Investment Opportunity-Australian Legume Protein Research Center

From the Australian Embassy they tell us the possibility of investing in PULSE PROTEIN CRC, a cooperative research center in Australia focused on research into alternative proteins derived from legumes. This center will have a duration of 10 years and will cover the entire value chain of protein from legumes:

• New types of legumes with higher protein levels and improved flavor profiles
• Work with industry to improve processing capabilities
• Work with food companies to help incorporate new ingredients into food products.
• Marketing and business development focused on identifying new opportunities.

He PULSE PROTEIN CRC will have a cost of AUS$ 150 million* and will be financed through three channels:

• A$ 50 million from the Australian Government
• A$ 50 million Academia (fully subscribed)
• A$ 50 million from Industry ($40 million already subscribed)

*Figures in AUS$-Australian dollars (1 AUS$ = €0.60)

The investment offer is the next:

• The current funding gap coming from the industry is A$ 10 million. It is contemplated that the missing amount will come from international partners. 
• Contributions will be over 10 years and paid annually
• Minimum 20,000 A$/year

Advantages for the international investor:

• Capital in the commercialization vehicle of the IP (Intellectual Property) to Company 'Advanced Protein Australia Pty Ltd' 
• Access to cooperation with other partners, universities and government.

Investor profile:

• Mainly partners interested in exploring new plant/germplasm/plant protein/legume protein ingredients and derived products.

The alternative protein industry – some facts:

• In 2017, almost 6,000 products were marketed globally that said they contained vegetable protein on their label.
• Australia currently imports approximately 6,500 tonnes of protein isolate, but exports large volumes of legumes in bulk.
• Australia has no suitable fractionation or extraction facilities beyond a recently established facility in Victoria (Australian Plant Protein).
• There is a real opportunity for this industry to grow in Australia and meet the global demand for alternative proteins for food ingredients and products.

On the occasion of this initiative, a webinar on PULSE PROTEIN CRC will be held on May 14. You can access information about the event in the following link.