Brevel, Ltd.’s recent milestone of opening its first commercial plant marks a significant leap in the agritech and alternative protein sectors. Spanning an impressive 27,000 square feet [2,500 square meters], the facility is poised to produce hundreds of tons of microalgae protein powder annually. This development is set to serve the burgeoning global demand for alternative proteins, offering a clean, non-GMO, and environmentally friendly solution that could redefine the market dynamics.
Strategically located in the desert periphery of Israel, Brevel’s new facility leverages the unique conditions to cultivate microalgae from the chlorella family. This ingredient is not only highly nutritious, boasting a full amino-acid profile, but also cost-effective. The microalgae protein powder produced here is characterized by a neutral flavor and color, making it an ideal ingredient for a variety of food applications without altering taste profiles—a common challenge with other plant-based proteins like pea and soy.
Brevel’s innovative approach to microalgae cultivation involves a proprietary combination of light and fermentation processes. This dual-methodology enables the production of nutrient-rich microalgae in high yields without genetic modification. According to Yonatan Golan, Brevel’s co-founder and CEO, integrating light into the fermentation process is a complex challenge akin to equipping an electric motor in a Tesla car. This breakthrough allows microalgae to develop its natural nutrients, including proteins, lipids, fibers, and pigments, through photosynthesis while benefiting from the high yields typically associated with fermentation.
The facility is expected to start rolling out its first products by the first quarter of 2025. Initially, Brevel will focus on alternative dairy products, leveraging the microalgae protein’s robust functional qualities to enhance protein content while mimicking the sensory experience of traditional dairy. The company has already strategized joint-venture partnerships in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, aiming to build larger facilities to meet the growing global demand for sustainable protein.
Brevel’s waste-free manufacturing process is another noteworthy aspect, as it valorizes all components of the algae. Byproducts such as oil and fiber are repurposed as clean-label emulsifiers and food enrichment sources, aligning with the increasing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability in food production.
At the inauguration event, Brevel showcased its state-of-the-art facility to over 150 attendees, including investors, food-tech start-ups, government representatives, and food manufacturers. The event featured tastings of protein-rich plant-based cheese analogs, highlighting Brevel’s ability to deliver nutritional value without compromising flavor or appearance. Ido Golan, CTO and co-founder, emphasized that the new facility is just the beginning, with plans to contribute significantly to building a secure, resilient food value chain.
For agritech and investors, Brevel’s advancements offer promising implications. The company’s ability to produce a neutral-tasting, highly nutritious plant protein at a cost comparable to soy and pea proteins positions it as a competitive player in the alternative protein market. The nearly USD 19 million in seed funding, led by NevaTeam Partners and supported by the European Union’s EIC Fund, underscores investor confidence in Brevel’s technology and market potential.
Brevel’s breakthrough in microalgae cultivation could spur further innovation in the agritech sector, encouraging the development of new, sustainable food sources. For investors, the company represents a viable opportunity to back a technology that meets the rising consumer demand for plant-based proteins while addressing environmental concerns. As Brevel scales its operations and forms strategic partnerships, it is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the global food landscape.
