Standing Ovation, a French biotech company specialising in alternative proteins through precision fermentation, has announced a strategic partnership with Ajinomoto Foods Europe (AFE).

This collaboration aims to leverage AFE's industrial fermentation expertise to produce milk proteins, particularly caseins, at its biomanufacturing facility in Nesle, France.

The partnership highlights a growing trend in the food industry towards sustainable protein sources. Casein, the primary protein found in milk, is essential for creating a variety of dairy products such as cheese, ice cream and yogurt.

Standing Ovation has developed Advanced Casein, an animal-free casein powder that maintains the functional and sensory properties of traditional dairy proteins while significantly reducing environmental impacts.

Since its inception in 2020, Standing Ovation has positioned itself as a leader in fermentative casein production, aligning with broader goals of food sovereignty in France.

The partnership with AFE, which has over 50 years of experience in industrial fermentation and is part of the Japanese Ajinomoto Group, is expected to enhance Standing Ovation's capacity to meet the increasing demand for sustainable dairy alternatives.

AFE's facility in northern France is strategically located near Standing Ovation's key customers in the dairy sector, facilitating efficient supply chain operations. The Nesle site uses local raw materials and renewable energy sources, underscoring both companies' commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

By combining Standing Ovation's patented fermentation technology with AFE's industrial biotechnology capabilities, the partnership aims to produce high-quality, fermentation-enabled caseins without reliance on animal breeding.

Hiroshi Kaneko, president of Ajinomoto Foods Europe, said: "We are delighted to partner with Standing Ovation, as our shared commitment to creating economic, sustainable and social impact is deeply rooted in both our organisations. With food innovation at the heart of Ajinomoto Group's legacy, we are eager to leverage our expertise in precision fermentation to support their large-scale manufacturing efforts.”

Ajinomoto Foods Europe is recognised for its biomanufacturing capabilities and production of specialty food ingredients, including amino acids.

The company's facility in Nesle is equipped with advanced bioreactors and extensive downstream processing capabilities, positioning them as a formidable player in the industrial biotechnology space.

Standing Ovation plans to commercialize its Advanced Casein in the US by 2025, aiming to establish itself as a global leader in the transformation of food production and environmental sustainability.

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