Steakholder Foods has announced its first private-sector commercialisation deal as it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Wyler Farm.
Through the deal, Wyler Farm – one of Israel’s leading alt-protein manufacturers and the country’s largest tofu producer – will acquire Steakholder Foods’ printer, in a transaction valued at “several million dollars”.
The terms of the deal involve Wyler Farm acquiring Steakholder Foods' 3D Fusion Pro meat printer, along with a subscription to the company’s SH Software and its NutriBlend ink for plant-based meat production.
Steakholder Foods says that to the best of its knowledge, this marks an industry-first incorporation of industrial-scale 3D printing technology into the food industry.
Through the MOU, the companies expect the production of a unique, plant-based 3D-printed meat steak to be printed by Wyler Farm using Steakholder Foods printers and NutriBlend ink. The collaboration, valued at several million US dollars over the coming years, represents a truly significant development in the plant-based meat industry (see future-looking statement below).
Wyler Farm’s installation of the Fusion Pro 3D printer is anticipated to be completed between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025.
The Fusion Pro's modular design is capable of producing up to 500 kg of “highly advanced” texturized printed products per hour. Wyler Farm expects the partnership to enhance its production capabilities, representing a crucial step in the evolution of plant-based meat technology.
Arik Kaufman, CEO of Steakholder Foods, said: “By incorporating our Fusion Pro technology into Wyler Farm’s industrial operations alongside their subscription to our proprietary software and ink supply, we're not just showcasing our technology's potential – we're setting a new standard for the industry”.
Yair Ayalon, VP of business development at Steakholder Foods, commented: "This collaboration with Wyler Farm...solidifies and enhances Steakholder Foods’ commercial phase. As we expand our operations, we are set to forge more strategic partnerships like this in 2024, further cementing our position in the market."
Oleg Kulyava, CEO of Wyler Farm, said: “The partnership with Steakholder Foods marks a significant milestone for Wyler Farm, enabling us to position our products at the forefront of the plant-based meat market. We are thrilled to expand our portfolio with premium plant-based steak and anticipate introducing additional premium products based on Steakholder Foods’ technology. By integrating innovative 3D printing technology, this collaboration has the potential to be a game-changer in the industry.”
#SteakholderFoods #Israel
Phoebe Fraser
6 February 2024