Microalgae protein breakthrough leads to major beverage industry partnership
Israeli food-tech innovator Brevel has secured a 10-year agreement with CBC Group to develop functional beverages using their novel microalgae protein technology. The partnership aims to create dairy alternatives and functional drinks incorporating Brevel’s white, neutral-tasting protein powder, which contains 60-70% microalgae protein concentrate produced through a hybrid light-fermentation process.
Brevel’s proprietary cultivation method represents a significant advancement in microalgae production technology, combining traditional fermentation with photosynthetic processes. The system utilises indoor bioreactors where light exposure is integrated with sugar fermentation, enabling high-yield production without genetic modification. This dual-process approach overcomes traditional fermentation limitations that restricted cultivation to dark environments.
Commercial production capabilities
The company’s new commercial facility in Southern Israel, which began operations in June 2024, demonstrates the scalability of their technology. The plant has been engineered to produce hundreds of tonnes of microalgae protein powder annually, providing sufficient capacity to meet initial commercial demands under the CBC partnership.
Protein functionality and composition
The resulting ingredient exhibits several advantageous technical properties:
• Neutral taste profile in white powder form
• 60-70% protein concentration
• Natural lipids and photosynthesis-derived antioxidants
• Functional properties matching animal protein behaviour
• Integration capability across multiple food matrices
“The powder can be seamlessly integrated into a broad spectrum of meat and dairy alternatives as a natural plant-based protein booster. It has functional properties that allow it to replicate the textures, flavours, and behaviour of animal proteins while providing the same sensory experience,” explains Yonatan Golan, Brevel’s co-founder and CEO.
Strategic market positioning
CBC Group, which holds national franchising rights for global brands including Coca-Cola, Carlsberg and Muller, has demonstrated confidence in the technology through strategic investment during Brevel’s recent USD20 million seed funding round. The partnership provides Brevel with access to established distribution networks across Israel, Eastern Europe, and the South Africa/MENA region.
“As we pursue our strategy of continuous innovation to deliver superior products that respond to evolving trends and customer demands, partnering with Brevel is a natural fit,” says Lihi Rothschild, Head of Innovation for CBC Group.
The collaboration represents a significant step towards mainstreaming alternative protein technologies in the beverage sector, with potential applications extending beyond traditional dairy alternatives into functional beverage categories. The agreement’s 10-year duration suggests strong confidence in both the technology’s scalability and market potential.
