Bühler launches advanced venture with Givaudan for cellular agriculture cocoa production
The Bühler Group has combined with fellow industry groups Givaudan and Migros for a joint tech venture facility geared-up for developing cellular agriculture for the markets including the cocoa industry, writes Neill Barston.
As the collective noted, it has now formally opened its Cultured Hub based in Kemptthal, Switzerland, offering the opportunity for major product development within this fast-rising area of food production that has the potential to rapidly scale-up core ranges.
Notably, the diverse range of innovative ranges and segments that it is focused on will address increasingly complex food system challenges, reducing environmental impact and improving food security.
As Buhler observed, the latest hub is equipped with advanced product development labs, cell culture, and fermentation capabilities and equipment, and with its ecosystem of partners, the Hub is designed to empower start-ups and organisations to scale up and accelerate the development of market-ready, sustainable, healthy, and affordable products. The Hub offers a technology platform that extends beyond food and can support the development of diverse products, such as meat, fish, dairy, pet food, and plant-based cells like cocoa, and wider pharma products.
“The launch of The Cultured Hub is a pivotal moment in the global push for sustainable food production,” said Yannick Gaechter, CEO of The Cultured Hub. “The opening of this facility is not just an achievement for our team, but a landmark moment for the industry. We are excited to open a facility that will enable start-ups to scale up without heavy capital investment and contribute to global food system improvements.”
At the Hub, companies can now scale up their processes from small-scale laboratory experiments (e.g., shake flasks) to 1,000-litre pilot operations without investing in expensive assets or diluting equity. This unique capability bridges the gap between research and commercial production, enabling companies to demonstrate and refine their processes efficiently. The Hub can host three companies working simultaneously, each in fully separated suites, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. This organization accelerates market entry by saving time and resources, allowing actors to focus on creating great-tasting food products at a competitive cost.
“The Cultured Hub is designed to bridge the scale-up gap for companies, enabling them to retain equity, protect intellectual property, and fast-track their journey to market without high capital investment,” said Ian Roberts, Chief Technology Officer of Bühler Group. “We are thrilled to bring together industry players and create a collaborative environment that will drive significant advancements in the industry.”
“As a global leader in flavours, taste, functional and nutritional solutions, with deep expertise in biotech, Givaudan is committed to unlocking new opportunities in the cellular agriculture space and contributing to the transformation of the global food system,” said Fabio Campanile, Global Head of Science & Technology Taste & Wellbeing at Givaudan. “Through the Cultured Hub, and the ecosystem we are building with start-ups, partners and customers, we look forward to co-creating new, game-changing solutions that meet consumer demand for healthier, more planet-friendly products.”
“The Cultured Hub represents a paradigm shift in how we approach food production,” said Matthew Robin, CEO, Elsa Group at Migros Industries. “As Switzerland’s largest retailer, Migros is dedicated to offering choice to consumers, including innovative, sustainable food solutions.”
