Ingredion and InnovoPro sign commercial distribution partnership for North American market

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Ingredion Inc. (Westchester, IL) announced an exclusive commercial distribution partnership with InnovoPro, a leading Foodtech chickpea solutions company, to distribute a chickpea concentrate in the U.S. and Canada. The distribution partnership follows Ingredion’s equity investment in InnovoPro, announced in February 2022.

“This collaboration allows us to broaden our plant-based portfolio with an alternative that’s high in consumer recognizability and appeal,” said Yadu Dar, Ingredion’s global business development director for plant-based proteins, in a press release. “InnovoPro’s solvent-free processing method will enable a 70% chickpea protein concentrate — providing food and beverage manufacturers with a new way to meet consumer demand for clean label, plant-based products that are sustainably sourced.”

"We are looking forward to this great and important partnership with Ingredion," added Taly Nechushtan, chief executive officer of InnovoPro. "Our vision to transform the way people eat, by enabling the creation of tastier, healthier, and more sustainable food choices is getting one step closer to realization, as we join forces with Ingredion. A variety of solutions based on our chickpea protein will reach a broader market and support our growth trajectory.”

According to propriety research commissioned by Ingredion, chickpea protein has an above-average awareness when compared to other plant-based alternatives, and are perceived to be one of the health options. For formulators, chickpea protein offers neutral color and flavor, with emulsification properties that impart a rich, creamy mouthfeel.