AAK Kamani and Good Food Institute India to develop plant-based foods

Indian speciality oils manufacturer AAK Kamani has partnered with Good Food Institute India to research and promote plant-based meat and dairy alternatives.

By collaborating with Good Food Institute India, AAK intends to provide a co-development expertise on how companies can fast-track the formulation of new products by focusing on an optimal sensory experience that appeals to local tastes.

AAK Kamani president Dheeraj Talreja said: “This collaboration means we can provide more support to both established food producers and start-ups, promoting the fast-track development of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives for the Indian market.

“We are particularly excited to work with the Good Food Institute India. As a non-profit organisation, it is globally recognised for supporting the development of sustainable and healthy plant-based foods.”

The new partnership is said to be associated with AAK’s global AkoPlanet initiative, which offers a platform for plant-based food innovations.

Under the new collaboration, AAK’s Customer Innovation Center in Mumbai will be introducing AAK Kamani Academy sessions that aim to help businesses and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities in India’s plant-based foods category.

Good Food Institute India managing director Varun Deshpande said: “The challenges of climate change, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity presented by the world’s reliance on animal protein supply chains have been underscored by the Covid-19 public health crisis.

“Accelerating the development of the plant-based meat, egg and dairy sector is therefore imperative to building a more secure and resilient protein supply.

“Indian businesses and scientists have immense potential to be at the centre of this development, driving affordability and sensory experiences as well as cultural appeal in transformative plant-based foods – but they need support on their journey.”