Lars-Gunnar Edh, executive vice president of the Lantmännen Energy Sector and CEO of Lantmännen Biorefineries and Mike O’Riordan, Ingredion’s senior vice president of Texture and Healthful Solutions in EMEA. (Image source: Ingredion)

Leading global provider of ingredient solutions for food, beverage and industrial applications, Ingredion Inc recently announced its long term collaboration with agricultural cooperative, Lantmännen

The partnership will aid in the development of a differentiated portfolio of plant-based protein isolates based on yellow peas. A state-of–the-art production plant will also be built in Sweden, with its completion scheduled in 2027. 

According to Ingredion’s senior vice president of texture and healthful solutions in EMEA, Mike O’Riordan, expanding their footprint in the European market marked a new milestone in their strategy to solidify their position as a global leader in the plant-based protein industry.  

“This partnership allows us to leverage our combined strengths to deliver superior, sustainably sourced pea protein isolates that meet the evolving needs of the global market,” O’Riordan added.

The latest innovation demonstrates the longstanding collaboration between Valio and Berry, and the strength of the partnership between the two businesses. (Image source: Berry)

Berry Global has launched a revolutionary packaging solution to help Finnish dairy pioneer Valio meet its commitment to significantly reduce plastic usage by 2026

Valio aims to cut down the usage of plastic in its single-use and single-serve packaging by 15%, as part of which its popular range of PROfeel protein puddings are being switched to a custom-designed version of Berry’sCombiLight pot. 

The CombiLight is a hybrid packaging solution made from a plastic skeleton and carton sleeve, which are melted together to create a strong structure. Valio had already switched its quark products to the CombiLight, but for the puddings the conversion required the development of a new coating with enhanced barrier properties to ensure optimal shelf life.

Working in collaboration with Stora Enso, a leader in barrier technology, the new barrier solution was achieved by Berry. In addition to reducing food waste, this extended shelf life will also provide better export opportunities for Valio.

The protein-rich PROfeel puddings will be available in various flavours including chocolate, caramel, and vanilla-meringue and will be launched by the company in the new packaging this December. Some notable features like enhanced print quality as well as a printable bottom surface for the display of important product information will allow a clean, polished look on the sides of the pot, in turn creating better branding opportunities for Valio.

“Working with Berry is a pleasure,” said Valio’s head of Packaging Development, Juhana Pilkama. “Their team is not only willing to try new things, but they are also highly reliable and open in their approach. We have regular meetings to align on projects and share ideas, and that has been crucial in developing the enhanced CombiLight pot. We could not be more satisfied with the result.”   

This funding acts as a catalyst for BiocSol's development. (Image source: David Plas)

UCLouvain spin-off, BiocSol which specialises in sustainable crop protection solutions recently announced the successful closure of its initial seed funding round after securing US$5.6mn in equity

BiocSol aims to attract a total US$10.5mn by year-end through additional non-dilutive and equity financing. Agri Investment Fund and VIVES IUF led the round, bringing extensive expertise in agribusiness and biotechnology, alongside Belgian investors, including Invest.BW and IMBC Spinnova SA.

The funding, which behaves as a catalyst for BiocSol's development, will not only enable the company to broaden its team and R&D pipeline, but also kickstart the regulatory processes for its pioneering biofungicies. Moreover, the product will also increase production to meet demand and optimise its quality and efficiency processes. BiocSol empowers farmers through the development of innovative microbial-based biopesticies, thereby providing an efficient biocontrol to protect their crops.  

“This new investment is strategic for our fund as it enables us to become part of the rapidly growing Wallonia AgTech ecosystem,” said Patrik Haesen, CEO of Agri Investment Fund. “We are particularly impressed by BiocSol's innovative approach, which addresses some of the most pressing agricultural problems by creating multiple modes of action to combat pathogens that are swiftly developing resistance to current solutions.” 

Advancing their mission to develop sustainable crop protection solutions, CTO and founder of BiocSol, Simon Caulier emphasised that they were at a pivotal moment for the company. "This investment allows us to bring impactful solutions to agriculture, fostering a healthier planet for future generations,” Caulier concluded.

Dr Stanford Blade highlighted ICRISAT's commitment to advancing research quality and services. (Image source: ICRISAT)

In an attempt to boost soil health technology and practices, ICRISAT is strengthening ties between Asia and Africa 

The eighth Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) meeting was held from 11-13 November at FAO Headquarters in Rome, during which Dr Pushpajeet Choudhari, soil scientist at ICRISAT and chair of the Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET), represented the organisation.

Building on its active membership in SEALNET, ICRISAT is set to align efforts with the African Soil Laboratory Network (AFRILAB) and NARS partners. Elh Moudi Moustapha Abdourahaman, GLOSOLAN chair, and Dr Choudhari discussed plans to bolster ICRISAT’s African soil laboratories, aligning them with the AFRILAB network to further strengthen regional soil health initiatives.

Registered in GLOSOLAN since 2019, ICRISAT’s Charles Renard Analytical Laboratory (CRAL) delivers high quality analytical service for farmers and other stakeholders. As a member of ​SEALNET, CRAL has been engaged in developing and harmonising analytical methods in compliance with FAO GLOSOLAN. 

During the meeting, Dr Choudhari updated GLOSOLAN delegates on SEALNET’s progress, highlighting key outcomes from the eighth SEALNET meeting with a focus on knowledge-sharing and harmonising soil testing methods across the region. 

"Our collaboration with FAO's Global Soil Laboratory Network marks a significant milestone in this effort. We are proud to contribute to this network, which is dedicated to strengthening regional and global soil laboratories in support of the global mission to improve soil health," said Dr Stanford Blade, Interim Director General and Deputy Director General-Research, ICRISAT, highlighting ICRISAT's commitment to advancing research quality and services.