Fonterra Partners with Superbrewed Food to Advance Sustainable Protein Innovation
Driving Sustainability and Innovation
Fonterra is renowned for its extensive portfolio of dairy products and dedication to sustainable practices. The multi-year joint development agreement with Superbrewed Food leverages the startup’s expertise in biomass fermentation technology to enhance Fonterra’s product lineup. The focus is on incorporating Superbrewed’s postbiotic ingredient—produced from the Clostridium tyrobutyricum bacterial strain—which boasts 85% protein content and high levels of essential B vitamins and minerals.
Circular Economy and Waste Reduction
The partnership will also explore using lactose permeate, a byproduct of milk protein production, as a feedstock for Superbrewed Food’s microorganisms. This circular approach aims to reduce waste, optimize resource utilization, and support sustainability in both companies’ operations.
Superbrewed’s Innovative Technology
Superbrewed Food’s anaerobic fermentation process produces high-protein biomass without genetic engineering, harnessing natural bacterial capabilities. The resulting postbiotic ingredient has a neutral taste, natural white color, and stability under various pH and temperature conditions. It has already achieved FDA’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, highlighting its safety for diverse applications, including sports nutrition and shelf-stable snacks.
Scaling Production and Market Entry
Superbrewed Food is scaling production to meet anticipated demand, with a partnership in place to produce up to 1,200 metric tons annually by 2026. Plans to further expand manufacturing in the U.S. are underway, ensuring scalability and efficiency. Products containing the postbiotic ingredient are expected to enter the market by early 2025, targeting a wide range of applications.
Transformative Industry Impact
The development of Superbrewed’s postbiotic ingredient represents a major technological breakthrough in alternative proteins. By utilizing co-products like butyric acid and focusing on sustainable ingredient production, Superbrewed is setting new industry standards. This partnership underscores Fonterra’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, showcasing the potential of advanced fermentation technologies to meet the growing demand for sustainable protein sources.
As Fonterra and Superbrewed Food advance their collaborative efforts, they are poised to reshape the future of sustainable food production, offering innovative solutions to address global nutritional needs while minimizing environmental impact.
