ICL opens alternative protein facility in Missouri

Speciality minerals company Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL) has opened a new 10,000-square-foot alternative protein facility in Missouri, US.

The manufacturing site will transform plant protein into fibres that have a similar texture to traditional meat. 

The plant was constructed on ICL’s existing 19-acre production campus in St. Louis and is expected to produce over 15 million pounds of product each year at full capacity.

The vegan, non-GMO and allergen-free products can be used in food applications to replace meat, poultry and seafood. According to the company, the investment represents an expansion of ICL’s global Food Specialties portfolio.

ICL’s EVP of food and phosphate speciality products, Chris Millington, said: “This new facility will help meet the growing demand for innovative plant-based foods and meat alternatives – especially ones that deliver an eating experience similar to that of conventional meat products”.

He continued: “Food manufacturers are looking for meatless options that will offer sustainable, functional and nutritional value in the meat-alternative category, and we’re proud to provide them with a solution”.

Greater St. Louis’s CEO, Jason Hall, added: “This is an exceptional investment in our region’s growing food and agtech sector and it highlights our increasing strength innovating to shape the future of the industry, including plant-based proteins”.

He continued: “With this investment and expansion in St. Louis from a global firm, ICL is demonstrating continued confidence in the St. Louis metro and showing why we are the strategic location of choice for innovators defining the next chapter of food and agriculture”.