The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) is looking for expressions of interest from food brands, manufacturers or investors to work with on plant-based projects.
With oat-based alternatives predicted to become pantry staples, AEGIC are hoping to develop new commercial partnerships that will fast-track products such as oat noodles and oat rice to market.
The centre’s goal is to reposition oats from the traditional breakfast option to a meal considered for lunch, dinner and snacks.
AEGIC CEO Richard Simonaitis said: “The demand for whole grain products is growing rapidly around the world, especially in Australia’s key export markets as Asian diets continue to evolve.”
Providing the same shelf life as traditional wheat noodles without additives, AEGIC’s oats undergo hydrothermal treatment and have significantly higher nutritional benefits, including fewer carbohydrates, more protein and a greater concentration of healthy unsaturated fatty acids.
“Awareness of the health benefits of whole grains is increasing among Asian consumers. Health authorities and governments are increasingly recommending that consumers substitute refined grain staples like white rice with whole grain cereals, such as oats,” said Simonaitis.
AEGIC is looking for partners who can demonstrate their capacity to manufacture, market and distribution of the products. Simonaitis said AEGIC is willing to negotiate with interested partners on product/brand ownership, technical support, and access to additional products coming down AEGIC’s development pipeline,”.
Information on the lodgement process is here.
