Israel’s CBC partners with Brevel to develop Microalgae-based dairy alternatives

ISRAEL – The Central Bottling Company (CBC), Israel’s largest beverage manufacturer and the national distributor for Coca-Cola, has entered into a decade-long partnership with microalgae specialist Brevel to develop functional drinks and dairy alternatives. 

The agreement will provide CBC with access to Brevel’s microalgae-based protein, oils, and antioxidants, which will be incorporated into a new range of alternative dairy products.

CBC has been an investor in Brevel since participating in the company’s $18.5 million seed funding round in 2023. 

According to Lihi Rothschild, head of innovation at CBC, the collaboration aligns with the company’s strategy of continuous innovation to meet evolving consumer trends.

 “As we pursue our strategy of continuous innovation to deliver superior products that respond to evolving trends and customer demands, partnering with Brevel is a natural fit,” Rothschild stated.

Brevel, founded in 2017 by CEO Yonatan Golan and his brothers, employs a technology that integrates light and sugar fermentation into a single process. 

This method allows the large-scale cultivation of microalgae in indoor bioreactors without genetic modification. 

The company uses a strain from the Chlorella family, which has long been recognized as safe for human consumption under FDA and EU regulations.

The microalgae protein extraction process involves a minimal downstream method that retains its nutritional value, resulting in a white powder with a 60-70% protein concentration and a full amino acid profile. 

This ingredient can be incorporated into various plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, with Brevel particularly targeting the alternative dairy market due to its ability to provide a plant-based protein solution without compromising taste or color.

CBC, which franchises global brands like Coca-Cola, Carlsberg, and Muller, as well as domestic juice and dairy brands, has a significant presence in Eastern Europe and Africa. 

Rothschild noted that Brevel’s technology opens new opportunities for the company. 

“[Brevel’s] groundbreaking approach gives us the opportunity to explore new categories and solutions and opens new doors in terms of the range of exciting consumer applications we can offer,” she said.

Golan emphasized the significance of this partnership for Brevel’s growth and leadership in food technology. 

“We feel extremely fortunate to collaborate with, and enjoy the support of, such a major force in the beverage arena not only in Israel, but also internationally,” he stated.

Brevel has established several joint ventures in the United States, Europe, and Asia, which include plans for large-scale fermentation facilities capable of producing thousands of tonnes of microalgae ingredients annually. 

The company inaugurated its own 27,000-square-foot commercial facility in southern Israel last year, designed to produce hundreds of tonnes of microalgae protein powder per year.

The facility will also generate co-products such as polar lipids, fiber, and pigments.

The alternative protein market, particularly microalgae-based solutions, is expanding rapidly, with projections estimating it will reach US$25.4 billion by 2033. 

Brevel is among several startups investing in this space, alongside companies such as Checkerspot, Algae Cooking Club, Mewery, Quazy Foods, Ocean Kiss, Algama, Sophie’s Bionutrients, and Triton Algae.

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