DSM and Avril Complete Joint Venture to Develop Plant-Based Protein
Royal DSM and Avril, France’s fourth-largest agro-industrial group, recently announced the launch of their joint venture, Olatein, to produce canola (rapeseed) proteins for the global food market. One year after announcing their intention to work together, Avril and DSM have finalized their partnership and will begin construction on a manufacturing facility in Dieppe, France.
To help meet the growing demand for proteins, DSM and Avril have established a partnership and formed Olatein. The partnership draws on the unique know-how of each of the partners, including DSM’s patented process and technology for extracting high-quality protein from canola meal and Avril’s 35-year legacy in oilseed and protein crop production.
The resulting product, CanolaPRO™, will be marketed and sold by DSM. CanolaPRO™ has excellent functional properties, a high nutritional value, and a balanced taste profile. It enhances vegan and vegetarian products such as meat and dairy alternatives, as well as other beverages, baked products, bars, and ready-to-mix products.
The group will supply Olatein with non-genetically modified canola meal from the new crushing unit that will be created on the site. The new facility will also include a biomethane production unit, which will contribute to supplying the local public energy network and minimize the environmental footprint of production.
The finalization of this partnership initiates a new phase of activity at the Dieppe industrial site, owned by Saipol, a subsidiary of the Avril Group.
“This partnership with DSM is part of Avril’s strategy to develop and conquer new markets, to structure a new high-protein seed sector and thus contribute to increasing France’s and Europe’s protein self-sufficiency. This project, in line with our commitments, offers a new future for the Dieppe site, while repositioning it on a new activity that will bring growth and industrial sustainability,” said Jean-Philippe Puig, CEO of the Avril Group.
“With the global population continuing to grow and the demand for healthy and nutritious proteins on the rise, the world needs sustainable solutions. Our partnership with Avril enables the production of CanolaPRO™, a high-quality and nutritious protein that supports our customers to provide consumers around the world with better tasting, more enjoyable products—in line with the market trends,” said Patrick Niels, president of DSM Food Specialties.