News and stories

An Auckland startup that has developed dairy-identical proteins has teamed up with world-renowned ice-cream maker Gianpaolo Grazioli​ to put its innovation to the taste test.

Leaft Foods, recipient of the Ārohia Innovation Trailblazer grant, is pioneering the sustainable leaf protein industry. By commercialising the production of Rubisco, a leaf-derived protein, they aim to establish a value chain that leverages local growers, infrastructure, and supply chain partnerships to create a low impact, high value protein and range of sustainable ingredients.

At a glance Previously focussed on animal probiotics, a meeting with Callaghan Innovation at Fieldays® opened the way for BioBrew to move into human health supplements.

At a glance Engaging with the New Zealand Food Innovation Network, Synlait has gained access to a range of expertise and skilled technicians and has also allowed them to invest heavily in innovation projects, including a Tetra Pak-built UHT pilot plant.

At a glance A lot of meat alternatives produced in New Zealand were using imported proteins.

At a glance Looking to create new market opportunities, New Zealand seafood giant Sanford wanted to create new products derived from seafood, such as nutraceuticals.

At a glance Looking to capitalise on a multi-billion dollar industry, Pure Heart Aotearoa has produced a ready-to-drink hemp milk to sit alongside their other products, such as hemp oil.

At a glance Foodtech startup Nuka is producing a liquid smoke from kānuka plants, using it to flavour food with an instant hāngī taste.

At a glance Before gaining one of the first commercial licences in New Zealand to grow and supply cannabis-derived medicines, Rua Bioscience spent years investing in R&D projects and developing their facilities.

At a glance In the face of different global trends, Leaft Foods looked to develop a high-value, sustainable leaf protein concentrate which has a lighter environmental footprint than alternative products.

At a glance Helico is aiming to produce therapeutic compounds from plants and, ultimately, ‘edible medicine’, with the technology potentially increasing accessibility and affordability of essential medicines.

At a glance Keen not to be bitten again when it comes to machine failure, Lion wanted a way to predict when its equipment, especially its centrifuges, needed maintenance.