Swedish food-tech firm Millow has ordered its first dry-state fermentation mega-factory, funded by the European Innovation Council, to manufacture its clean-label protein derived from oats and mycelium.
Headquartered in Gothenburg, the firm was awarded an initial €2.5 million by the European Innovation Council to construct the facility as part of a total €17.5 million blended finance package.
The 2,500-square-metre facility – previously a Lego manufacturing wing – will help speed Millow's research into industrial production scale. Once fully equipped later this year, every production line at the factory will produce up to 500kg of protein per day. The facility is also home to an innovative fermentation and food laboratory, backing Millow's mycelium science research.
As per coherent market insights, the alternative proteins industry is expected to grow at 7.4% CAGR over the forecast period of 2025-2032. The existing market size is USD 17.66 Bn in 2025 and will be approximately USD 29.12 Bn in the year 2032. Market size is fueled by increasing demand for plant-based and healthier foods.
Millow's binder-free, clean-label protein is produced from only oats and mycelium via a patented, dry-state fermentation process. Each 100g serving yields up to 27g of whole protein, fiber, and natural vitamins and minerals.
Its protein sears like beef, produces no after-taste, and is 'light on the stomach,' claims Millow. It is soya and pea isolate-free.
Staffan Hillberg, Millow's chairman, stated: "Critics argue plant meat lost on taste and on transparency; this factory demonstrates we are able to fix both at industrial level"
Millow's scientific co-founder, Mohammad Taherzadeh, further added that Millow's platform can switch grain substrates in a matter of one night, enabling any region to produce its own advanced protein with little resources.
Sustainability has also been a priority for Millow, which stated its S-Unit bioreactors slash energy consumption to a third of traditional fermentation lines. Water consumption is also 3-4 liters per kg, 95% less than typical mycelium processes.
Millow is now finalizing distribution deals with food companies, retailers, and food service distributors, with plans to introduce several products by the end of 2025.
Source:
Ecommerce PLatform: FOODBEV MEDIA Ltd.
Company: Millow
