Finnish dairy giant Valio has partnered with Swedish startup Melt&Marble to pioneer plant-based products using precision fermentation technology.
Melt&Marble specializes in cellular agriculture to produce fats that serve as alternatives to animal fats and tropical plant oils, such as palm oil.
By utilizing microbes in a fermenter, Melt&Marble can generate a fat that “enhances” the “structure and mouthfeel” of plant-based products. This assertion was made by Valio in their partnership announcement.
Furthermore, the nutritional properties of this fat can be tailored to meet specific requirements, as indicated by the companies involved.
Through this collaboration, both companies aim to investigate the characteristics of Melt&Marble’s innovative fat and develop food products that could eventually be available in retail outlets.
“The aim of this partnership is to take the sensory qualities and nutritional content of Valio’s plant-based products to a whole new level by leveraging Melt&Marble’s cutting-edge technology,” stated Saara Pöyri, Valio’s product development director.
Valio is Finland’s largest dairy company and boasts a diverse product lineup, including the Oddlygood range of plant-based dairy alternatives.
It is noteworthy that Melt&Marble requires both EU and US regulatory approvals for its fat ingredients. The companies indicated that it will “take several years” before products containing the ingredient are available in European stores.
In contrast, they noted that the US approval process generally facilitates a quicker market entry. Melt&Marble aims to begin commercial activities in the US by the end of the year.
“This collaboration is a key step forward in our mission to revolutionize the food system by providing high-quality fats that offer the same taste and functionality consumers expect from traditional fats,” said Anastasia Krivoruchko, CEO of Melt&Marble.
Valio launched the Oddlygood brand in 2018. In May 2021, the company announced its intention to spin off the brand and seek a co-investor. Subsequently, Mandatum Asset Management invested €25 million ($26.1 million) in the business by the end of the year.
Notably, in October, Oddlygood acquired the UK-based rival Rude Health, renowned for producing plant-based milks derived from various ingredients such as oat, cashew, and coconut.
In the same month, Valio revealed plans to close a domestic factory and warehouse in an effort to enhance the efficiency and profitability of its operations.
