Finally Foods Partners with CBC Group to Revolutionize Dairy Production
Finally Foods, a pioneering startup in molecular farming, has entered into a significant commercial agreement with Israeli beverage and dairy producer CBC Group. This strategic partnership comes alongside a fresh $1.2 million investment round that will support Finally Foods’ ambitious scaling of dairy protein production from potatoes.
Investment Boost Following Successful Field Trial
The investment marks a milestone for Finally Foods following their successful first field trial. This funding will be critical in transitioning the company towards full-scale commercial production.
Ofer Haviv from Evogene, a computational biology firm aiding Finally Foods, stated, “In a short period, Finally Foods has achieved extraordinary results, establishing a strategic partnership with CBC Group.” He emphasized, “This validates that molecular farming can be a viable alternative to animal-based proteins.”
Confidentiality and Significance of the Partnership
Sharing only limited details about the agreement, Finally Foods CEO Dafna Gabbay expressed to AgFunderNews, “CBC Group is our first significant customer, which is a crucial milestone for Finally Foods.”
Potato Farming Takes Center Stage
Utilizing cutting-edge technology developed at Evogene, Finally Foods models biological systems to predict the impacts of various genetic modifications on potato growth. This innovative approach allows for optimization before proceeding to greenhouse trials and field testing.
Gabbay noted, “Our first field trial was pivotal, showcasing that our potatoes thrive in open fields, similar to any other variety. Furthermore, it was essential for generating the substantial quantities necessary for industrial-scale extraction processes.”
Expansion Plans and By-product Utilization
Looking ahead, Gabbay indicated that plans for global cultivation of potatoes are underway, alongside already initiated regulatory processes in multiple regions. Discussing the scale-up, she said, “Our extraction process is cost-efficient, built on existing industrial methods, and we aim to align with regulatory guidelines.”
Addressing the sustainability of their operations, Gabbay confirmed, “We plan to commercialize the by-products of our extraction process, separating the starch fraction and assessing its market value based on regulatory frameworks.”
Molecular Farming versus Precision Fermentation
While many companies leverage precision fermentation to produce dairy proteins, Finally Foods highlights the benefits of molecular farming. Gabbay explained, “Growing proteins in engineered plants can be more economically viable, with scaling simplified by merely expanding field acreage.”
However, navigating the regulatory landscape poses challenges, as approvals are needed for both the cultivation of genetically modified plants and the marketing of their derived ingredients.
Efficiency of Downstream Processing
Why choose potatoes as the genetic host? Gabbay argues that extracting and purifying casein proteins from potatoes is more streamlined compared to soybeans. “Our focus is to produce pure casein proteins devoid of any host DNA, ensuring the final product isn’t classified as genetically modified,” she stated.
The Science Behind Molecular Farming
Molecular farming encompasses the genetic engineering of plants to generate high-value ingredients not typically produced by them—such as dairy proteins. In recent years, a surge of companies has emerged that produce “animal-free” proteins, promoting sustainability and ethical practices compared to traditional animal agriculture.
Market Trends Favoring Cow-Free Dairy
Gabbay reflected on the growing interest among dairy and consumer packaged goods companies in plant-based dairy proteins. “Major dairy brands are exploring cow-less alternatives due to sustainability concerns and the need to meet future demand,” she remarked.
As the industry evolves, she anticipates a future where dairy products will be derived from cows, bioreactors, and plant sources.
Conclusion
As Finally Foods moves forward with its innovative approach to dairy protein production through molecular farming, the future looks promising. With significant backing from CBC Group and planned expansions, the company stands at the forefront of transforming the dairy industry.
