Lantmännen Biorefineries has announced a minority investment in Swedish plant-based milk alternative brand Sproud.

Sproud creates a range of plant-based beverages made from yellow split pea protein, claimed to offer a lower environmental impact and improved nutritional profile compared to other dairy alternatives such as oat-based beverages.

The brand, headquartered in Malmö and with an office in the UK, recently secured investment from celebrity television presenter Maya Jama, who has become a co-owner. Its products are available in 30 countries in the Nordics, the UK, Europe, the US, Canada and Asia, in both the foodservice and retail sectors.

Swedish agricultural group Lantmännen has now announced it has become a minority stakeholder with share of approximately 10%.

Fredrik Krook, managing director of Lantmännen Biorefineries, said: “It’s a positive development that we can become a part-owner of Sproud, an exciting company with a bright future. We have great interest in plant-based proteins, not least considering our current efforts in Lidköping.”

Lantmännen recently invested SEK 1.2 billion (approx. $116.8 million) into a new manufacturing site in Sweden’s Lidköping municipality, expected to be complete in the first half of 2027.

It will mainly produce plant-based proteins from peas, but will also use fava beans as raw material. Approximately 35,000 tonnes of peas and 5,000 tonnes of beans will be processed each year in the plant, and a total of 7,000 tonnes of protein isolate will be produced annually.

Krook said that its latest investment in Sproud is an important step toward strengthening its presence and knowledge in the pea protein value chain.

Sara Berger, CEO of Sproud, commented: “We are in an exciting phase with an expanded innovation pipeline and strong growth. Global demand for plant-based products is rising, driven by consumers’ growing interest in health, sustainability and the food of the future. We are pleased to welcome Lantmännen Biorefineries to Sproud’s group of shareholders.”