German startup Formo and Belgian innovator Those Vegan Cowboys have announced a strategic partnership that aims to bring animal-free caseins to the mass market through precision fermentation. As leaders in the European sector, both companies are poised to challenge traditional dairy production methods, combining their expertise to achieve unprecedented scale and cost efficiency.
The partnership brings together over 60 world-leading scientists from both companies, forming the most formidable research team in the field. This collaboration is about pooling resources and making a significant technological leap forward. By enhancing technological efficiency and optimizing manufacturing processes, Formo and Those Vegan Cowboys aim to achieve cost parity with animal-based casein. "Our technology is the cornerstone for dominating a trillion-dollar market within the next decade," states Raffael Wohlgensinger, CEO of Formo. The goal is clear: competing with animal-derived caseins on cost without compromising quality or sustainability.
In addition to technological innovations, the partnership strategically focuses on navigating the complex regulatory landscape in the European Union. By pooling resources and leveraging ongoing dialogues with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the companies aim to expedite the approval process for their animal-free products. This collaborative effort is facilitated by their founding roles in Food Fermentation Europe (FFE), an alliance aimed at streamlining legislative processes for precision fermentation products in Europe. "The current legislative timelines in Europe are a bottleneck for innovation. Together, we aim to bring more efficiency and speed to the process," explains Hille van der Kaa, CEO of Those Vegan Cowboys.
The urgency for this innovation stems from the growing environmental challenges and vulnerabilities in global food supply chains. Formo and Those Vegan Cowboys share a vision for a transformative change in the dairy industry, aiming to introduce sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional dairy products. This partnership is about more than just business; it's about setting a new standard for science-based entrepreneurship in the food sector, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
The collaboration has kicked off with great enthusiasm, marked by an electrifying energy during the initial meetings. "This partnership can serve as a new blueprint for developing and commercializing groundbreaking technology," shared van der Kaa. The commitment to maintain distinct identities while marketing their line of cow-free cheeses allows each company to leverage its strengths while working towards a common goal.
As Formo and Those Vegan Cowboys embark on this exciting journey, their partnership stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing sustainable food technologies. By uniting their efforts, they are not only poised to transform the dairy industry but also to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient global food system.