Agronomics Limited, a leading company in cellular agriculture, has announced that its portfolio company, Solar Foods Oy, has introduced two new Solein™-powered products in partnership with Ajinomoto Co. Inc., a Japanese multinational food and bioscience corporation. The products, Traditional Flowering Mooncakes and Ice Cream Sandwiches, are the first to be launched under Ajinomoto's conscious brand Atlr.72™ in Singapore, following approval from the Singapore Food Agency.
Solar Foods' CEO and Co-founder, Pasi Vainikka, expressed excitement about the milestone, stating, "Ajinomoto's launch marks an important milestone on our journey to renew existing food categories and reduce the environmental impact of food production." The company's Factory 01, which commenced operations in April, is the first facility to provide commercial-scale production of Solein, making it available to consumers on a large scale for the first time.
The partnership with Ajinomoto is a significant step for Solar Foods, as it paves the way for expansion into other markets. Additionally, Solar Foods is expecting Solein to enter the US market with a US GRAS status in the upcoming months, with applications for novel food authorization already filed in key markets such as the UK and the European Union.
Solein, an all-purpose protein grown with the air we breathe, is produced through a unique bioprocess that involves fermenting a single microbe using air and electricity. It is a nutritionally rich and versatile ingredient that can replace protein in various foods and can also be used as a fortifier to complement the nutritional profile of different foods.
The launch of Solein-powered products in Singapore signifies a significant leap forward for the commercial use of Solein and aligns with Ajinomoto's commitment to promoting a new food lifestyle that fosters respect for nature. The products will be available for a limited time in Ajinomoto's pop-up stores in Singapore's commercial facilities, marking a step towards a new era of next-generation food systems.