The challenge
A leading European agricultural company with over $1 billion in revenue has recently increased its focus on the alternative protein and specialty ingredient solutions space.
The company’s management reached out to Bright Green Partners to help develop a corporate strategy for a fermentation-derived product platform, including answering key questions:
approach
Over 3.5 months, the project ran across two workstreams – one focused on first-generation feedstock (e.g., sucrose, glucose) fermentation-derived products, the other on valorizing second-generation feedstock (byproducts and side-streams). Both workstreams investigated multiple fermentation processes, including de novo, biomass, and enzymatic.
We provided a holistic analysis of the strategic fit and economic viability of a fermentation play, combined with a perspective on potential synergies with the client’s capabilities. We mapped market potential across 15 groups of fermentation-derived product categories (e.g. lipids, proteins, sweeteners, pre/pro/postbiotics) against end-markets including food & nutrition and non-food (personal and home care), shortlisting the 5 most promising product categories. The workstream concluded with a target product portfolio, a high-level execution plan, and a financial model outlining the prospects of the new business unit.
This workstream focused on valorization potential from existing side-streams and byproducts, supporting the client’s waste-prevention initiatives. Starting from a long list of 1,500+ combinations of feedstocks, fermentation types, and finished products, we narrowed this down to 9 distinct product groups holding the largest opportunity for the client – including examples like mycoprotein – based on strategic and technological factors such as technological maturity, key development factors, and investment approach.
The project team – 2 Project Managers and 3 Consultants across both workstreams – leveraged the insights of 40+ biotechnology experts scouted from across the fermentation ecosystem, including professionals from leading research institutions, startups, and corporates focused on specialty materials and food ingredients. The deliverables were further enriched by market research and academic literature.
The impact
Our findings outlined a total of 4 target product groups across two horizons. The engagement delivered:
2 fermentation technology platforms and products targeted for commercialization within 3 years.
2 additional platforms and products targeted for commercialization beyond 3 years.
An actionable step-by-step plan to capture EUR 100M+ from the new fermentation platform.
Our deliverable clearly defined the capabilities required for our client to successfully enter this field. The client has confirmed ramping up efforts and following the execution plan to establish a presence in the fermentation space.
Talk through your innovation strategy needs with our team.
Explore our Strategy case studies
Our consulting team based out of Europe and 2500+ expert team located in 60+ countries cover the full AgriFood Tech value chain globally.
