Invest Interna­tional invests millions in food innovation

Over the past two years, Invest International has invested more than 48 million euros in Dutch entrepreneurs focusing on alternative protein sources. The organization, which operates alongside the regular market, supports companies with international ambitions in developing innovative food solutions.

The most recent investment went to Protix, a company exploring the possibility of establishing a protein plant in South Korea. This facility would use black soldier flies to process food waste into animal feed. Invest International is contributing one million euros in development capital for the feasibility study.

Black soldier flies as a sustainable protein source

Protix views insects as a natural solution to global food challenges. "Our high-tech innovation enables us to convert waste streams into valuable proteins," says Stijn Harms, Director of Projects & Technology at Protix. Black soldier flies consume food waste and are then processed into key ingredients for animal feed. According to Harms, Invest International's funding is crucial for realizing capital-intensive projects that traditional financial institutions do not support.

Plant-based alternatives with jackfruit and legumes

Invest International also supports other projects in the field of alternative proteins. For example, Brabant-based Fiber Foods has received assistance in producing dried jackfruit in Uganda. This product, branded as PrimeJack®, serves as a meat substitute in hybrid and plant-based foods. Additionally, Proeon, based at BiotechCampus Delft, received a startup loan to scale up operations in India. Proeon focuses on extracting high-quality proteins from peanuts and mung beans, which are used in vegan eggs and protein-rich snacks. "The Netherlands has a strong reputation in food technology and alternative protein products. With the right financing, we can further strengthen our global position," says Raymond Beimers, head of the agri-food sector at Invest International.

investinternational.nl