Australia’s All G (previously All G Foods), which is now focused on precision fermentation-derived milk proteins, announces it has received regulatory approval to sell animal-free lactoferrin in China.
All G claims to be the country’s first company globally to reach this significant milestone for a recombinant bovine lactoferrin protein.
“Lactoferrin is one of the most valuable and functional proteins in the world”
All G, founded in 2020 by CEO Jan Pacas in Sydney, develops high-value, animal-free, and human proteins for functional foods, medical nutrition, and infant nutrition. The company has raised AUD 45 million and plans to launch its first lactoferrin product in 2025.
“This approval is a great moment for All G as we lead the way in precision fermentation technology,” said Pacas. “Lactoferrin is one of the most valuable and functional proteins in the world.”
A highly sought-after ingredient
According to the company, China is a major consumer of lactoferrin due to its large infant formula market and growing demand for functional foods among health-conscious consumers.
Known as “pink gold,” lactoferrin is a key protein found at low levels in cow’s milk and more abundantly in human breast milk. It supports human health by offering antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties through enhancing gut function and iron absorption.
These attributes make it a highly sought-after ingredient in infant formula, functional foods, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and skincare. However, traditional lactoferrin extraction from cow’s milk is resource-intensive, unsustainable, and costly, at around $800 USD per kilogram.
US-based De Novo Foodlabs and Singapore’s TurtleTree also produce bovine lactoferrin, while New York’s Helaina develops human lactoferrin — all through precision fermentation.
Next-generation nutrition
All G, leveraging precision fermentation along with efficient microbe strains (yeast or bacteria) and sugar-based feedstocks, creates equivalent dairy proteins without the requirement of cows, making the process more sustainable and scalable while delivering consistent quality.
“Our technology unlocks its potential”
The company states that this regulatory milestone cements its position as a global leader in precision fermentation, supporting its vision to offer next-generation nutrition for a billion people, with recombinant human lactoferrin next in line. A report by CSIRO and Main Sequence estimates that precision fermentation could generate up to $30 billion in annual revenue in Australia and create over 50,000 jobs by 2040.
“Our technology unlocks its potential, and this is just the beginning – our recombinant human lactoferrin is progressing rapidly, with many other products in the pipeline,” Pacas added.
