AAK Kamani, India’s leading manufacturer of speciality oils and fats, recently partnered with Good Food Institute (GFI), India to accelerate innovation in the plant-based foods space in India. GFI India is a non-profit organisation supporting India’s growing alternative protein ecosystem.
This new partnership will help satisfy India’s growing demand for plant-based alternatives. The AAK Customer Innovation Centre in Mumbai will host AAK Kamani Academy sessions designed to let businesses and entrepreneurs make use of the significant opportunities that exist in India’s plant-based food category.
In a press release by AAK, Niall Sands, President – Plant-based Foods at AAK, said: “Developing great-tasting plant-based foods is one of the main challenges today. There are a lot of good products on the market already. However, to maintain the growing interest in plant-based foods we must continue to improve the sensory experience. From a global perspective, we also need to be mindful of the need to adapt to regional taste preferences. This is why I’m so pleased to start our collaboration with the Good Food Institute in India.”
By joining forces with GFI India, AAK will provide expertise on how companies can accelerate the formulation of new products, with a particular focus on achieving optimal sensory experience and appealing to local tastes. The global AkoPlanet initiative, which provides a platform for plant-based food innovations, is closely linked to this collaboration.
Varun Deshpande, Managing Director at the Good Food Institute India, commented: “The challenges of climate change, antimicrobial resistance and food insecurity presented by the world’s reliance on animal protein supply chains have been underscored by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Accelerating the development of the plant-based meat, egg and dairy sector is therefore imperative to building a more secure and resilient protein supply. Indian businesses and scientists have immense potential to be at the center of this development, driving affordability and sensory experiences as well as cultural appeal in transformative plant-based foods – but they need support on their journey. We’re delighted to have pioneering corporate partners like AAK Kamani in our mission for smart protein. Their ingredients and co-development expertise will be integral to building a more healthy, sustainable and just global food system.”
In March this year, AAK announced that it is investing in Big Idea Ventures’ (BIV) New Protein Fund I to support new and emerging startups developing alternative meat and dairy products, and to create further collaboration opportunities with some of the most recognised players in the food industry.
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