Meala partners with dsm-firmenich to commercialise texturising pea protein
Biotechnology-derived pea protein ingredient consolidates multiple functional components into single clean-label solution for meat alternatives. Partnership enables European market access whilst addressing consumer demand for simplified ingredient lists and enhanced nutritional profiles.
Plant-based ingredient specialist Meala FoodTech has formed a commercial partnership with dsm-firmenich to launch Vertis™ PB Pea, a biotechnology-derived texturising protein designed to replace multiple binding components in meat alternative formulations. The collaboration combines distribution capabilities with venture investment to accelerate market penetration across European territories.
Novel protein technology addresses formulation challenges
Vertis PB Pea represents a multifunctional approach to plant-based product development, incorporating binding, gelation, and emulsifying properties within a single ingredient system. The protein, protected by dual patent applications, demonstrates thermostability across temperature ranges whilst maintaining structural integrity in diverse application formats including burgers, sausages, and nugget configurations.
“This is exactly where our product comes in,” says Tali Feldman Sivan, CBO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech. “It addresses both functionality and clean-label demands, while replicating the sensory profile and experience of conventional meat products.”
The ingredient’s technical specifications indicate enhanced water retention capabilities and protein content augmentation, potentially addressing nutritional density concerns in plant-based alternatives. Manufacturing processes utilise biotechnology methodologies to achieve consistent functional performance whilst maintaining allergen-free status.
The Meala FoodTech team
Consumer research drives clean-label innovation
European consumer behaviour analysis from the EIT Food Consumer Observatory reveals significant market drivers influencing ingredient selection criteria. Research data indicates 67% of European consumers express preference against unknown ingredients, whilst 56% actively avoid processed food categories.
This consumer sentiment creates formulation pressures for manufacturers seeking to balance functional performance with ingredient transparency. Traditional meat alternative binding systems often incorporate multiple hydrocolloids and modified components, creating complex ingredient declarations that may conflict with clean-label positioning strategies.
Strategic partnership expands market access
The dsm-firmenich collaboration extends beyond distribution arrangements to include venture investment components, facilitating scaled production capabilities and regulatory navigation across European markets. Current manufacturing operations are establishing supply chain infrastructure to support anticipated international demand growth.
“We are grateful to our partners at dsm-firmenich, who offer decades of experience as industry leaders in bringing innovative products to market,” says Hadar Ekhoiz Razmovich, CEO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech. “Their application support, regulatory expertise, and ability to drive global commercial rollouts are unprecedented.”
The partnership positions Vertis PB Pea within dsm-firmenich’s established plant protein portfolio, leveraging existing technical support infrastructure and application development capabilities. Production scaling initiatives are targeting growing international market segments where clean-label positioning demonstrates competitive advantages.
Technical specifications and applications
Vertis PB Pea demonstrates functional versatility across meat alternative categories, providing binding system replacement whilst maintaining organoleptic properties associated with conventional protein products. The ingredient’s thermostability characteristics enable processing flexibility for manufacturers utilising various thermal treatment protocols.
Nutritional enhancement properties allow formulation adjustments targeting protein content optimisation without compromising textural attributes. The single-ingredient solution simplifies supply chain management whilst reducing formulation complexity for product development teams.
Meala FoodTech, established in 2021 by product innovation specialists, maintains backing from investors including The Kitchen Hub, dsm-firmenich Ventures, Lasenor Emul SPA, EIT Food, and Milk & Honey Ventures.
- For more information, visit: https://mealafood.com
