Nordzucker, a sugar manufacturer, is venturing into a fresh business domain by committing over €100 million to the development of plant-based proteins.
Based in Germany, Nordzucker has disclosed plans to inaugurate a new facility for its latest business venture at the Groß Munzel site in Lower Saxony by mid-2026.
The growth is anticipated to generate approximately 60 new positions, emphasizing the “increasingly vital role in the future” that plant-based nutrition is poised to assume, according to Nordzucker’s CEO, Lars Gorissen.
He commented, “We are supplementing our portfolio with a product that fits in well with our core competences and are thus consistently pursuing our growth strategy”.
The company will manufacture and market pea proteins intended for use as a protein source and texturizer in plant-based food. It will predominantly utilize yellow peas sourced from local cultivation, as highlighted by Gorissen, citing their ability to meet all criteria for cost-effective and sustainable production. Yellow peas are versatile in their growth across various regions and seamlessly integrate into the crop rotations of farms.
Nordzucker can maintain a year-round production of peas, thanks to their extended shelf life. These peas will be promoted as concentrates and dry texturates for subsequent utilization in the food and animal feed sectors.
The Chief Financial Officer of the company, Alexander Bott, indicated an anticipation of double-digit growth rates annually in the pea protein concentrates and texturates segment. As a result, the company is actively pursuing a rapid implementation strategy.
The commencement of construction for the new production facilities is slated for autumn 2024. Leveraging Nordzucker’s pre-existing infrastructure and transportation connections, the plant will enjoy favorable access to raw materials from numerous arable farming regions and convenient reach to sales markets.
The supervisory board of Nordzucker has supported the entry into the new business segment and expansion of production capacity at the Groß Munzel site.