AAK releases AkoPlanet to meet demand for plant-based foods

AAK has launched AkoPlanet, a new portfolio of solutions for food manufacturers developing plant-based alternatives to products within the meat, dairy and ice cream segments.

According to the oils and fats producer, AkoPlanet will enable food manufacturers to meet a variety of industry opportunities, such as health, nutrition and sustainability, but also the fast-growing demand for plant-based products among consumers, particularly millennials. All materials used in the AkoPlanet line are traceable to the growing region.

“Vegan, vegetarian and flexitarian diets are rapidly growing, creating new and exciting opportunities for food manufacturers”, said Johan Westman, CEO of AAK Group. “This development is, of course, very interesting to AAK as we have been working with plant-based ingredients for more than a century.”

With the portfolio, AAK aims to use its co-development approach to work together with customers to create tailor-made solutions.

“Many of the key characteristics of animal-derived products can be recreated through optimal formulations of oils and fats”, says Henning Villadsen, business development director at AAK.

“This has positive implications for the flavour, texture and other sensory attributes of plant-based foods, enabling our customers to create great-tasting alternatives to meat, dairy and ice cream products.”

Last week, AAK launched Akospread, a new line of fats designed for chocolate and nut-based spread applications. The ingredient range is said to guarantee stability, spreadability, visual appeal, texture and flavour.

In March, AAK announced an investment of SEK 300 million ($31.9 million) to increase capacity at its facility in Zhangjiagang, China.