The Netherland-based companies have formed a consortium to develop protein-rich foods amid growing demand for the products.
The four firms in the consortium include NIZO food research, RoyalFrieslandCampina, Ruitenberg Ingredients and SONAC. All the firms are based in the Dutch provinces Gelderland and Overijssel.
The rising global population is resulting in an increase in demand for protein-rich food across the world, as protein remains crucial in a balanced, healthy diet.
Besides, protein-rich food is important for different types of consumers, such as the elderly, hospital patients and athletes.
The consortium aims to meet the demand by combining plant- and animal-based proteins and by using the available protein more effectively and efficiently.
The TAPAS consortium will develop innovative solutions for protein-rich foods, by combining the varied knowledge and expertise of the four companies.
While NIZO food research offers an in-depth knowledge of proteins and the interactions between products and processes, Royal FrieslandCampina will provide its dairy expertise.
Royal FrieslandCampina has production sites in Gelderland and Overijssel and an innovation center in Wageningen.
Ruitenberg will contribute its knowledge in the field of plant-based proteins for the vegetarian industry, and SONAC will bring its expertise in functional proteins - developed on animal by-products - for the meat industry.
The consortium partners expect the collaboration to accelerate the development of food products and reduce time to market.
The financial support for the TAPAS consortium is extended by "OperationeelProgramma Oost-Nederland" (Operational Program Eastern Netherlands).
It is a joint program of the provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland, the city networks Zwolle, Kampen, Apeldoorn, Deventer, Zutphen, and Arnhem-Nijmegen, and the regional networks in Twente and the Valley.
