Dutch start-up Bflike secures investment from Cargill

Cargill has announced that it is investing in Bflike, a start-up created by Blue Ocean Xlerator with a portfolio of solutions for meat and fish alternatives.

Based in the Netherlands, Bflike has developed a range of technologies and premix ingredient solutions for meat and fish analogues.

The company’s portfolio includes patent-pending vegan fat and blood platforms, which reportedly enable manufacturers to create plant-based alternatives that look, feel and cook like their animal-based counterparts.

Cargill is investing in Bflike through a joint venture with BOX, a Dutch private incubator and accelerator focused on sustainable innovations in the food sector. Bflike also receives technical support from Top, a food technology service provider and subsidiary company of BOX.

The partnership with Bflike combines Cargill’s food ingredient solutions with the start-up’s recipes and technology, and will aim to support companies in bringing plant-based products to market quickly and affordably.

Bflike will license its proprietary technology and ingredient solutions to food manufacturers and retailers which are commercialising their own meat and fish alternative products.

Cargill says that the collaboration will allow customers to scale up quickly, using their own production process and machinery, while being supported by its supply of ingredients.

“BOX and Top have spent years developing a pipeline of diet enrichment solutions, allowing manufacturers and retailers to offer affordable meat and fish alternatives that truly mirror the sensory experiences of traditional animal-based products,” said Koos van Haasteren, CEO of Bflike.

“Now together with Cargill as a development partner, we can help expand the possibilities with a new generation of nutritious products that will continue to revolutionise the plant-based marketplace.”

Belgin Köse, segment director enrichment & renewability for Cargill starches, sweeteners & texturisers Europe, added: “This joint venture is another way in which Cargill is enabling plant-based alternatives that exceed consumer expectations and enrich consumer diets with responsible, sustainable and affordable options in various geographies.”