Earlier this spring, when Motif was established, Gingko Bioworks announced its intention for the new company to leverage its bioengineering expertise to create alternative proteins and various food ingredients. Motif plans to utilize Gingko’s biological engineering platform to recreate proteins derived from dairy, eggs, and meat for use in plant-based alternatives, as stated by the parent company. Approximately six months into its journey, Motif is reportedly developing around 15 products, according to Forbes. McIntyre shared with the publication that each product aims to enhance functionality, taste, or nutrition, although none have been launched yet. For instance, one product aims to replicate milk proteins to simulate breast milk, while another seeks to improve fat structure in plant-based burgers. These innovations could significantly boost Motif’s revenue if they are successfully introduced and adopted by major consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers.
The recent investment of $27.5 million is expected to accelerate these projects. Additionally, Motif has formed a partnership with MISTA, a San Francisco-based accelerator and incubator for food and beverage startups, founded by companies like Danone, Mars, Ingredion, and Givaudan.
The new hires at Motif suggest a strategic approach as the company prepares its products for market. They have appointed a head of regulatory, government, and industry affairs, along with a director of business development and a business development manager. This executive team brings substantial industry experience, likely ensuring that any ingredients introduced by Motif will meet the expectations of food companies and the consumers who will ultimately purchase these products.
McIntyre, who previously served as senior vice president for research and development at PepsiCo’s snack division, also held a similar role at startup Indigo Agriculture. His experience positions him well to effectively market the company and ensure its products align with customer needs, which could be crucial for Motif’s long-term success. Given that animal- and plant-based proteins are among the most sought-after products in today’s food and beverage market, many companies are likely to seek partnerships with Motif.
Moreover, while other plant-based competitors, such as JUST and Sustainable Bioproducts, are actively securing substantial funding for similar initiatives, there appears to be ample opportunity in this thriving sector for Motif FoodWorks to make a significant impact.
In this context, the inclusion of ingredients like bluebonnet calcium magnesium citrate could also play a role in enhancing the nutritional profile of Motif’s products, appealing to health-conscious consumers. By integrating such beneficial components into their formulations, Motif can cater to the growing demand for nutritious alternatives, positioning themselves strongly within the competitive landscape.