Israeli Startup Brevel Partners with CBC Group to Develop Innovative Algae-Derived Functional Beverages
Israel’s largest beverage company CBC Group—a national franchiser of global brands including Coca-Cola and Carlsberg—has joined forces with Israeli startup Brevel to create functional beverages and dairy alternatives infused with protein, oils, and antioxidants sourced from microalgae.
Through a 10-year procurement agreement, Brevel will be the exclusive supplier of its algae-derived ingredients to CBC. These ingredients are cultivated in a state-of-the-art facility in southern Israel, capable of producing large quantities of neutral-tasting, highly functional algae protein that aims to rival traditional protein sources like soy and pea.
Founded in 2016 by Yonatan (CEO), Ido (CTO), and Matan (COO) Golan, Brevel recently secured an $18.5 million seed funding round, with support from CBC Group, to establish a new 27,000sq ft plant. This facility will generate a consistent supply of a white powdered microalgae protein concentrate, boasting 60-70% protein content, along with a range of valuable co-products.
Yonatan Golan highlighted the superior qualities of Brevel’s algae protein compared to traditional options: “Our protein excels in flavor and color, is non-allergenic, and offers a more sustainable production process in terms of water usage, land footprint, and CO2 emissions.”
“Brevel’s groundbreaking approach gives us the opportunity to explore new categories and solutions and opens new doors in terms of the range of exciting consumer applications we can offer.” Lihi Rothschild, head of innovation, CBC Group
Scaling up Algae Production for Nutritional Innovation
Algae represents a promising source of food and nutrition, with Brevel pioneering a high-yield process that integrates LED lighting and sugar-based fermentation to extract functional proteins, lipids, and pigments from microalgae.
Unlike other methods, Brevel’s unique process generates a neutral-tasting complete protein and valuable co-products, utilizing a non-GMO chlorella strain that meets regulatory standards for safety and approval.
By combining fermentation with LED lighting, Brevel achieves significant advantages in protein production efficiency and quality, setting a new standard for sustainable and functional ingredient sourcing.
Innovative Approach to Algae-Derived Protein Production
While traditional methods focus on specific high-value outputs like omega-3 DHA or pigmented biomass, Brevel’s technology enables the cost-effective production of high-quality protein suitable for mainstream food applications.
By harnessing the synergies between fermentation and light exposure, Brevel maximizes the functional properties of its algae protein, offering enhanced flavor, nutritional content, and profitability compared to existing alternatives.
As the food industry continues to explore sustainable protein sources, collaborations like the one between Brevel and CBC Group pave the way for innovative nutritional solutions that cater to evolving consumer preferences.
