Givaudan hosts global meeting of innovation consortium developing next generation meat alternatives

Givaudan, the world’s leading flavour and fragrance company hosted the global innovation consortium, Plant Meat Matters, on 11 and 12 July at its newly opened flagship Innovation Centre in Zurich. The group met to review progress on its leading-edge project to develop the next-generation of plant-based meat substitutes.

Led by Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the four-year public-private collaboration brings together key industry players from across the entire supply chain, to scale up and commercialise new technologies for meat alternatives. The project uses WUR’s revolutionary Shear-Couette Cell technology that transforms vegetable protein into layered and fibrous structures that resemble real steak, not processed or ground meat. The meeting reviewed the latest developments by the group which will make industrial production of ‘vegetable beef’ possible.

Commenting on the meeting Flavio Garofalo, Global Category Director Savoury Flavours and Natural Ingredients at Givaudan said “We are delighted to be a part of this global initiative and collaborating with other leading minds in the field. This is a true innovation which will deliver a sustainable product that can compete with real meat, opening up new markets for vegetarian products that also appeal to meat lovers and flexitarians. As the only flavour company in the consortium, Givaudan is playing a critical role in creating solutions to make the new plant-based meat taste delicious.”

 
The Plant Meat Matters project is the first to upscale production of this new technology to an industrial level. The project, launched in 2017, aims to have a first version of this production equipment that will allow companies to make excellent meat substitutes in large volumes, with a variety of textures, at the end of its five-year development project. Once up and running, this will allow for authentic, healthier steak-like products that don’t compromise on taste or texture. The technology will improve food security and increase quality of life for populations in many countries across the world and at the same time help protect the environment.  

The partnership is one of a series of projects Givaudan is involved with as part of its collaborative approach to innovation to help address some of the industry’s biggest challenges.

Notes to editors
Set up in 2017, by Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, the Plant Meat Matters consortium brings together expertise and capabilities from companies across the food industry supply chain. Members include Givaudan, Unilever, MEYN, Avril, Nutrition & Sante, The Vegetarian Butcher, Ingredion and Saturn Petcare.

About Givaudan
Givaudan is the global leader in the creation of flavours and fragrances. In close collaboration with food, beverage, consumer product and fragrance partners, Givaudan develops tastes and scents that delight consumers the world over. With a passion to understand consumers’ preferences and a relentless drive to innovate, Givaudan is at the forefront of creating flavours and fragrances that ‘engage your senses’. The Company achieved sales of CHF 5.5 billion in 2018. Headquartered in Switzerland with local presence in over 145 locations, the Company has almost 13,600 employees worldwide. Givaudan invites you to discover more at www.givaudan.com.

About Givaudan Flavours
Givaudan’s comprehensive knowledge of local flavours, extensive global footprint and strategic insights enable close partnerships with customers wherever they may be. With a customised approach to product creation, the Flavour Division is a powerhouse of knowledge, innovation and creativity equipped to surprise customers and consumers with fresh, unique ideas and solutions. Givaudan creates lasting flavour and taste experiences that touch emotions across key segments including beverages, sweet goods, savoury and snacks; regardless of product category Givaudan’s passion is to make food and beverage products taste delicious. We invite you to ‘engage your senses’ and learn more about Flavours at www.givaudan.com/flavours.

For further information please contact
Jeff Peppet, Givaudan Flavour Communications
T +1 513 293 3740
E jeff.peppet@givaudan.com