Integra Foods, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Australian Grain Export, has secured a $500,000 boost from the South Australian Government to propel its research, development, and export initiatives for faba bean plant protein products.
The funding will catalyse the implementation of a strategic Plant Protein Export Market Development Project, including the construction and operation of a state-of-the-art laboratory at its production facility in Dublin, the government said in a media release.
Integra Foods specialises in manufacturing proteins, starches, and flours derived from sustainably sourced faba beans cultivated in Australia.
Leveraging a process known as dry fractionation, the company separates starches from proteins in faba beans, resulting in protein-rich and starch-rich powdered concentrates.
Notably, the company said this environmentally friendly technique reduces energy consumption in the production process by an impressive 90 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Plant Protein Export Market Development Project is poised to explore collaborative research and development opportunities across diverse industries, including beverages, pet food, fortified foods, and feed supplements.
Trade and Investment Minister Nick Champion stated that SA had the potential to spearhead Australia’s pulse protein ingredient manufacturing sector.
He highlighted Integra Foods’ pivotal role in exporting plant protein products, incorporating locally grown faba beans, to key markets in Australasia, Europe, and North America.
“This State Government funding will enable the company to research, develop and export an innovative South Australian product made from local produce,” Champion stressed.
Meanwhile, Managing Director Tim Martin expressed Integra Foods’ pride in leading the advancement of Australia’s plant protein industry.
He stated, “As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Australian Grain Export, the company has a proud history supporting South Australian growers with marketing their produce to the world.”
“We now look forward to building on those strong foundations by creating more options for growers by value-adding and reducing the sole reliance on pricing into often saturated and competitive destination markets,” Martin remarked.
The investment from the SA Government is anticipated to accelerate advancements in plant protein extraction methods and enhance product quality.
