Proteins, nutrition & the future of food
October 23, 2026EN
Specialist platformProtein Trends
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Category: News

Ingredients

Oil Made by Yeast? NoPalm Ingredients Is Building a New Production Platform for Functional Fats

NoPalm Ingredients is innovating oil production by using oleaginous yeast instead of traditional agriculture, converting food industry side streams into oils through fermentation. Their brand, REVÓLEO, aims to provide a sustainable alternative to palm oil while addressing specific food manufacturing needs. Their technology could revolutionize the oils-and-fats industry by enabling efficient production.

Wouter de Heij7 min read
Cultured

The Fall of Meatable and the Hard Lesson for Cultivated Meat: Fast Returns and Living Cells Don’t Mix

Cultivated meat has faced challenges as investor expectations clash with biological realities. The bankruptcy of Dutch startup Meatable highlights the need for patient capital and realistic timelines in this sector. While not a failure of the technology itself, the incident underscores that sustainable progress requires a shift from ambitious goals to pragmatic, incremental advancements.

Wouter de Heij6 min read
Insects

Protix Under the Microscope: What the Numbers Say About Its Future After Ynsect

Protix, a Netherlands-based insect protein producer, faces significant financial challenges, reporting flat revenues of €11.8 million in 2024, with substantial operating losses of €22.5 million. Its reliance on external financing raises concerns about its viability, especially following the bankruptcy of Ynsect. The company's future hinges on careful execution of its revised growth strategy and successful capital acquisition.

Wouter de Heij4 min read
Ingredients

The Fall of Ynsect: When Europe’s Biggest Insect Protein Bet Failed

Ynsect, a leading insect-protein start-up in Europe, has collapsed after raising over €500 million, marking a significant setback in food innovation. Despite its promise for sustainable alternatives in animal feed, high production costs and strategic missteps led to its insolvency. The case highlights challenges in scaling market-driven sustainability solutions.

Wouter de Heij5 min read
Expert

The Investment Climate for Plant-Based Proteins: Consolidation, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

The alternative protein industry has faced significant challenges over the past year, with over 40 companies shutting down, merging, or being acquired. Economic pressures, scaling difficulties, and consumer hesitance have led to a shakeout, particularly in plant-based sectors. However, this consolidation may pave the way for a more resilient industry focused on quality and innovation.

Wouter de Heij5 min read
Market

Beef Prices: Why the World’s Most Popular Meat Suddenly Feels Like a Luxury

In Europe, ground beef prices have risen sharply due to long-term structural changes in global cattle herds and shifts in consumer demand. While production remains stable, demand for beef, especially for mince, has surged. This imbalance has led to significant price inflation, with no immediate solutions in sight.

Wouter de Heij9 min read
Market

Hybrid Meat: A Zeeland-born Innovation That’s Becoming Mainstream. The Collaboration between Cosun and AH hit the hybrid market in 2025.

Dutch newspapers highlight the rise of hybrid meat products, rooted in Zeeland's food innovation since 2009, when Meatless first blended meat with plant ingredients. Major retailers now embrace hybrid options, signaling consumer acceptance. With continued advancements in plant proteins, hybrid meat represents a sustainable shift in protein consumption, driven by local innovation.

Wouter de Heij3 min read
Cultured

Precision Fermentation Takes Off in the Netherlands: Vivici and the Rise of Next-Gen Whey Protein

In Ede, the Netherlands, the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF) is pioneering the production of animal-identical proteins through precision fermentation, shifting from dairy to microbial innovation. Companies like Vivici are leading this movement, promising a sustainable protein future while emphasizing partnership with traditional agriculture, targeting massive market potential while addressing regulatory and consumer challenges.

Wouter de Heij4 min read