ADM leverages 120 years of expertise to lead in plant-based protein innovations

USA – ADM, a food ingredient giant, has positioned itself well to drive diversification in the food industry with its history of over 120 years in the food industry and more than 75 years of innovating in plant-based solutions.

The company which was a pioneer in developing textured vegetable protein (TVP), patented it as the first plant-based meat alternative, which led to the creation of the world’s original soy-based patty in 1991.

According to Pinner, ADM’S, senior vice president, president of the Nutrition division and chief sales and marketing officer, Ian Pinner, the company continues to see opportunities for growth in the alternative protein space, particularly as demand for high-quality, sustainable nutrition options rises.

He noted that over the last decade, the company has made significant investments in global capabilities to enhance its flavor and functional ingredient offerings.

Meanwhile, the company sees the accelerated integration of recent acquisitions into its business as crucial to delivering value to its customers through nutrition solutions.

These acquisitions, combined with ADM’s focus on sustainability and innovation, are designed to create value at every stage of the nutrition supply chain.

“Nutrition is not a standalone business for ADM but an important value-add to our extensive range of ingredients and solutions,” Pinner explained.

“Acquisitions play a vital role in ADM’s strategy to accelerate the integration of new capabilities and deliver enhanced value to customers.”

Recent acquisitions, including FDL and Revela Foods, have bolstered ADM’s flavor portfolio, a fast-growing segment within its nutrition division. By optimizing its portfolio and improving fulfillment processes, ADM is better equipped to synchronize with market demand.

For instance, as alternative protein demand levels out, ADM has shifted its focus at its Protein Innovation Center in Decatur, Illinois, to develop protein blends and tailored solutions for current market needs.

The adaptability, combined with ADM’s ongoing investments in its innovation centers and strategic partnerships, positions the company to continue providing differentiated nutrition solutions that cater to evolving consumer preferences and demands.

Meanwhile, according to the 2024 Food and Health Survey from the International Food Information Council (IFIC), Washington, D.C, most Americans are trying to consume protein, and the desire to get more continues to rise (59% in 2022, 67% 2023 and 71% 2024).

To support more protein choices and eating occasions for alternative proteins, ingredient suppliers continue to invest in technology to offer more options. ADM, for example, investing roughly $300 million to ramp up production of alternative proteins at its Decatur, Illinois, plant. 

The project, expected to be finished in the first quarter of 2025, will increase its soy protein concentrate capacity and nearly double the facility’s extrusion capacity. 

Earlier in 2023, the company entered into a partnership with Air Protein, the innovator in air-based nutritional protein production that negates the need for agriculture or farmland and creates a revenue stream for captured C02.

The partnership aimed to further research and development in order to bolster the production of novel, sustainable proteins made from captured carbon.

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