Lacto Japan's Investment in Leaft Foods Highlights Rubisco Protein's Potential
Japanese dairy giant Lacto Japan has made a strategic investment in Leaft Foods, a New Zealand-based startup known for extracting Rubisco protein from alfalfa leaves. The financial details of the investment have not been disclosed, but the collaboration is expected to strengthen the existing partnership between the two companies.
Leaft Foods utilizes a unique, gentle extraction process to preserve the integrity of Rubisco, a protein that offers a complete amino acid profile and superior functionality in food applications. Sourced from alfalfa grown in New Zealand's Canterbury region, this protein is rich in essential nutrients and demonstrates properties similar to those of beef, egg whites, and dairy proteins.
The partnership aims to establish a robust framework for the production and sale of Rubisco protein in Japan, with the intention of generating revenues worth tens of millions of dollars within five years. Lacto Japan's investment is a step towards meeting the growing consumer demand for nutritious and sustainable food solutions.
Leaft Foods has already launched its first consumer product, Leaft Blade, a pre-workout drink containing 17 grams of Rubisco protein per serving. The company is also exploring several B2B partnerships to incorporate its protein isolate into various products, including plant-based foods, baked goods, and sports nutrition.
In addition to Lacto Japan, Leaft Foods collaborates with other manufacturers like New Zealand's Foodstuffs South Island and the US-based Meateor Pet Foods to expand the application of Rubisco protein. The startup has raised $15 million in funding and plans to open a commercial-scale demo plant in Canterbury in 2024.
This investment is part of Lacto Japan's broader strategy to provide health-conscious consumers with high-quality food ingredients that address global protein shortages and environmental concerns. The collaboration highlights Rubisco protein's potential as a climate-friendly alternative to traditional proteins.
