.

As the landscape of food manufacturing continues to evolve, Meala FoodTech is on the cutting edge, providing remarkable, functional ingredients designed to elevate the health and sustainability of food products. This collaboration signifies a commitment to not just enriching the food industry with innovative solutions, but also paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.

About Meala FoodTech

Founded in 2021, Meala FoodTech is driven by a vision to revolutionize food production with functional and clean-label ingredients. Backed by prominent investors including The Kitchen Hub and dsm-firmenich Ventures, Meala aims to create better-for-you foods that align with modern consumers' health goals. With a focus on innovation and transparency, Meala continues to lead advancements in the plant-based food sector.