Nestlé and Corbion partner to develop microalgae-based ingredients

Nestlé has partnered with Dutch food ingredient firm Corbion to develop microalgae-based ingredients for plant-based products.

Under the new partnership, Nestlé will combine its expertise in the development of plant-based products with Corbion’s microalgae and fermentation capabilities to produce microalgae-based ingredients that are rich in protein and micronutrients.

Nestlé chief technology officer Stefan Palzer said: “We are actively exploring the use of microalgae as an alternative protein and micronutrient source for exciting plant-based products.

“Through the partnership with Corbion, we will be able to use great-tasting, nutritious microalgae-based ingredients to innovate across our different product categories.”

According to the Swiss firm, the microalgae-based ingredients are healthy lipids, as well as a vegan source of protein and contain various micronutrients.

It further added that the production of microalgae has a low carbon footprint and requires less land and water.

Through this new partnership, both companies aim to develop ingredients that offer better functionality, taste and nutrition to use in various applications.

Currently, Nestlé offers various plant-based products, including almond, coconut and oat-based creamers and coffee mixes. Its offering range also includes pea and soy-based meat alternatives and prepared dishes.

Corbion Innovation Platforms executive vice-president Marc den Hartog said: “We are excited to partner with Nestlé to develop the next generation of algae-based ingredients.

“Corbion has already demonstrated the value of algae in several high-value foods and feed applications. This new protein partnership with Nestlé has the potential to open important avenues for algae-based products into large global markets.”

In August 2017, Corbion signed a stock and asset purchase agreement to bid for TerraVia Holdings (TerraVia), a US-based microalgae company.

TerraVia produces oils, as well as speciality fats and ingredients such as Omega-3 from microalgae. It has a R&D centre in San Francisco, along with two manufacturing facilities in Illinois and Brazil.