Ingredion Inc. signed an exclusive commercial distribution partnership with InnovoPro, a Foodtech chickpea solutions company, to distribute a chickpea protein concentrate in the U.S. and Canada. 

The distribution partnership, effective immediately, will increase the availability of chickpea protein while helping food and beverage manufacturers meet growing consumer demand for plant-based products that deliver on sustainability, nutrition, taste, texture and functionality, stated Ingredion. 

The alliance follows Ingredion’s February announcement outlining its equity investment in InnovoPro to bring the benefits of chickpea protein to more consumers. 

“This collaboration allows us to broaden our plant-based portfolio with an alternative that’s high in consumer recognizability and appeal,” said Yadu Dar, Ingredion’s global business development director for plant-based proteins. “InnovoPro’s solvent-free processing method will enable a 70% chickpea protein concentrate — providing food and beverage manufacturers with a new way to meet consumer demand for clean label, plant-based products that are sustainably sourced.”

"We are looking forward to this great and important partnership with Ingredion," said Taly Nechushtan, CEO of InnovoPro. "Our vision to transform the way people eat, by enabling the creation of tastier, healthier and more sustainable food choices is getting one step closer to realization, as we join forces with Ingredion. A variety of solutions based on our chickpea protein will reach a broader market and support our growth trajectory.”

Chickpea protein is extracted from chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) — a high-protein, nutritious legume that’s recognized and consumed globally.