The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Biomass fermentation start-up Superbrewed Food is entering into a manufacturing partnership with Döhler to scale-up the production of its postbiotic protein. Through the partnership, Döhler will dedicate “substantial” fermentation capacity to the production of Superbrewed’s patented postbiotic protein ingredient. The added capacity is set to support Superbrewed launch products this year, in several food categories in the US and with multiple consumer packaged goods companies. The CPGs include sports and lifestyle beverages, baked goods, confectionery, meat alternatives and healthy snacks. Superbrewed’s animal-free postbiotic protein is non-GMO, has zero allergens and is able to replace, or complement, animal and plant proteins in existing and new food formulations. The ingredient is over 85% protein and has a high content of essential and branched chain amino acids. It also contains high concentrations of nutritious minerals and vitamins such as iron, zinc, phosphorous and B12, making it a whole food ingredient as opposed to an isolated protein source. The postbiotic protein has a neutral taste and minimal colour, with the company stating it has “excellent pH and temperature stability and good functional properties such as emulsification”. The ingredient, which is said to perform well in dairy and alt-dairy applications, is already being developed into various lines of cheese products as part of Superbrewed’s strategic collaboration with dairy giant Bel Group. Kilian Daffner, global product manager at Döhler, said: “The high functionality, nutrition and digestibility of Superbrewed’s innovative protein source is impressive, and desperately needed for a variety of consumer-facing applications. We look forward to working intensively together to introduce more nutritious, sustainable and cost-effective products to global food and beverage markets that satisfy consumer demand over the long term.” Bryan Tracy, CEO and co-founder of Superbrewed, added: “Superbrewed has always prioritised sustainability and efficiency in its production process. Partnering with an industry leader like Döhler accelerates our time to market and allows us to merge our natural fermentation process with Döhler’s impressive bio-manufacturing infrastructure to create novel combinations of functionality and nutrition in protein ingredients at competitive costs.” Döhler says it will also work with Superbrewed to commercialise the postbiotic protein for CPG in business-to-consumer applications. The manufacturing partnership is set to rapidly expand Superbrewed’s commercial offerings across North America and beyond across 2024.