Naturex signs distribution agreement with MycoTechnology for shiitake mushroom protein

19 Sep 2017 --- Naturex has signed a global distribution agreement via its Open Innovation program (Ingenium) with Colorado-based start-up MycoTechnology for its PureTaste, a shiitake mushroom plant protein with nine essential and 11 non-essential amino acids.

MycoTechnology’s patent-pending fungi fermentation technology delivers a highly functional, great tasting and sustainable protein. PureTaste is also a highly digestible protein, scoring a 1.0 using the DIAAS methodology, making it comparable to animal-based products. The unique process to make PureTaste takes advantage of vertical space, using large fermentation vessels that recapture energy and water to maximize sustainability.

Global demand for protein continues to grow strongly in all major markets. Almost three out of four consumers in the US indicate that they are very interested in protein and high protein content is reported to be one of the top factors influencing brand choices.

“Interest in protein is also growing in Asia, with China leading the way,” says Timothee Olagne, VP Marketing, Nutrition & Health, Naturex. “At the same time, the vegan and vegetarian trend gains momentum and drives consumers’ interest in plant-based proteins, with one-third of consumers indicating that they prefer non-animal protein, according to Innova Market Insights. As a result, launches of products containing plant-based proteins have grown by high double-digits in the last few years.”

“When MycoTechnology showed us PureTaste Protein for the first time, we knew we had a big opportunity on our hands. It fits perfectly with our strategy to expand our nutritional offer with unique ingredients that are superior in terms of taste, solubility, nutritional profile and specific health benefits. We look for companies that are innovative and push the envelope with sustainable, natural and consumer relevant solutions. PureTaste checked off all the boxes and we knew we had to team up with them in a big way,” says Olagne.

“The first products [featuring this ingredient] will be available by the first half of 2018,” Olagne tells NutritionInsight, adding that it is especially suitable for “functional beverages (nutritional shakes, bars, high-protein snacks). New applications like soups or sauces will be developed shortly.”

“We are excited to partner with Naturex to help bring PureTaste Protein to the market. Their global sales presence, distribution reach, and professional team make them an ideal partner. Together we will be able to deliver high-quality, functional protein that enhances our customers' lives,” says Alan Hahn, CEO of MycoTechnology.

SupplySide West
In related news, Naturex is set to unveil at SupplySide West 2017 a new customer-centric concept called Source-Convert-Deliver. This concept aims to highlight the company’s technical know-how in the key areas that matter most in today’s nutrition industry, which the company lists as follows:

• Sustainable sourcing of ingredients with full traceability and transparency through the Pathfinder program
• Conversion of raw materials into high-value botanical ingredients accompanied by ID Packs to provide comprehensive ID verification
• Delivery of innovative and science-based natural solutions to foster consumers’ nutrition and health

“Source-Convert-Deliver is a unique concept that focuses on the areas that matter the most for the nutraceutical companies today and highlights what Naturex does best. Where do our raw materials come from? How are they processed? Does the finished ingredient contain the right actives in the right quantities? In which delivery system can we include the ingredients? By highlighting Source-Convert-Deliver at our booth at SupplySide West, we can walk people through the checks and balances we have in place, demonstrating how Naturex has mastered the supply chain from top to bottom and is, therefore, a very reliable partner,” Olagne says.

The company reports that the Source-Convert-Deliver will also provide a framework for Naturex to showcase its latest nutritional ingredient innovations at SupplySide West. 

These ingredients include a synergistic digestive health beverage solution that harnesses the natural gastrointestinal benefits of organic ginger and turmeric. This concept combines high-quality organic ginger root extract with Turmipure, Naturex’s premium-grade organic turmeric extract (95 percent curcuminoids). 

As well as digestive health, the company will present two new concepts focused on cognitive health: gummies featuring ThinkBlue, its exclusive wild blueberry extract; and a beverage made with gingko and panax ginseng and flavored with cucumber and watermelon juice concentrates.

By Lucy Gunn