Vivici Debuts Precision-Fermented Lactoferrin in the US Market
Dutch precision fermentation specialist Vivici has announced the U.S. launch of its lactoferrin ingredient, Vivitein™ LF. The company will showcase its portfolio of functional protein ingredients at Expo West 2026 in Anaheim. According to a company statement, Vivitein™ offers nutrition innovators a lactoferrin ingredient that overcomes the supply and cost constraints of traditional lactoferrin production: “Vivitein™ LF is produced through precision fermentation, unlocking access to one of dairy’s most valuable …
Those Vegan Cowboys Raise €2.5 Million in One Day for ‘Cow-Free Cheese’ via Crowdfunding
One day before the official launch of their crowdfunding campaign, Those Vegan Cowboys, the ‘stainless steel cow’ company by the founders of The Vegetarian Butcher, have already raised €2.5 million by 600 new shareholders. “The level of support for this systemic change says it all,” said CEO Hille van der Kaa. The company states that it opened the crowdfunding campaign to a select group of pre-registrants 24 hours ahead of …
GEA to Equip Open-Access Fermentation Pilot Line at NIZO Campus
Engineering group GEA has been contracted to supply and commission a precision and biomass fermentation upscaling line for the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF), located at the NIZO Food Innovation Campus in Ede, Netherlands. The installation is planned for 2026, with pilot-scale operations expected to begin in spring 2027. The facility is intended to support food and ingredient companies in validating and scaling fermentation-based processes for applications including animal-free dairy proteins, …
The Protein Brewery Receives €2.3M EU LIFE Grant to Scale Mycoprotein Powder for Use in Dairy Alternatives
Dutch company The Protein Brewery and an international food industry partner have been awarded a €2.3 million grant from the EU LIFE Programme. The funding will be used to scale and commercialize Fermotein®, a mycoprotein powder produced by The Protein Brewery, for use in dairy alternative products. The EU LIFE Programme is the European Union’s funding instrument for environment and climate action. It supports pilot and demonstration-scale projects that reduce …
Meatable Enters Liquidation Following Investor Withdrawal
London-listed investment firm Agronomics has confirmed that its portfolio company Meatable will undergo liquidation after failing to secure continued financial backing. All operating activities at the cultivated meat startup will be terminated, and its legal entity dissolved under statutory procedures. The decision follows an extended period in which Meatable faced multiple operational and financial challenges throughout 2025. Despite efforts to explore strategic options, the company was unable to raise sufficient …
Netherlands First EU Country to Approve Public Tastings of Fermentation-Based Foods
The Netherlands has become the first EU country to allow public tastings of novel foods produced through fermentation. This new policy applies to products made using precision and biomass fermentation techniques, including animal-free alternatives such as cheese, eggs, and fats. Under this policy, companies can host tasting events for these fermentation-based products prior to receiving full market authorization. The tastings will take place in controlled environments, with safety protocols in …
“World’s First” Cultivated Meat Farm Launches in the Netherlands in Collaboration With RespectFarms
A working farm in Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands, is now equipped to produce cultivated meat thanks to a collaboration between RespectFarms and dairy farmer Corné van Leeuwen. The project, which is claimed to be a world first, is supported by the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-Agri) and the Province of Zuid-Holland. The cultivated meat units will become operational in the coming weeks, demonstrating how farmers could integrate …
Qorium Raises €22M to Scale Production of Cultivated Leather
Qorium, a Dutch biotech company producing cultivated leather, has secured €22 million in Series A funding. Participants in the round included Invest-NL, LIOF, Brightlands Venture Partners, and Sofinnova Partners, along with an influential group of high-net-worth individuals. The Invest-NL investment has been made under the European Commission’s InvestEU guarantee scheme. Qorium is currently installing new bioreactor systems at its Maastricht facilities and has already established several commercial partnerships. The company …
New Food Innovation Park for Sustainable Proteins to Be Established in the Netherlands
Contract research company NIZO has announced that its site in Ede, the Netherlands, is set to be transformed into a food innovation park. The site will enable collaborations between startups, scale-ups, corporates, and knowledge institutions who are working towards the food transition and the development of sustainable proteins. The innovation park will feature facilities such as a food-grade pilot plant and the recently established Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF). These resources …
The Protein Brewery Secures €30M to Advance Its Proprietary Mycoprotein
The Protein Brewery, a Dutch company producing fungi-based food ingredients, has secured €30 million in Series B funding. The round saw participation from new investors Invest-NL and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), alongside existing investors Novo Holdings, Unovis Asset Management, and Madeli. The Protein Brewery will use the capital to advance its proprietary mycoprotein, Fermotein®, and strengthen its commercial presence. This will include expanding production capacity at the company’s Mijkenbroek …