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German food-tech start-up Nosh.bio has announced a commercial partnership with European sausage producer Zur Mühlen Group (ZMG).

The collaboration will see the launch of Koji Chunks, described by the companies as a ‘world-first’ innovation representing a ‘whole new category of clean label products’. They will be developed using Nosh.bio’s non-GMO, non-novel fungi ingredient, thought to be the first single-ingredient plant-based meat analogue to hit the market globally.

Launching in five marinade flavour options, the fungi-based product directly responds to growing consumer demand for ingredient transparency and clearer, shorter ingredient lists on food labels.

Zur Mühlen Group is part of the European meat production company Tönnies Group, which has several billion euros in annual revenue. It will leverage its extensive retailer network to introduce Koji Chunks to the market, starting in Germany. Axel Knau, Zur Mühlen’s CEO, said that the group’s investment into Nosh.bio aligns perfectly with its alternative protein strategy.

Headquartered in Berlin, Nosh.bio was established in 2022 and has since seen support from multiple new investors including ApolloCapital and Check24 Impact. ZMG also participated in the round alongside existing investors Earlybird, Clear Current Capital, Good Seed Ventures and Grey Silo Ventures.

The funding and commercial partnership with ZMG will support Nosh in accelerating mass market adoption of clean label meat analogues.

While the plant-based meat market is Nosh.bio’s initial focus, its fermentation process can be adapted to produce ingredients for various applications including alternative seafood, confectionery, sauces, and health and wellness products. The company operates from a former brewery, speeding up time to market and improving sustainability while lowering operating costs.

Tim Fronzek, CEO and co-founder of Nosh.bio, said: “As a small start-up we will not be able to change the world alone; we need strong and successful partners who are sharing our mission, helping us make sustainable food delicious and affordable. Tönnies is exactly such a partner and we are extremely excited and proud to welcome them to the team Nosh!”

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