SWITZERLAND – Swiss multinational flavor and fragrance manufacturer  Givaudan has expanded its flagship Zurich Innovation Centre (ZIC) in Switzerland with a brand-new protein hub.  

The new hub will help Givaudan accelerate the development of alternative proteins, leveraging its knowledge in tastes, textures, colors, proteins, and ingredients. 

According to a statement from the company, the new extension is equipped with a state-of-the-art development kitchen and a pilot plant that contains a high-moisture extrusion machine.  

The protein hub will provide customers with the ability to work on all types of applications, across the entire product development process – from initial ideas to prototyping products.  

The aim is to get products to market quickly, Givaudan says.  

Givaudan’s expansion is informed as there is indeed demand for solutions for new product developments in the alternative proteins sector.  

According to Research and Markets, the Global Alternative Proteins Market is expected to reach US$27.05 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period of 2020 to 2027. 

The market research firm notes that this market is majorly driven by factors such as growing urbanization, growing venture investments in alternative protein companies, and innovation in food technology. 

The high nutritional value of edible insects and environmental sustainability with production & consumption of alternative protein are other factors driving this market. 

Fabio Campanile, global head of science, technology, taste and wellbeing at Givaudan, commented: “Creating delicious alternatives for meat, fish or dairy – from plant-based to fermented products – comes with a unique set of challenges and requires a holistic approach. At the same time, we realise that no one company can do this alone”. 

He continued: “We need to work together to address challenges, accelerate innovation and shape the future of food. The protein hub provides the ideal environment to make that happen”. 

The opening of the ZIC protein hub follows the launch of Givaudan’s APAC Protein Innovation Centre in Singapore in April 2021. 

Earlier, Impossible foods rolled out its latest alternative protein innovation yet: Plant-based Impossible Chicken Nuggets.  

The nuggets have debuted in some restaurants across the United States as the plant-based foods giant plans to make the products available at more than 10,000 retail locations before the end of the year. 

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