Company News

Unexpected Demand for Affordable Patatin Pushes Molecular Farming Startup PoLoPo to Prioritize Product Launch

Molecular farming startup PoLoPo announces that it will start supplying one of its flagship proteins, patatin, for F&B products to commercial clients, pending USDA’s regulatory approval.

The Israeli startup has developed a platform to grow the egg protein ovalbumin, widely used in the food industry, and patatin in large volumes in potato tubers, securing a lower cost.

“Conversations with clients revealed an additional demand for patatin in large quantities”

As explained by the startup, patatin, the native protein of potatoes, is expected to have a relatively straightforward regulatory process. Despite being derived from genetically engineered plants, it is extracted and processed into a powder that contains no genetic material, making it non-GMO.

CEO and co-founder Maya Sapir-Mir comments, “We are keeping our eyes on the prize, which is bringing molecular-farmed egg protein to market, but conversations with clients revealed an additional demand for patatin in large quantities at a fair price.”

PoLoPo unveils its SuperAA plant molecular farming platform already deployed in potato plants at a greenhouse scale.
Image courtesy of PoLoPo

Functional potato proteins

Co-founded by Sapir-Mir and Raya Liberman-Aloni in 2022, the molecular farming company has raised $2.3 million, including $1.75 million, to produce animal proteins in potatoes. Investors backing PoLoPo’s highly scalable production method include FoodLabs, Milk & Honey Ventures, CPT Capital, Siddhi Capital, Plug and Play, and Hack Capital.

Potatoes are one of the world’s most widely grown non-cereal food crops; they are abundant, resilient, and cheap. Despite these advantages, traditional extraction methods for patatin are cost-prohibitive — more than $100 per kilogram — due to low yields and high processing costs.

“Most potato proteins on the market are non-functional, as manufacturers destroy the proteins while extracting potato starch. Non-functional potato protein is commonly directed to animal feed, including pet food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals,” the company explains.

A woman hiding recently harvested potatoes
© Tal Shahar

Patatin for plant-based products

Patatin is a versatile, allergy-friendly, high-quality protein (PDCAAS value of 0.99) with all essential amino acids, a feature highly valued in the F&B industry. Offering emulsifying, gelling, and texturizing properties, it has multiple applications, from plant-based meat and dairy to bakery products and protein drinks.

Companies leveraging potatoes for plant-based foods include Branston, the UK’s largest potato supplier, which launched a potato protein extraction facility to meet the growing demand for local plant-based ingredients. The Dutch producer of dried potato products, Aviko Rixona, also launched a vegan cheese made from potatoes that is said to rival dairy cheese.

The Swedish company Veg of Lund, best known for the plant-based milk brand DUG, uses a proprietary potato emulsion to make its popular drinks, potato-based smoothies, cream, ice cream, and plant-based meat (expected to launch anytime). In another category, the plant-based pet food brand VEGDOG uses potato protein to offer gluten-free products suitable for allergic dogs. The German company recently launched VEGDOG POPS, potato dog popcorn.

Meanwhile, PoLoPo is preparing to offer its egg proteins and patatin for testing to the food industry and is seeking growing partners in the US.

In an opinion piece for vegconomist, Sapir-Mir stated, “Molecular farming is highly complementary to the current food industry, which is already built based on food processing lines that turn crops into ingredients. Molecular farming startups can utilize those lines for their needs, rely on a well-established infrastructure, and help food companies produce higher-value and more sustainable products.”

Don't miss out!

The Cultivated X newsletter:
information for decision-makers

Regularly receive the most important news from the cultivated business world.

Invalid email address

Share