The Netherlands has positioned itself as a vital hub for the alternative protein industry, attracting innovative companies that are redefining the global food landscape. Here’s why prominent companies such as Beyond Meat, Redefine Meat, TiNDLE Foods and more have chosen the Netherlands to expand their operations.
- Beyond Meat: This leader in plant-based meat, founded in the U.S., has established its first European production capabilities in the Netherlands by partnering with Zandbergen. Beyond Meat is capitalizing on the Netherlands’ advanced logistics network, supporting sustainable distribution and meeting the growing demand across Europe. Recently they also opened their own production facility in Enschede and a Research & Development office in Ede.
- TiNDLE Foods: TiNDLE, originally from Singapore, has launched a new innovation and R&D center in the Netherlands, driven by the supportive environment for plant-based food tech provided by initiatives like FoodValley NL.
- Redefine Meat: The Israeli innovator Redefine Meat has established operations in the Netherlands to leverage the country’s robust agrifood ecosystem. Utilizing technologies like 3D printing, they aim to meet the increasing European demand for sustainable meat alternatives.
- DAIZ Engineering: Collaborating with NIZO Food Research, the Japanese innovator DAIZ has set up the European Germination Food-Tech Center in the Netherlands. Tapping into the expertise offered by the Dutch agrifood research and innovation landscape to support the protein transition.
- Alver: This Swiss company Alver has expanded its operations in the Netherlands, utilizing the Dutch advanced infrastructure and supportive network to promote microalgae-based products across Europe. Emphasizing the country’s capacity for scaling up innovative solutions.
- Proeon: Originating from India, Proeon has established an office and lab in the Netherlands, leveraging the region’s scientific talent pool and infrastructure to develop next-generation plant-based protein ingredients.
- ENOUGH: With the world’s largest non-animal protein facility in the Netherlands, the U.K. company ENOUGH emphasizes the Dutch commitment to circular economy principles and efficient collaboration with partners like Cargill.
- AAK: Founded in Sweden, AAK’s Plant-Based Foods Global Center of Excellence in Zaandijk benefits from proximity to Wageningen Food Valley, providing access to cutting-edge research and a vibrant community of plant-based innovators.
- Cargill: Established in the Netherlands for decades, the American multinational Cargill leverages the country’s pioneering role in food innovation to drive its research in alternative proteins, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable practices.
- Meatable: Meatable is a Dutch biotechnology company specialized in creating cultured meat using innovative cell-based technology. With their continued success they have opened its own site at the nearby Leiden Bio Science Park. This decision underscores the strategic advantage of the Netherlands in supporting food biotechnology startups with essential resources.
Whether you’re a startup aiming to disrupt the protein market or an established player looking to expand, the Netherlands offers a vibrant and welcoming ecosystem for innovative agrifood companies. With a deep commitment to sustainability and renowned for Dutch creativity and ingenuity, the Netherlands is the ideal setting for companies like Meatable and ENOUGH to flourish. These companies benefit from strategic locations and collaborative networks that foster the development of new ideas. Featuring world-class facilities, a talented workforce and a business-friendly environment, the Netherlands serves as a springboard for the future of food. Ready to become a part of the thriving hub of alternative protein in the Netherlands? Join the Accelerate in the Netherlands program!
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