Ingredion and Lantmännen: A Plant-Based Protein Powerhouse

In the rapidly growing plant-based protein market, two industry giants have joined forces to accelerate innovation and capture market share. Ingredion Incorporated and Lantmännen have announced a strategic partnership to develop and distribute high-quality, sustainably sourced pea protein isolates, targeting the European market and beyond. This collaboration brings together Ingredion's global distribution network and technical expertise with Lantmännen's vertically integrated production capabilities, creating a formidable competitor in the plant-based protein sector.

The partnership will focus on the development of a differentiated portfolio of plant-based protein isolates based on yellow peas, leveraging Lantmännen's investment of over 100 million euros in a state-of-the-art production facility in Sweden. With construction slated for completion in 2027, the new facility will enable the companies to deliver superior, sustainably sourced pea protein isolates that meet the evolving needs of the global market.

Ingredion's senior vice president of texture and healthful solutions in EMEA, Mike O'Riordan, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: "By joining forces with Lantmännen, we are expanding our footprint in the European market and solidifying our position as a global leader in the plant-based protein industry." Meanwhile, Lantmännen's executive vice president of the Lantmännen Energy Sector and CEO of Lantmännen Biorefineries, Lars-Gunnar Edh, emphasized the strategic value of the partnership: "Partnering with Ingredion is a game-changer for us, as it complements our vertically integrated production capabilities with their extensive market reach and deep expertise in process engineering and product development."

The strategic partnership between Ingredion and Lantmännen is set to significantly impact the competitive landscape of the plant-based protein market. With Ingredion's global distribution network and technical expertise combined with Lantmännen's agricultural infrastructure and regional presence, the partnership will create a formidable competitor in the European market. The investment of over 100 million euros in a state-of-the-art production facility in Sweden demonstrates a substantial commitment to scaling operations and capturing growing market share in Europe's plant-based protein sector, particularly in pea protein isolates.

The partnership's focus on sustainability and vertical integration is expected to reduce the environmental footprint of the plant-based protein market. By leveraging Lantmännen's vertically integrated production capabilities and Ingredion's process expertise, the collaboration aims to deliver sustainably sourced pea protein isolates. This vertical integration allows for better control over the entire production process, from farming to manufacturing, enabling more efficient resource utilization and waste reduction.

As the plant-based protein market continues to grow, the strategic partnership between Ingredion and Lantmännen is well-positioned to capture market share and drive innovation. By combining their complementary strengths, the companies aim to deliver superior, sustainably sourced pea protein isolates that meet the evolving needs of the global market. Investors should keep a close eye on this strategic alliance as it shapes the future of the plant-based protein industry.