Key Takeaways:
- Brevel, Ltd. opens a 27,000 square foot commercial plant in Israel for microalgae protein production.
- The facility aims to produce hundreds of tons of microalgae protein powder annually.
- Brevel’s technology combines light and fermentation, yielding nutrient-rich, non-GMO, sustainable protein.
- The company targets alternative dairy products and plans to expand through joint ventures globally.
- Brevel secured nearly USD 19 million in seed funding to support its commercial production phase.
Brevel, Ltd. Inaugurates Cutting-Edge Commercial Plant
Brevel, Ltd., a company specializing in microalgae protein, has inaugurated its first commercial plant. The new facility spans an impressive 27,000 square feet (2,500 square meters) and is poised to produce hundreds of tons of microalgae protein powder annually. This initiative significantly advances the global alternative protein industry, offering a clean, non-GMO, and environmentally friendly protein source.
Facility and Production Capabilities
Located in Israel’s desert periphery, Brevel’s new plant facilitates the industrial-scale production of microalgae protein, extracted from the chlorella family of microalgae. The resulting protein is highly nutritious, containing a full amino-acid profile, and is both cost-effective and sustainable. With a neutral flavor and color, this protein ingredient leaves a negligible environmental footprint. The company anticipates that the facility will begin rolling out its first products by the first quarter of 2025.
Unique Fermentation Technology
Brevel employs a unique method of cultivating microalgae in indoor bioreactors through the fermentation of sugars. This process is distinct due to the simultaneous application of light and fermentation, which allows for the production of nutrient-rich microalgae in high yields without genetic modification. Yonatan Golan, Brevel’s co-founder and CEO, explained, “Combining light and fermentation to produce microalgae is like putting an electric motor into a Tesla car. It may sound simple, but it is actually extremely complex. This was the challenge we managed to crack and lies at the core of our technology. Until now, fermentation has been confined to dark environments and is instrumental in producing the extremely high yields. However, microalgae’s natural makeup of nutrients—including protein, lipids, fiber, and pigments—depend on photosynthesis for their development and growth.”
Focus on Alternative Dairy Products
Brevel’s breakthrough technology produces a white powdered microalgae protein concentrate, containing 60-70% protein. Its robust functional qualities make it suitable for a wide range of meat and dairy alternatives, with the initial focus on alternative dairy products. “Our versatile solutions can boost protein content in dairy alternatives while mimicking the same sensory experience,” added Golan. Brevel has strategized several joint-venture partnerships in the US, Europe, and Asia, aiming to construct larger facilities to meet the growing demand for their sustainable protein in multiple applications.
As part of its waste-free manufacturing process, Brevel valorizes all components of the algae, making oil and fiber byproducts available as clean-label emulsifiers and sources of food enrichment for functional foods and supplements.
Inauguration Event and Future Plans
At the facility’s inauguration event, which saw over 150 attendees, including investors, food-tech startups, government representatives, and food manufacturers, Brevel showcased its state-of-the-art facility. The event featured tours of advanced bioproduction labs, modern food application labs, and the latest quality control equipment. Attendees sampled various protein-rich, plant-based cheese analogs, demonstrating Brevel’s ability to provide nutritional value without compromising flavor or appearance.
“This new facility is just the beginning for Brevel,” stated Ido Golan, CTO and co-founder of Brevel. “We will make a vital contribution to building a secure, resilient food value chain that will nourish future generations with a new supply line of affordable yet highly nutritious protein.”
Brevel plans to supply its microalgae protein to plant-based food formulators and food manufacturers worldwide, some of whom are strategic partners and investors in the company. With product developers seeking more neutral-tasting plant proteins to replace commonly used pea and soy proteins, Brevel’s microalgae protein offers a highly nutritious and sensory-appealing alternative within the same price bracket.
Financial Backing and Future Outlook
Last year, Brevel secured nearly USD 19 million in seed funding, led by NevaTeam Partners and supported by the European Union’s EIC Fund. This financial support has been crucial in enabling the current phase of commercial-scale production and global outreach.
Image provided by Brevel
