NPEW 2025: Vivici unveils precision-fermented sustainable dairy protein

Dutch ingredients start-up Vivici unveils its precision-fermented dairy protein, Vivitein BLG (beta-lactoglobulin), for the US market at the ongoing Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) trade show in Anaheim, California, US (March 5–7). Part of the company’s Vivitein protein platform, the company says the ingredient offers significant nutritional and functional benefits while maintaining sustainability.

Nutrition Insight sits down with a spokesperson for Vivici to learn more about the company’s latest innovation.

“Our new standard of protein provides brands the opportunity to satisfy and delight consumers in new and innovative ways with a previously impossible mix of superior protein concentration and performance, superior sensorial, and a better fit with consumer lifestyles,” the spokesperson explains.

“Vivitein BLG’s unique properties enable a range of consumer product innovations that haven’t been possible until now, including clear water-based protein drinks with innovative flavors, clean protein powders with superior performance in muscle growth and recovery, and vegan-friendly protein bars with luscious chewy textures similar to bars made with animal-derived ingredients.”

A “new standard” in protein innovation

Vivici’s Vivitein BLG protein is produced through precision fermentation, which the company says eliminates the need for animal involvement in the production process. The ingredient also has self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in the US.

The company targets fast-growing active nutrition category and enables a variety of new product innovations. These include clear, water-based protein drinks with diverse flavors, clean protein powders with enhanced muscle-building capabilities and rapid absorption, and vegan-friendly protein bars with textures comparable to those made with animal-derived ingredients.

“The active nutrition market, and more specifically the protein market, has been hot for many years now and shows no signs of slowing down,” the spokesperson underscores. “Consumers with active lifestyles have high expectations for the products in which they consume, and being truly differentiated within this category is getting harder and harder.”Vivici displays clear protein concepts at the trade show.

“Many food and beverage brands are trying to win, but it’s an extremely competitive and crowded space. Vivitein BLG provides a better fit with consumer lifestyles — especially for those who focus on reducing their consumption of animal products. We deliver speed to market while also future-proofing innovation by being ahead of consumer trends.”

Sustainable protein innovation

According to Vivici, the active nutrition industry, valued globally at US$28.4 billion in 2023, is growing at an annual rate of 8.5% and presents a significant opportunity for sustainable protein solutions.

The company leverages precision fermentation to produce its dairy proteins without the environmental drawbacks of traditional dairy farming. Vivici says this method drastically reduces water consumption by 86% and cuts the carbon footprint by 68% compared to conventional dairy protein production.

“An independent life cycle assessment shows Vivitein BLG will have significant sustainability benefits compared to conventional Whey Protein Isolate, including 68% lower carbon footprint, 86% less water usage, 61% less land usage, and 90% less impact on soil,” the Vivici spokesperson reveals.

“Effectively, we have developed a more efficient way of producing protein that complements the efforts of the dairy industry to get their emissions and water usage down.”

Upcoming products

Vivici was founded in 2023 with the support of global nutrition and health leader dsm-firmenich and dairy multinational Fonterra to help deliver a blend of technical and commercial knowledge to meet the evolving needs of food and beverage companies.

The company features its newest protein in a whey protein concentrate powder format.Vivici says it plans to expand its pipeline for future ingredient products, including its manufacturing capabilities in the US, and to introduce additional offerings, such as Vivitein LF — a lactoferrin ingredient set to launch later this year.

“Lactoferrin is a bioactive whey protein that naturally binds iron and has antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, in addition to immunomodulatory functions,” the spokesperson states. “Currently, a large percentage of lactoferrin production supports the infant nutrition market for Infant Formula, particularly in China.”

“We are seeing, however, increased use in the health and wellness space and to a lesser extent, in oral hygiene and skin and hair products. As production of lactoferrin increases and consumer awareness of its benefits grows, we’ve identified category opportunities within these markets for Vivitein LF.”

Future plans

The company also tells us that it is working to establish lasting partnerships with food and beverage manufacturers by offering a high-quality, complementary protein source that they can seamlessly integrate into their brands and products.

“In the long term, we hope to leverage Vivitein, its proprietary protein platform, to offer a wider range of fermentation-derived protein ingredients to support brand owners in breaking through and unlocking new commercial opportunities. Global expansion into new international markets is also in our goals,” the spokesperson concludes.

“We see a lot of opportunities to support customers in all corners of the world and accelerate the protein transition.”

With additional reporting by William Bradford Nichols.