Biotechnology company Novozymes and Arla Foods Ingredients have entered into a partnership to collaborate on the creation of microbial strains for the industrial-scale production of proteins by precision fermentation.
Novozymes is a world-leader in precision fermentation, a technique that fine-tunes the molecular output of microorganisms, offering greater control over the fermentation process and enabling tailor-made protein compositions.
Specialising in the production of enzymes through precision fermentation, Novozymes has focused on the exploration of new protein solutions for health and nutrition since 2019.
This will be combined with Arla Foods food technology knowhow – in particular in relation to separation and drying processes – and its knowledge of the regulatory landscape.
The initial focus of the collaboration will be a solution for disease-specific medical nutrition – a category in which protein is an essential component – with expansion into other segments anticipated in future.
Arla Foods Ingredients group vice president Henrik Andersen said collaborating with Novozymes fits perfectly into Arla’s ambition to explore alternative nutrition platforms and complemented its portfolio of dairy and whey solutions.
“This partnership brings together two market leaders in our respective areas. By leveraging our combined expertise, manufacturing skills and market insights, we’ll be able to accelerate the pace at which we bring innovative new protein products to market,” said Anderson.
Novozymes advanced protein solutions general manager Valerio Nannini, said entering a partnership like this demonstrated the huge progress made since Novozyme’s decision to enter the health and nutrition space.
“Precision fermentation allows us to do almost anything in terms of protein composition and structure, and this is a fantastic opportunity to harness its full potential. In our ambition to develop new tailor-made products Arla Foods Ingredients is the best possible partner for us. It’s already firmly positioned in medical nutrition and offers substantial insight into market needs, as well as specific manufacturing capabilities that complement ours,” said Nannini.
