Partnership between Meala and dsm-firmenich introduces functional pea protein for meat alternatives

A new partnership between plant-based food company Meala and dsm-firmenich will introduce the texturizing pea protein Vertis PB Pea to European market. The ingredient is intended to replace modified binders that are often found in meat alternatives.

Vertis PB Pea aims to meet the new needs of food manufacturers for simple ingredients and to address the changing behavior and goals of consumers. According to the EIT Food Consumer Observatory published in 2024¹, two thirds of European consumers do not like unknown ingredients in their food, and more than half say they avoid processed foods.

“This is exactly where our product comes in,” stated Tali Feldman Sivan, PhD, CBO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech, in a June 9 press release. “It addresses both functionality and clean-label demands, while replicating the sensory profile and experience of conventional meat products."

Vertis PB Pea is being prepared for markets in Europe. As explained in the press release, highlights of the ingredient include clean label benefits, thermostability, water retention, protein content, and a short ingredient list. It offers binding, gelation, and emulsifying properties, and can be used in applications for various meat alternatives, such as burgers and sausages. Produced using biotechnology, it has two patents.

Meala's partnership with dsm-firmenich is described as both a distribution and venture investment.

“We are grateful to our partners at dsm-firmenich, who offer decades of experience as industry leaders in bringing innovative products to market,” stated Hadar Ekhoiz Razmovich, CEO and co-founder of Meala FoodTech. “Their application support, regulatory expertise, and ability to drive global commercial rollouts are unprecedented. We’re impressed by their innovation-driven approach and deep understanding of the food industry. Dsm-firmenich believed in us from the very beginning—not only as investors, but as true partners—offering guidance, trust, and strategic support that helped lay the foundation for this powerful collaboration.”

“We’re looking forward to working with dsm-firmenich to lead the new era of plant-based alternatives that successfully merge high performance and robust nutrition, to create a new generation of delicious, better-for-you and better for the planet meat alternatives,” Razmovich added. “Meala delivers a powerful, high-protein texturizing solution, providing manufacturers with a scalable alternative to less-desirable additives.

Reference

1. EIT Food Consumer Observatoty. Consumer perceptions unwrapped: ultra-processed foods (UPF) https://www.eitfood.eu/files/Consumer-Perceptions-Unwrapped_Consumer-Observatory-Report-1.pdf (accessed 2025-06-09).