Bühler, a family-owned processing solutions company involved in the global supply chain, joins Tyson Foods and Temasek as an investor in the New Protein Fund, a program run by venture capitalist fund Big Idea Ventures that will help fund and accelerate up to 100 plant- and cell-based start-ups.
"There is an urgent need for wide-scale collaboration if we are to make an impact on the climate and nutrition challenges within the next decade. Academics, start-ups, and established companies need to come together to innovate and find more sustainable ways to produce food,” explained Ian Roberts, CTO at Bühler Group.
“This is why we are partnering with Big Idea Ventures: to accelerate the journey for promising start-ups, to reinforce partnerships and start-up ecosystems in Singapore and the U.S., and to do this with a clear focus on creating a more sustainable food supply for the future.”
Growing interest in alternative proteins
Investment in meat alternatives reached a record high of $930 million during the first quarter of 2020. A majority of the funding went towards the development of plant-based meat and egg alternatives, however interest in cultured meat is also growing.
In the past five years, sales of plant-based proteins has grown rapidly, primarily in consumers concerned about the health and environment impact of traditional proteins.
Access to manufacturing capabilities
As part of the collaboration, Bühler will offer start-ups access to the company’s manufacturing capabilities and facilities, including the new Food Application Center in Minneapolis and an upcoming plant-based innovation center in Singapore. The Singapore facility, scheduled to open by the end of 2020, is designed for the development of sustainable food solutions.
"We are glad to have Bühler join Tyson Ventures, Temasek and our other strategic investors in the Big Idea Ventures’ New Protein Fund. Together we can support the growth of the new generation of leading plant-based companies in North America, Asia and ultimately, the planet,” said Andrew D. Ive, Founder of Big Idea Ventures.
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