Nestle Taking a Step Forward in the Production of Plant Proteins

Nestle announced a collaboration with the two key players Burcon and Merit, aimed at the production and development of high-quality plant proteins.

FREMONT, CA: The collaboration with Burcon and Merit will enable Nestle to boost the development of nutritious and great-tasting plant-based meat and dairy alternatives with a favorable environmental footprint. This partnership brings together Nestlé’s proficiency in the development, production and commercialization of plant-based foods and beverages with Burcons' proprietary plant protein distillation and purification technology, meanwhile leveraging Merit's state-of-the-art plant protein production efficiency.

"Developing nutritious and great-tasting plant-based meat and dairy alternatives requires access to tasty, nutritious and sustainable raw materials as well as proprietary manufacturing technology," says Stefan Palzer, Nestlé Chief Technology Officer. "The partnership with Burcon and Merit will give us access to unique expertise and a new range of high-quality ingredients for plant-based food and beverages."

Nestle has nearly 300 R&D scientists, engineers, and product developers located in 8 R&D centers around the world, who are focused on the research and development of plant-based products. To add to its internal capabilities, the company strategically collaborates with researchers, suppliers, start-ups and numerous other innovation partners. Nestlé’s plant-based product variety comprises of, soy-and wheat-based burger patties, sausages, mincemeat, chicken filets and several prepared dishes. They also provide pea and oat-based dairy options, almond, coconut, and oat-based creamers, plat-based coffee mixes as well as a variety of non-diary ice creams. Nestle also announced recently about its plans to launch vegan alternatives to cheese and bacon, formulated to complement its current plant-based burger patties. 

A global technology leader Burcon Nutrascience has a portfolio of patents connected to composition, application, and manufacturing of novel plant-based proteins extracted from pea, canola, soy, hemp, sunflower seed, and various other crops.

Founded in 2019, Merit Functional Foods offers the highest quality protein ingredients and mixes that offer unmatched purity, exceptional taste, and excellent solubility.