#Israel #FoodTech #Haifa #Groundbaker #Meala

Meala FoodTech Expands into Baked Goods with Groundbaker

In an exciting development for the baking industry, Meala FoodTech, an innovator in food technology, has launched GroundbakerTM, a single-ingredient pea protein designed to replace eggs in baked goods. This new product represents a significant advancement in the search for clean-label, sustainable ingredients, ideal for manufacturers aiming to optimize their production processes.

The need for innovative egg substitutes has never been more pressing. Traditional egg supplies have faced intense pressure due to recent outbreaks of avian flu, leading to shortages and fluctuating prices across Europe and the U.S. This volatility has highlighted the need for reliable alternatives in the baking sector where eggs play a critical role in achieving the desired texture, structure, and volume in products like pound cakes, sponge cakes, and pancakes.

Addressing Industry Challenges

As noted by Hadar Ekhoiz-Razmovich, CEO of Meala FoodTech, "Eggs are considered a cornerstone ingredient in baking due to their versatile functionality. Replacing egg with a single, high-performance ingredient that can deliver the desired rise and lightness prized in bakery products is highly challenging." The introduction of Groundbaker™ addresses these challenges directly, enabling manufacturers to reduce dependency on the unstable supply chains associated with traditional egg products.

GroundbakerTM not only replicates the essential functionalities of eggs—such as gelling, binding, foaming, and emulsification—but also simplifies ingredient lists, making it easier for manufacturers to meet consumer demands for cleaner, more straightforward ingredients.

A Solution for Cost and Production Stability

The Groundbaker™ pea protein offers a unique advantage for food producers: it significantly lowers the costs associated with baking while ensuring consistent quality. This consistency is crucial as manufacturers navigate a landscape marked by rising ingredient prices and supply chain uncertainties. Tali Feldman-Sivan, PhD, and co-founder of Meala, emphasizes that their product "enables the baking industry to significantly de-risk production," allowing manufacturers to stabilize costs and reduce the risk tied to fluctuating prices and supply disruptions.

Groundbaker™ is not only functional; it's also allergen-free and exhibits excellent water-holding capacity, making it highly versatile across various applications both in sweet and savory contexts.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Prospects

Meala FoodTech's innovation has piqued the interest of several players within the food industry, particularly among companies focusing on bakery items. In a strategic move, Meala has formed a partnership with a leading global food ingredients manufacturer, which enhances the distribution network for Groundbaker™. This alliance is anticipated to boost the penetration of this innovative pea protein across various baked goods in the market.

As Meala continues to innovate in food technology, they remain committed to transforming how ingredients are sourced and utilized in the baking industry, ensuring that modern food production aligns with consumer trends towards sustainability and health. The company, founded in 2021 by a team of experts, is building a framework for a more resilient food production ecosystem, aiming to offer climate-smart solutions that cater to the growing demand for health-oriented food approaches.

For further inquiries or to learn more about Groundbaker™, interested parties can contact Meala FoodTech or visit their website at www.mealafood.com. With Groundbaker™, Meala is poised to redefine the baking landscape and address some of the industry's most pressing challenges.