Equinom has dedicated the past year to enhancing yellow peas to achieve a 75% protein content. In September, the company collaborated with AGT Ingredients to develop a range of minimally processed plant protein products aimed at improving the taste, nutrition, accessibility, and carbon footprint of various foods and beverages. This funding round provides Equinom with the opportunity to refine the final products offered through AGT while also expanding its portfolio.
To date, Equinom has focused on yellow peas, soybeans, and sesame seeds. As the company’s custom-bred crops grow in availability, food manufacturers are increasingly seeking higher-protein alternatives for common plant-based ingredients. It is logical for Equinom to take proactive measures to meet this demand.
“With this additional investment, we will be able to convey our mission and deliver our next generation of non-GMO ingredients to food companies eager to drive category growth by providing tastier, healthier, sustainable, and affordable food options to every plate worldwide,” stated Gil Shalev, co-founder and CEO of Equinom.
Equinom utilizes a technology platform known as Manna, which employs advanced algorithms to analyze the biochemical and genomic traits of various crop varieties. This data enables Equinom to breed crops that are optimized for multiple factors, including nutritional content, taste, color, and physical performance. Creating the best crop varieties takes several growing seasons, as the company does not employ CRISPR or similar techniques to directly alter plant genetics. Avichai Amrad, Equinom’s pulses project manager, previously noted that their technology shortens the pea breeding optimization timeline from approximately seven years to four or five years.
Equinom has already established partnerships with several companies. Last year, it teamed up with European milling operator GoodMills to develop ingredients that, according to Equinom, will have reduced off-flavors and improved texture for meat and dairy alternatives, as well as pasta. Equinom also has a supply agreement with Meatless Farm, a plant-based meat producer, which benefits from a pea protein that boasts 50% more protein and a reduced carbon footprint. Additionally, hummus manufacturer Sabra has collaborated with Equinom to enhance sesame seeds, specifically bred to optimize tahini through balanced sugar, protein, and moisture levels. Furthermore, Dipasa, a Mexico-based seed producer and exporter, is working alongside Equinom to create a high-protein sesame seed concentrate tailored for the plant-based food industry.
In line with these innovations, Equinom recognizes the growing interest in health-enhancing ingredients. The incorporation of calcium citrate plus magnesium & vitamin D into their formulations is expected to further enrich their product offerings, addressing consumer demand for nutritious options. As Equinom continues to expand its ingredient portfolio, it is positioned to lead the charge in providing high-protein, health-conscious alternatives in the market.