In the first major alternative proteins partnership between Australia and China, Nourish Ingredients has signed a joint commercial agreement with Chinese biotech company Cabio Biotech to manufacture and distribute Nourish’s flagship product, Tastilux, throughout the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
Both companies see the strategic partnership as delivering a significant commercial opportunity, allowing them to meet growing demand in China, while setting the stage for expansion into other APAC markets.
Nourish Ingredients has established itself as a global leader in specialty fats and precision fermentation. Its breakthrough plant-based fat, Tastilux, is a specialty ingredient derived from natural sources and produced through fermentation. It provides a meaty flavour, aroma and cooking experience to alternative proteins.
Nourish Ingredients co-founder and CEO, James Petrie, says providing a “delicious animalic taste” this is essential in winning over consumers to the plant-based market.
“Nourish Ingredients combines breakthrough science with a focus on the most potent fat molecules found in nature to transform the plant-based proteins market,” Petrie says.
Cabio Biotech specialises in microbial fermentation and synthetic biology-based products. For more than 20 years, it has supplied long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) functional ingredients for infant formula, dietary supplements, food for special medical purposes and animal nutrition.
It has established one of the world’s largest LCPUFA manufacturing plants, with capabilities ranging from bio-fermentation, non-solvent extraction, refining, winterisation, and microencapsulation.
Cabio Biotech vice president, Jimmy Wang, said the partnership will set new standards in the alternative protein industry.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing biotechnology and delivering cutting-edge products,” Wang said.
The terms of the agreement outline a clear strategy for market expansion. Cabio will leverage its state-of-the-art facilities and expertise to manufacture Tastilux, ensuring efficient production with minimal waste.
James Petrie.
Petrie said a key advantage of the collaboration was Cabio’s extensive experience in navigating China’s complex regulatory landscape.
“This expertise will facilitate rapid market access for Nourish Ingredients’ products in China and potentially other Asian markets, providing a significant competitive edge in these rapidly growing economies,” he said.
Beyond plant-based meats, the joint commercial agreement means the pair are well prepared to capitalise on diverse market segments, including the rapidly expanding ready-made meals and prepared dishes sector, leisure snacks industry, and spices and condiments market.
Cabio will assist Nourish Ingredients by spearheading distribution and sales within the Chinese market, utilising its local knowledge and networks, while Nourish will lead commercial engagement and sales in other global markets, with Cabio providing manufacturing support.
“Our strategic partnership with Cabio Biotech marks a pivotal moment for Nourish Ingredients,” said Petrie. “By leveraging Cabio’s established expertise, we’re not only derisking our supply chain for expansion but also enhancing our ability to deliver high-quality, innovative food solutions at scale.
“This collaboration combines our cutting-edge product development with Cabio’s manufacturing excellence and market insights, positioning us to meet the surging global demand for superior food ingredients.
“Together, we’re set to efficiently produce top-tier products, opening doors to both the dynamic Chinese market and broader international opportunities.”
A key target is China’s burgeoning plant-based meat sector. With China’s total meat consumption reaching nearly 100 million tonnes annually, even a modest one per cent substitution with plant-based alternatives by 2026 would create a market of one million tonnes. Industry projections suggest this market could surge to a value of $3.5 billion by 2028, underscoring the immense growth potential.
While the initial focus is on Tastilux, both companies see potential for expansion into other product categories, leveraging their combined expertise and capabilities.
