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Liberation Labs, a portfolio company of Agronomics, has announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with Dutch start-up Vivici. This collaboration aims to meet the escalating demand for sustainable protein alternatives, as global protein consumption continues to outpace supply.
The partnership will see Liberation Labs produce Vivici's flagship ingredient, Vivitein BLG, a dairy protein derived from precision fermentation, at its Richmond, Indiana facility. Production is set to commence in 2026, marking a significant milestone in both companies' efforts to innovate within the food and beverage sector.
Jim Mellon, executive chair of Agronomics, said: "Global protein demand is outstripping supply, and there is a growing need from food companies to invest in alternatives which are scalable and sustainable. Companies like Vivici, which have received full FDA approval in the US and have strong financial backing, are ideal partners."
"Liberation Labs has made tremendous commercial strides in 2025, as it establishes itself as the global partner in commercialising bioproducts, from foods to materials and more. On the back of the fundraise announced at the start of the year, the signing of the first commercial contract is a significant step from Mark and the team in the successful execution of the company's commercial strategy."
Vivitein BLG is positioned to disrupt the market with its potential applications in a variety of products, including water-based protein drinks, clean protein powders and vegan-friendly protein bars. "Our partnership with Liberation Labs expands our European manufacturing capabilities, providing US customers with increased supply security for Vivitein BLG," said Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici.
Liberation Labs is currently finalising the construction of its first commercial-scale biomanufacturing facility, designed specifically for precision fermentation. With a capacity of 600,000 litres, this facility is expected to produce a range of bio-based materials that cater to both food and industrial sectors. This strategic move is anticipated to fill a significant gap in the market for cost-effective and sustainable protein sources.
Mark Warner, founder and CEO of Liberation Labs, noted the importance of this collaboration: "Vivici is a perfect reference case for our facility – a company seeking cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing of a novel protein ingredient." This partnership not only enhances Liberation Labs' production capabilities but also underscores the increasing demand for innovative protein solutions.
Agronomics has invested approximately US$ 27 million in Liberation Labs, which is currently valued at around £34.1 million. This investment represents about 23% of Agronomics' last stated Net Asset Value as of December 31 2024. The financial backing positions Liberation Labs as a key player in the cultivated foods sector, particularly as it prepares to meet the growing protein demand in the US and beyond.