DSM and Avril launch JV to produce canola proteins for food market

Global science-based company Royal DSM and French agro-industrial group Avril have established a joint venture (JV) called Olatein to produce canola (rapeseed) proteins for the global food market.

The deal to form the JV was initially announced in July last year.

DSM will have a 75% stake in Olatein while the remaining 25% stake will be held by Avril.

By establishing Olatein, the two companies aim to meet the growing demand for proteins in the global market.

Under the new partnership, DSM will offer its patented process and technology for extracting high-quality protein from canola meal while Avril would provide its expertise in the oilseed and protein crop production.

DSM will market and sell the resulting product, CanolaPRO, which improves vegan and vegetarian products such as meat and dairy alternatives, in addition to other beverages, baked products, bars, and ready-to-mix products.

DSM Food Specialities president Patrick Niels said: “With the global population continuing to grow and the demand for healthy and nutritious proteins on the rise, the world needs sustainable solutions.

“Our partnership with Avril enables the production of CanolaPRO, a high-quality and nutritious protein that supports our customers to provide consumers around the world with better tasting, more enjoyable meat and dairy alternatives – in line with the market trends.”

Under the new partnership, Avril and DSM will begin the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Dieppe, France.

The new unit will be built at the Dieppe industrial site, which is owned by Avril’s subsidiary Saipol. It will also be equipped with a biomethane production unit, which will supply to the local public energy network and minimise the environmental footprint.

To facilitate the production, Avril will supply a non-genetically modified canola meal from the new crushing unit to be created on the site.

Avril Group CEO Jean-Philippe Puig said: “This partnership with DSM is part of Avril’s strategy to develop and conquer new markets, with the aim of structuring a new high-protein seed sector and thus contribute to increasing France’s and Europe’s protein self-sufficiency.

“This project, in line with our commitments, offers a new future for the Dieppe site while repositioning it on a new activity that will bring growth and industrial sustainability.”