Beneo has opened a new €4.3 million vegetable protein production plant at BioWanze’s biorefinery in Wanze, Belgium.
This investment comes as Beneo seeks to address the increasing consumer demand for plant-based protein sources, especially as interest in meat alternatives continues to rise.
The plant will produce the BeneoPro W-Tex textured wheat protein, made with wheat flour, wheat protein and water, which can be used as an alternative to meat in a wide range of traditionally meat-based products, such as burgers, nuggets and bolognese sauce.
The new plant will be operated by BioWanze, a subsidiary of Beneo’s sister company CropEnergies. The Wanze biorefinery utilises all raw material used in production to produce high-quality food, feed and fuel with no waste.
Christoph Boettger, executive board member at Beneo said: “We are seeing a big shift in consumer diets as an increasing number of consumers actively try to reduce their meat intake and seek out alternatives.
“Wheat protein was the most-used plant-based protein in new meat substitute launches in 2018 and we see great potential for this market in 2019 and beyond.
“Through this significant investment and new production facility, Beneo can take its first steps in exploring the market for textured plant-based proteins to allow its customers to capitalise on this rising trend.”
André Tonneaux, director of BioWanze, added: “We look forward to working closely with Beneo as we embark on this new joint venture to produce plant-based proteins.
“As well as expanding production capabilities, this investment will secure future growth and open up important employment opportunities here in Wallonia.”
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