Biotechnology company Pureture has partnered with South Korean food and dairy manufacturer Namyang Dairy Products.

Pureture, based in New York, US, aims to provide functional and nutritional protein ingredients to companies within the plant-based space to help them level up the taste, texture and nutrition of their products.

Its animal-free casein, derived from yeast, will be incorporated into a new, fully plant-based offering from Namyang, which is one of South Korea’s largest dairy manufacturers.

Casein is a key component in traditional dairy products. It is a milk protein that creates a stable emulsion, preventing fat and water from separating, and giving milk its smooth texture.

Pureture’s non-GMO plant-based casein is claimed to offer comparable functionality to milk and a protein digestability-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of one, matching the digestibility of animal-derived milk.

Additionally, Pureture said its yeast-based casein has a nutritional profile that equals dairy and can fulfil the clean label demand for plant-based manufacturers’ products, eliminating the need for any additives.

According to the bio-tech start-up, its casein is competitively priced to ensure displacements of dairy protein by 30-40%. The brand will have the manufacturing capacity of 2,400 tons to supply demand.

Rudy Yoo, founder and CEO of Pureture, said: “Our mission at Pureture is to develop technologies and further foods that will contribute to a more sustainable future, and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with Namyang with this breakthrough protein, working closely with them as they grow their plant-based offering.”

Myko Kihyun Nam, CMO at Namyang Dairy Products, commented: “At Namyang, we’re aiming to make strides towards the future, as well as learn and grow with the dairy industry. We’ve had our eyes on the plant-based industry for a while, but knew we needed the right ingredients.”

He added: “With the partnership with Pureture, we will now be able to offer dairy-free, 100% plant-based products without any sacrifice from the consumers regarding taste, nutrition, and cost”.

Pureture said it is currently finalising its oversubscribed seed raise, with the goal of a $12 million rise. Funds secured will be used to support further brand development and the building of manufacturing facilities.

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