Key Takeaways
- The Protein Brewery secures €18 million in Series B funding, increasing total funding to over €70 million.
- Fermotein®, the first fungi-based ingredient approved under EU Novel Food Regulation, is on track for global commercial scaling.
- The company aims to produce 600 metric tons of Fermotein® by 2027, expanding to 2,000 metric tons by 2029, meeting increasing market demand.
Funding and Regulatory Milestone
Dutch food-technology startup The Protein Brewery recently announced an €18 million Series B funding extension, raising its total investment to over €70 million. This significant achievement coincides with the European Commission’s authorization of its main product, Fermotein®, making it the first fungi-based ingredient cleared under the EU’s Novel Food Regulation. This approval marks a pivotal transition for the company from research-oriented to commercial operations in the alternative protein sector.
Innovative Production Process
Central to The Protein Brewery’s success is its patented biomass fermentation process, using the microfungus Rhizomucor pusillus. This method converts a sugar-rich substrate into a nutrient-dense ingredient. Unlike precision fermentation that isolates specific proteins, biomass fermentation utilizes the complete fungal organism, leading to significant resource efficiency. The process requires substantially less water and land compared to traditional livestock farming and minimizes capital and operating costs, allowing for competitive pricing of high-quality ingredients.
Nutritional Profile of Fermotein®
Fermotein® is a neutral-flavored, allergen-free ingredient with a 50% protein composition, encompassing all essential amino acids, and 30-35% prebiotic fiber, along with essential micronutrients. Its discreet taste and physical properties allow for easy integration into various food products, ranging from nutritional shakes to baked goods, enhancing their nutritional profile without the need for masking flavors.
Regulatory Approval Journey
The path to securing EU approval was a six-year process, starting with the initial submission in May 2020. The European Food Safety Authority endorsed the ingredient’s safety in December 2025, leading to final authorization in June 2026. This pivotal step grants The Protein Brewery exclusive rights to proprietary safety data for five years, positioning it ahead of competitors who must go through a lengthy approval process to market similar products.
Scaling Up and Global Expansion
With regulatory clearance attained, The Protein Brewery is focused on ramping up production at its Breda facility, targeting production of 600 metric tons of Fermotein® by 2027 and over 2,000 metric tons by 2029. The company has already secured commitments from customers across Europe, the U.S., and Singapore, and is actively pursuing regulatory approvals in additional markets, including the UK, expected by late 2026.
Strengthening Food Security
The emergence of mycelium-based proteins like Fermotein® offers significant implications for global food security. As climate change impacts traditional agriculture, The Protein Brewery’s technology promises high-quality protein production with reduced environmental footprints, thereby enhancing domestic food security in food-importing regions.
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