US-Finnish animal-free egg protein producer Onego Bio has announced plans to establish a flagship manufacturing facility in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
The company will become the second tenant at the county’s Food and Beverage Innovation Campus, after purchasing 25.9 acres within it for $777,000. The purchase was reportedly approved by the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors at its December meeting.
The new facility will be dedicated to producing Bioalbumen®, a powdered animal-free egg protein created through precision fermentation. The product is designed to replicate the taste, nutrition, and functionality of traditional egg proteins while addressing supply chain issues and offering a significantly reduced environmental impact.
The site will reportedly have the capacity to produce a quantity of egg protein equivalent to the output of six million laying hens. It is expected to be operational by 2028.
Building a more resilient food system
The news comes after Onego Bio opened a 5,000-square-foot commercial headquarters in San Diego, California, last year. The site includes office space, advanced laboratory capabilities, and a test kitchen designed to demonstrate the functional applications of Bioalbumen.
Onego Bio secured $15.2 million in July 2024, taking its total funding to $70.8 million. In December, the company submitted a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notification to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Bioalbumen.
“At Onego Bio, we are committed to building a more resilient, sustainable food system — one that ensures stability for manufacturers, reduces supply chain volatility, and supports long-term food security,” said Maija Itkonen, co-founder and CEO of Onego Bio. “This region offers the right combination of infrastructure, logistics, and proximity to key partners to help us scale Bioalbumen® and bring its benefits to more customers. We’re thrilled to join this thriving hub of food and beverage innovation.”
