News

Parabel, Barentz join forces

22 Apr 2016

Lentein plant protein producer Parabel USA has signed an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement with Barentz for Parabel’s range of plant based protein ingredients for food and feed, as well as for plant based personal care ingredients.

Lentein plant protein producer Parabel USA has signed an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement with Barentz for Parabel’s range of plant based protein ingredients for food and feed, as well as for plant based personal care ingredients.

Parabel’s Lentein protein is derived from a water lentil, Lemnoideae, which doubles its biomass in 24 – 36 hours and can be harvested every day. The protein ingredient is said to have the highest levels of essential amino acids of all plant protein, and to be non-GMO, free from common food allergens and fully sustainable. Applications for this functional ingredient are said to be broad and include protein beverages and shakes, meat, bakery, pasta, healthy snacks, soups and cold pressed juices.

“Barentz is the ideal partner for us,” said Anthony Tiarks, CEO of Parabel. “The company is established in the geographical regions where Parabel products are in high demand and Barentz serves exactly those industries in which Parabel is operating - food, animal nutrition, pharmaceuticals and personal care. We feel that our award winning Lentein plant protein is a very interesting innovative addition to Barentz’ comprehensive ingredient portfolio in markets around the world, and both Parabel and Barentz have already received many enquiries from companies looking for novel protein sources. Since the inception of our partnership some months ago, Parabel’s ingredients have already been tested in a number of customer applications and we anticipate some interesting product launches in the near future.”

Earlier this year, Parabel announced the construction of its first commercial facility in Fellsmere, Florida, where Parabel’s existing pilot plant is located.

“Our customers are always looking for innovative ways to grow their business,” said Hidde Van der Wal, CEO of Barentz. “New protein sources are in high demand and at Barentz we are eager to work with suppliers who can meet the demand of our customers. I am impressed with the expertise and the high-tech production facilities of Parabel, as well as with the endless application possibilities of these ingredients. Proteins as well as fibres are essential for human and animal health and looking at the future we know for a fact that there are boundaries to the production of animal based proteins. Plant based ingredients, therefore, are carefully looked at by many people in these industries to explore the application possibilities. This ingredient seems a promise for the future and I am confident that our customers will explore opportunities with the application specialists in our labs to see how they can best use this ingredient in their product ranges.”