Miller Magazine Issue: 119 November 2019

61 INTERVIEW MILLER / NOVEMBER 2019 food technology company. Specializing in chickpea as a protein source, the company offers unique plant-based protein ingredients to the global food market to create nutritious, tasty, safe, and sustainable food products. InnovoPro was among the startups invited to partic- ipate at the Bühler Networking Days, which was held August 26-28, 2019, in Uzwil. We spoke with Taly Ne- chushtan, InnovoPro’s CEO, on the booming plant- based market, their innovative products, and future ob- jectives. Ms. Taly Nechushtan, could you please provide us with some brief background information on InnovoPro and its activities? Innovopro is the first in the world to launch chickpea protein 70% concetrate , an innovative chickpea pro- tein with unique qualities, in order to provide the food industry with a valuable plant-based protein source. The chickpea protein is an innovative ingredient that enables formulating clean-label products with a short ingredient list, high-quality plant-based protein, without additives, and without compromising on taste, texture or appear- ance. Can you share some information on growing plant- based protein market and your opinion about its fu- ture? As consumers are beginning to steer towards a healthier lifestyle, the majority of the western popula- tion is now “flexitarian” or “reduciterian” and the veg- etarian and vegan population is on the rise more and more. Consumers are trying to add plants based foods to their diet, lower their meat and dairy consumption and control their weight more efficiently. Consequently, food companies would like to lower their overall footprint and increase their offering of non dairy alternatives and meat analogues. However, there are inherent problems with the existing plant-based proteins such as soy and pea protein in regard to allerganicity and taste. The global protein ingredient market is divided into two main sectors: animal-based proteins, from sources such as meat, egg and milk, and plant-based proteins from sources such as soy, wheat, peas and others. Most protein sources are on the market for many years and are commoditized. When considering the chickpea protein concentrate, the unique combination of qualities such as safety and clean label, mild taste, functionality and high nutritional value, are the major differentiators from market-available alternatives. Taking into account the recent trend of reducing animal products and food items that contain gluten, chickpeas can be an excellent alternative due to their high nutritional content. Can you give us some information about the products you have in your range? Currently we are offering CP-Pro 70® , chickpea pro- tein concentrate. Soon to come also CP-Pro starch. InnovoPro has introduced various healthy and inno- vative applications based on its CP Pro 70® to the market. What can you say about the solutions that you have brought to the food industry?