Novozymes and Arla Foods Ingredients have agreed a partnership to develop advanced protein ingredients using precision fermentation.

Biotechnology company Novozymes provides 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. Specializing in the production of enzymes through precision fermentation, it has focused on the exploration of new protein solutions for health and nutrition since 2019.

In the co-funded partnership with nutrition provider Arla Foods Ingredients, it will contribute its expertise in the creation of microbial strains for the industrial-scale production of proteins by precision fermentation. 

This will be combined with Arla Foods Ingredients’ 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.

“This partnership brings together two market leaders in our respective areas. Collaborating with Novozymes fits perfectly with our ambition to explore alternative nutrition platforms and complement our portfolio of dairy and whey solutions. 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 Henrik Andersen, group vice president of Arla Foods Ingredients.

Added Valerio Nannini, general manager, Novozymes Advanced Protein Solutions: “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. Entering a partnership like this demonstrates the huge progress we’ve made since our decision to enter the health and nutrition space.”